Inspection done no rooming house this a single family home not in the housing code for enforcement of interior

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Let me get this straight.......Raffiel Ramos walked right past the signs that designate this building as a church, and he has officially declared it to be a single family residence? Tanner, where is that picture you posted last.

Mr. Bingham, the complaint i read stated the following: "parish house behind church at Lamberton & Howard is operating an illegal rooming house. Housing code violation. 375 howard ave, New Haven, CT 06519, USA"
I dispatched an inspector although its not a priority the next working day .
Inspector visted property and saw no evidance of an illegal rooming house. Its a single family house occupied by family. If other illlegal activities are going on, it then should be reported NHPD (district manager). We don't have any other type of enforcement power other then the housing code. Please reframe from using abusive language. I like this site but its not mandatory.

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Thank you all for your comments. Good night

Anthony, that's what I said. The complaint that has been made with the state has taken some time to gain momentum because certain things need to be done - research, paperwork, and the initial complainant needs to prove that he has doneeverything to notify several officials of the City of New Haven,and they have repeatedly refused to address this issue. Ironically, Mr. Ramos has helped things along. We have a city official whose primary position is to be aware of housing issues and building codes, and to have this official declare this building as a "single family residence" when it is on land records as a "rectory" and an official part of the church, is just plain embarrassing.
Ramos should feel ashamed and embarrased at this error, and should be mindful of the fact that people who come here to post do so because there are serious problems that need to be rectified, and these problems have often gone without a solution after repeated phone calls to many different departments in the city. It is sad that taxpayers need to spend their personal leisure time trying to problem solve issues that are the responsibility of the city. This inspector's poor attitude has just given our complaint latitude.

I was working all day and my desk faces the church, I never saw anyone from the city stop by Just the same parade of thugs as usual, I will admit it toned down. Yeah, that is pretty embarasing that this guy is refusing to act on this complaint claiming it is a single family residence when the sign in the front says otherwise. Livable cities, where is the initiative? I'd be angry but this poor guy really has his foot in his mouth on this one.

Yikes. I'm glad I have a printout of this.

Tanner, find that photo.

I am not refusing to do anything. The first time i saw this Complaint was yesturday on my cell phone and i sent an inspector this morning. although we had complaints of No Heat , frozen pipes ect..
I have not inspected the property myself i sent a housing code inspector today who reported back that the structure was a single family house. He was told by the occupant that a family lives there. He can not force his way in to count people. As far as the other stuff mentioned here iam just simply stating that i am not a police officer. It was tonight that the real problem has beem mentioned here " illegal activities"
we will forward complaint to NHPD (district managers ). although it may be a "rectory" its still a single family structure. I am with you if there is a violation of state or local law i want to be helpful
as well i am also a resident of new haven. I will visit property my self tommorow if i can find an angle I will do what ever i can to help but i can't promise you anything. Just don't be abusive with the langauge i understand your frustration and want to help. good night. This site is a great tool don't abuse those want to help on there off time. good night.

I posted the initial complaint above, based upon what had been posted under "illegal offroad vehicles". So perhaps the confusion is due to fact that I said problem is with parish house--but it's actually inside the church itself??? Can someone who watches this clarify, please.

wow

The NHI just named him Man of the year! I can attest that he is an honest public official. I'm not sure why the tone is so hostile towards him?

He's using his real name, he's stated he lives in New Haven, he's stated he followed up on this in his off-time, and sent an inspector first thing Monday Jan. 4th, 2010 based on the weekend chatter here. SO, SINCE THIS ISSUE WAS INVENTED BY RETIRED PAULA AND THE CREW....IT SEEMS LCI JUMPED ON IT.... and should be commended for the rapid responce!

Give him a break! I'm sure he will be personally going out to view this issue again...now that a select few have made this a personal attack issue on him...which is NOT FAIR & NOT WISE TO DO ON SEE-CLICK-FIX.

Mr. Ramos watches issues here so he knows what's going on in the City. He does not have to use this blog to do his job. All of these issues should be called into LCI, but he goes above & beyond ....and SINCE NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED......a few residents are blasting him ( retired Paula as the ring leader).

