Having a documented pattern gives city staff the leverage they need to intervene, or at minimum be quick to act when a crisis point happens. “A big part of accountability and city intervention is having a documented pattern. Records show the two most recently burned buildings were current on their taxes, giving city officials little leverage in otherwise addressing the properties, since they weren’t being rented to tenants.Ĭhughtai’s office said she has scheduled a meeting with George, who they say has expressed an interest in selling at least some of his real estate portfolio, although no sales have been recently recorded.Ĭhughtai’s office encouraged neighbors to call 311 with their concerns, and 911 in case of emergencies at vacant properties like George’s. “Fire crews found fire showing from a third-floor window and 8-10 people running from the building,” a release from the fire department said later in the day.Ĭity officials reportedly met with the Hennepin County Attorney’s office about the fire today, and the ATF said its investigators are joining the effort to determine how the fire started, although the release noted that extensive damage, partial collapse and winter weather will make the investigation difficult. Again, firefighters reported arriving at an apparently boarded up and vacant four-story building. 19, when another building owned by George, near Loring Park, caught fire early that morning. “That hasn’t worked since we’ve seen a few examples where people take the boards down and break into the building.” George,” said a statement from the office of City Council member Aisha Chughtai, who represents the area around the most recent fire.Ĭity officials have worked on boarding up and securing condemned buildings George owns, “so people don’t end up living in them,” the statement said. “The city is tracking the issues at various buildings he owns and is in contact with Mr. His attorney did not immediately return a phone call or email about the fires or George’s plans for his properties. Another tenant in the building said he does not speak to outsiders or prospective renters. George could not immediately be reached for comment he is not listed as a tenant in the building he lists at his home address, 2515 Blaisdell Ave., a few blocks from the fire.
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