Attention naysayers:
Your hostile & unfair attitude may turn off Mr. Ramos and other folks and thus cause harm unto the respectful residents who will need on the fly help from Mr. Ramos et al..... I understand you are fed up with the BS going on here....but this is not a Ramos issue.....you are scapegoating! That is uninformed, ignorant, and childlike! Shame on you !!! You should be calling the Police Department.......you got LCI's attention instantly, that should be applauded!!

Perhaps there is an axe to grind? Paula????? If these comments were posted by real people, perhaps LCI could follow up with them to gather a lot of intelligence prior to going to the property blindly.... and coordinate a multi-departmental resolution to the supposed police issue.

Although you have the right to say almost anything on this site....how you express yourself relates to how people respect your comments.....clearly, no credence should go out to the morons who unfairly criticize Mr. Ramos.

REAL PEOPLE USE THIS SITE FOR LEGITIMATE QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES, RETIRED PAULA & THE CREW ARE USING IT FOR ILLEGITIMATE / BOGUS REASONS. DO NOT ALTER THE NATURE OF THIS WEBSITE.....BY USING IT FOR FAKE ISSUES.

Ben ( see click fix),

YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR PRIVACY POLICY AS IT RELATES TO BASHING CITY OFFICIAL & ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. IF RAF & STREEVER NO LONGER USE SCF...ALL OF US AS RESIDENTS SUFFER!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...PAULA ET AL........HOPE YOU GET A JOB & A LIFE THAT'S LEGIT!

Wow, I have a "crew"? Fabulous! Let me just start by stating that I have my name on this post, the last poster did not. There is a lot of activity at this property and much of it has been documented. It has been a problem for a number of years, and there are police reports to reflect that. We have initiated this complaint with the State on the basis that the New Haven Police, Livable City Initiative, Housing Code Enforcement, have done nothing about the assorted problems that have gone on there. There was a 911 distress call in October that came from the property, there is no police report to reflect that, we have a quick thinking neighbor that took a photograph of the laptop in the NHPD SUV that responded, and the screen reflected that the call came from "Church of the Ascension". Nice shot right from outside the window. Emergency 911 calls, no heat......these are complaints that are coming from INSIDE the house that are profound, which look fairly serious without even taking into account the complaints that we have had as a community on the outside. Fake issues? I don't think so.
You are right, residents do suffer because problems like this exist for years and years, and get too large to manage. If someone is patient enough to gather together information the state will intercede, which of course means big trouble for LCI; they are supposed to have a handle on these quality of life issues.
FYI....There were issues that were previously reported on this site in regard to drug dealing at 365 Howard Avenue. Many, many complaints were filed with the local PD and LCI in regard to traffic and drugs. Nothing was done. A few phone calls and 3 months later, the DEA pulled up to the property with 5 vans, 34 agents came out, knocked the door down, and the problem was COMPLETLEY solved in 15 minutes. I call that progress. Don't forget that this was the property that made headlines back in 2006 because several tenants living there complainted of problems with their heat. LCI responded by turning of the furnaces and leaving. Still no heat for weeks. After 4 visits from LCI over a one month period, one tenant was hospitalized with complications due to carbon monoxide poisoning and later died. I would not call that oversight, but just plain negligence on behalf of LCI. If you are looking for someone that has an ax to grind, I think that family most definitely does, their mother would perhaps still be alive if LCI had actually properly done their job.
Why don't you patronize Ramos on your own time, let's stick to the issues. It seems the more you write, the more fodder you are contributing to our active complaint. We had no idea about all of these people living there with small children under 5 with no heat.
Just to clarify things, I like to use this site to comment on legitimate complaints, not to suck up to a failed building official.

I live at Harbour Landing, every day I drive down Howard Avenue, take a right onto Lamberton to drop my wife off at the train. I know about the church, but what about the house in the back. Lot of activity there. At least 4 occasions when cars are stopped for no apparent reason right in the middle of the street. I"M DISGUSTED AND SO IS MY WIFE. I wish I had my camera on more than one occasion.

What are you disgusted about and lamberton st. whats that.

cars stopped in the middle of the street blocking traffic - passengers in and out - this has been a known spot for street bike sales but that's toned down alot - at least 3 times a week there is a group that gathers on the porch to get high other people congregate here before we know it there are groups of kids congregating, smoking weed, stealing gas out of our cars, and trying to steal parts from our cars. Occasionally there are some loud parties and it is sad an disgusting to see a three year old on a sidewalk disoriented because mommy is on the porch getting high. NHPD has visited the property numerous, numerous times. i agree with the state complaint. City of New Haven has had years to try to do something about this and we got nothing. We are told by NHPD that if we are going to live in "the hill" we are asking for this treatment. That's sick. We should be afforded the same service that everyone else gets.

Loud and proud. These are the "down and out" folks that are not only living off your tax dollars, they are creating an even deeper burden with repeated vists from the police, and now LCI. Yet no relief to the taxpayers. Reminder - this building is reimbursed by the state of Connecticut to the city of haven, it is designated "Church".

one car was parked in the middle of the road, here it almost wipes out another car. The owner of car #1 was real thankful to have the video of this accident for the civil suit. Your welcome. Once again, folks, if you pay tax, you are supporting this.

that's bad.

I know these people and you are all wrong,live your own life and find something else to do.Have you looked at your own self I guess not because your to busy getting into everyones life.There good people

oh sure, they look like real nice folk! Just mindin they business not botherin nobody. Steven, is it cold in that house? Did the LCI get the heat turned back on, cuz Rafael Ramos say you called a couple of times and complained of no heat!!!!

If this is a rooming house run for people with disabilities, where is the proper permit. We never received a notice for a hearing. This is a disgrace.

wait till' you see the youtube video......pics from last three years. Greatest hits! Goodbye, people.

I would almost feel bad for Ramos, that's how bad these photos are.

meme you wrong you be hating the wrong people just because you no MG dont meen you be hate why dont you go and get a life get off retire you need to find something better to do we be people just like you no discrimination love dont hate

I think we just identified the female next to the car.

this is too easy.

Jazmine and Steven sitting in a tree. Their party house supported by you and me.

I'm not retired, I'm watching you from my webcam on my iphone from work. Don't tell my boss!

Nice work, Tann. Props to my crew!

I know these people leave them alone. They git some real good dope.

designated "church"? not for long.

If this is a house for persons with disabilities, I am going to forward these pictures to the AG and request that the active complaint be tagged. I am also going to recommend an audit for LCI, this is not an acceptable appropriation for grant funds for a home with persons with disabilities. Thank you for pointing this out, Mr. Ramos. I hope you got the heat turned on.

My name is Maribel Torres. I just wanted to say that I am kind of familiar with this area, I think those pictures are very terrible , it makes people believe that this is how all people live, that is not true. We do not believe this is right and if these people are using our money to run a program to help people with disabilities who is in charge running the program? many of us in the latino community like to give back help our families, we do not appreciate this behavor, people think that all latinos act this way that is not true. I am disgraced by these photographs and ask if there is a state complaint it should be looked into. We are tired of people doing drugs and disrupting communities and using violence to stay in their drug addicted lifestyle. As a catholic and a parishoner of St. Rose I am sick to know these people would be so disrespectful of a church. My cousin was seriously hurt on one of these bikes in the summertime. they were outlawed on the street, the small minibikes, they are still common in areas. We have so many city inspectors and police and people to protect us. Where are they and why are they not doing their jobs.

by the way the picture may look bad but everyone in that picture do not live in that house

Has anyone gotten in contact with the leadership of the church? If it is in fact their rectory and it's being allegedly misused , we should at least try to get their side of the story.

The sign on the church [375 Howard Ave] says "New Creation Outreach Church" with no pastor name or contact #. I was unable to find any phone # in print or online phone directories. The parish house/rectory has TWO address #s: 31 and 33 Lamberton St., which would seem to indicate at least a two-family house [even though it is not legally designated as such]. Pedro is right: it would be best to first contact the church and find out what's going on. Unfortunately, the "church" [if it, in fact, really is one] does not make this easy.

The official owner of the church has been notified in Hartford.

I can't believe some of the comments I've read thus far about this pariticular issue. People can be downright rude and thoughtless. When abuse is thrown about from the public, it doesn't solve the original problem but rather propagates addtional nonsence. Meanwhile, the people who are responsible for looking into these matters are much less likely to continue working on solving the problem, justifiably so. Show some respect on this site and treat each other with the same coutesy that you yourself would expect. I can't believe you need to be scolded! Start acting like responsible adults.

I agree, I am dumfounded that there are so many abusive comments in regard to this matter, and the behavior of those kids on a church property is disrespectful and utterly disgusting. Even though these people are disabled and/or on drugs they should still obey the law. Resorting to documenting bad behavior through photographs just goes to show how bad the problem actually is.

Let me get my facts straight. Rafael Ramos publicly embarrasses himself on seeclickfix, actually gets caught with his own words not doing his job, and when the public is outraged he is justified in looking the other way? I think we just identified "embarrassed in New Haven". There is an active complaint with the State to overview this matter because for YEARS that church has been a problem. for additional information read the complaint. Why do you think these people are so angry? What normal rational person would look at the photograph and say yes, this is normal behavior? And at a church? How many of those people are registered to vote at the address? Why is the city sticking up for thugs and criminals in the community? THis is why we need the state to intervene.

I have to agree, I feel embarassed too. I go to church every sunday and I would die if I ever saw such behavior going on within a house of worship. I am reading this thread and I feel embarrased that the situation was allowed to get so out of hand. These people clearly have no shame. Why has the city allowed this activity to get so bad? People with children living in a church house with many calls to the city for no heat, that's really bad

Please post a copy of the referenced complaint with the State of CT. Thanks.

I think that the reason there is so much anger and vitriol is more a lack of communication between the folks here than anything else.

The people reporting this are very angry at what they see is a clear problem with a house on the community and feel no one is doing anything about it.

I can see why Mr Ramos is defensive, seeing as he sees an immediate action that he took as being rebuffed and insulted when his initial action was inconclusive.

Throw in folks who know people who live at that address, a silent or unreachable church and you have lots of shouting and anger!

It looks like wheels are turning on this. Anyone from the city, it would be GREAT if you guys could meet and perhaps come up with a statement letting us know your position on this. I'm going to take Mr Ramos at his word that he acted within his bounds.

It looks like there's a lot to this story, since people are pretty steamed about this, so any light from the city's side I think would go a lot ways. Silence only creates an impression that nothing is being done, and I trust that's not the case.

If anyone has anything to share, they definitely should in a civil way. If you've taken pictures, post them (don't go vigilante and get yourself in trouble tho), if you have personal experience with problems at this address, put them on SeeClickFix.

Let's get this all sorted out. I'm certain that we can.

If you would like to file a motion to enjoin on the state complaint, you need to provide an email address, and you need to be able to state in fact that you have suffered as a result of the activities of the illegal rooming house located at 33 Lamberton St. There is a whole community of citizens that feel confused because they keep calling the same officials for the same problems, and nothing gets accomplished. The State of Ct. will intercede if one can prove that the city has been given every opportunity to rectify a problem and it still exists. Once again, let's utilize these sites to problem solve, not to suck up to building officials or spread hate and animosity to people posting. The pictures prove that the situation got completely out of hand in the last year, and to suggest that the LCI is doing us a favor by looking into the matter is just wrong. A building official not only has a responsibility to look into a matter, but to correct it, especially if it involves the facilitation of serious quality of life issues and crime. paulalovesrealestate@yahoo.com. Notify me directly if you would like to file a motion to enjoin, we have an attorney that is working with us on issues who can assist you free of charge with the paperwork. Please only notify me if you have a valid complaint. Kind regards and happy new year.

Sorry to disappoint Embarrassed at harbour landing but your expert sleuthing has come up short. Please refer to the previous comment I just left about courtesy and respect and scolding. Thank you.

You all are a bunch of idiots, my family lives in that house, and trust me its not by choice. They are god-fearing and good people. You need to be more specific as to who and what you are referring to with this issue that you feel is going on over there, because your targeting the WRONG people.

Could "Sweeney" let us know who the official owner of the church in Hartford happens to be? [see about 10 comments above this one]

Nice family type people. Oh sure, real friendly and god fearing. Half of my family is episcopalian and I never saw anyone act like this. Disrespect and hate. Disgusting.

PIGS THUGS TRASH.

thank god I live in a gated community. These are the same god fearing people that ran around on illegal bikes through the street all year and stopped traffic almost causing accidents. How many times in the past year traffic was stopped just like it is in the photo. If these people ever stepped foot into our beautiful community at Harbour Landing they would be disposed of like the trash they are. Thugs.

Could someone please clarify WHICH address the above complaints are concerning? 375 Howard is listed in the tax database as a church, and the included photos are clearly of a church. Regarding Paula's comment, there is no 33 Lambert St in the tax database. Please state the correct address of all these complaints and someone please post a photo of the correct property.

Actually the photos posted above are of the former rectory [aka parish house] behind the church. There is no 31-33 Lamberton in the tax data base. However, I went over there a few hours ago and the house is clearly marked 31-33 and faces Lamberton, and the numbering continues the numbering pattern of the houses on that block. So it would appear that someone simply put numbers on the house to give the appearance of a legitimate 2+-family house.

You don't know them, so why do you even talk about them. You sit in your window all day and make assumptions, please get facts straight and leave these poor people alone.

The photo is the correct property where these people live, if you click on the database for 375 Howard Avenue you will see the Church in the front, if you click "next building" you will see that the building in the back is on the same parcel. listed as a parish rectory. There is no active permit or license in regard to a rooming house or house for disabled people at this time.

The police reports and 911 activity show that the problems are being reported from 33 Howard Avenue. Most of the paperwork that we have been able to generate reflects that address as well, some of the utilities come back as owner "Church of the Ascension"

we almost had an accident there in the summer, traffic was stopped, bikes all over the place. Almost had an accident twice on one block on our way to the train.

A title search shows that the church and rectory are owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Hartford.

So it would appear that the Episcopal Diocese is leasing it to another entity [which wouldn't be revealed by a title search].

who wants to stop and socialize and get to know these disgusting individuals that act this way? they have the audacity to say they are god fearing? What god do they worship? This is a black mark on that church. These people should hang their head in shame.

how did these people end up at this church if it is not a program? It seems that they are illegally occupying an abandoned church and need to be put out. I have no pity for them after seeing these photos. We drive downtown via Howard Avenue every day and go to the train, if they do not live there why are they there all the time. Disgusting behavior. God must be very sad to look down and see this going on in a holy place.

tanner where is the pic of the 3 police cars in the front for the 911 distress call

Instead of going back and forth on this issue, I am going to consult with my attorney on your slanderous false remarks.

The stickers and boot on the volvo station wagon in the background, and the car for sale in back of it really give this photo a nice touch. Yeah, real god fearing responsible people. They got money for Colt 45 and drugs and fireworks but they have no money to properly take care of their family? They were probably thrown off section 8 for violating the rules, judging by the way they live. Like animals.

What you are referring to is NOT my family. They do not own that type of vehicle. YOU REALLY HAVE THE WRONG FAMILY.

If you are a neighbor and you have had quality of life issues and would like to file a motion to enjoin on our complaint, email me at paulalovesrealestate@yahoo.com. Please, only those who have a legitimate complaint, motor vehicle accident as a result of stopped traffic, or actually witnessed negative activity on the premises. We are now 17 strong.

Oh sure, Ria, you are real god fearing to allow this activity ON YOUR FRONT PORCH. WE SEE THESE PEOPLE GOING IN AND OUT OF YOUR HOUSE.
Get two attorney's, and for goodness sake, get some heat in that house for your kids, Rafael Ramos said he has numerous calls that you have no heat!

I'm an attorney, and I can assure you that I will be the first one to come forward to testify that you people are thugs and a disgrace to the community.

maybe there is a legitimate story as to why they are living there.

are these people working or is this just a party house.

let's run some of those license plates that are parked there every day to get some grasp on who these people are

that would help with the pending litigation. Ria, calling an attorney would be a mighty fine idea!

Listen everyone, I dont want to start a fight. Please run the plates on any/all vehicles. I am just trying to tell you all that there is an innocent family that is in the middle of this all, and it's not right. Those pictures you posted are not of any people that I am related to. Yes, the attorney will be called tanner. Please no more of this!

Oh, dear, I'm sorry, is this stressful? It sure was stressful when I had to wait in the middle of an intersection for 7 minutes while cars were piled up handing around and partying. It sure was stressful to have kids on bikes weaving in and out of traffic while simply trying to drive to the train. It sure must have been stressful for the neighbors to have all that craziness right in the front of that house.

Please, no more of this? That's what we have been saying all along. are ya finally getting the picture, meme? I want copies of those photographs, if we see these good for nothings in front of harbour landing they will be arrested on the spot.

Run the plates please, I am glad we agree on something.

yes they do live in that house. Nice parenting job, Ria!

lol we counted 11 people that actually came to the property to look. 1 took pictures. 24 emails today of people who want to file a motion to enjoin the complaint, 2 had actual car accidents based on activity here.

Ria, you could help calm people down by explaining: 1. If photos are not of your family, then who are they & why are they there? 2. Under what auspices is your family living there, i.e. are you renting from the Episcopal Diocese, or is another entity renting from the Diocese and running a shelter in the house?

Hi Mr. Schaefer,

Thank you for your e-mail and bringing this issue to my attention. I will contact the appropriate people in the City tomorrow and will request them to address this issue.

jorge perez, ward 5 alderman

If you are an attorney give your whole name and office number.If you run those plates that are in front of that house that are in those pictures you would see yhat they do not belong to anyone there.

1 of the plates came up stolen.

These people are not in their right mind, I would suggest sticking to paperwork and filing, they are hostile, agressive, and from what I can read above, ready to initiate a fight. This is the latest crew to move in, there are at least 2 different families living there.

This girl like to try to scare you into thinking she will hit you with her car. Real sad with the baby in the back seat. She drives a blue green toyota corrolla. The father drives the beige Lexus. They are homeless but they drive a lexus.

here is some more good old fashioned god fearing behavior. And these are not even the bad pics yet.

tan, don't put up the SR photos they are part of the criminal complaint, and if you put up the other photos we won't be able to use them.

yup, she definitely lives in that house. so does the guy with the lexus. Who are they paying rent to? You know, if these people kept their mouth shut and kept the party inside and did not harrass other people NO ONE WOULD BE HERE. I cannot believe they are letting this activity go on in a church.

My husband lost his job 4 months ago and our City of New Haven taxes keep going up every year. We have had to sell one car and we are trying desperately to make ends meet. These people are living for free in this house and they do not even have the common courtesy to control their children while they are living there? I am sick to see this going on in a church, and the sign for the church is right above all this activity. Who is in charge here? How is accountable?

Ria, do you live in that house? You say that people are unfairly judging you because we do not know the facts. Perhaps you could tell us exactly what the facts are so that we can make some progress and maybe even help some of those people. If these persons are legitimately displaced there is a new federal program that may be able to help them.
If these people have been living in this house with no heat, clearly there is a hole in the roof, you can see it from the street, if they are paying rent or not they are still entitled to service and should sue for damages.

These people do not look disabled to me. If this is a house for people with disabilities who is in charge? Who is responsible? Who is going to take responsibility for them having no heat in the house? Is the state providing funds for these people to live there?

NOT church behavior.

I love the pics of the cars blocking the driveway. IO hope these people are freezing there azzes of in that party house.

was anyone there today? has the problem been solved?

Our tax dollars are supporting this behavior.

Can someone offer me an explanation as to not only why is this going on, but why was it allowed to get so bad, and why is it being allowed on church property. If the city inspectors were there, who is the management entity that is responsible for this.

Has anyone been in this house to know they do not have heat,I guess not because I was there a few days ago and it was a warm cozy house,get you facts straight.People only see one side of the story and do not know the real truth.Still people do not get it all mof the people in theseb pictures do not live there.

The building inspector Rafael Ramos is the one that stated that the city received no heat complaints from the tenants.

Sweeny, I think you misread what Rafael Ramos wrote. He stated that he visited this house -even though- he had other more pressing calls for no heat at other places.
His words were:
" i sent an inspector this morning. although we had complaints of No Heat , frozen pipes ect.. "
Which I mean to take that we had other matters and sent an inspector for this visit as well.

This issue has been flagged for abuse and comments will be turned off.

Use of the site in this fashion will not be tolerated.

There is a house like this on every block in New Haven. Whats new?