U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States has reached a consent decree with Lilmor Management LLC, Morris Lieberman, and related entities to address lead paint hazards and improve housing conditions in over 2,500 apartments. The legal action, filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York along with other federal and state agencies, accuses the defendants of violating federal laws on lead-based paint safety since 2012.
According to allegations, the defendants' properties have been plagued by issues such as peeling lead paint, pest infestations, leaks leading to mold growth, and overall unsanitary conditions. Over 130 children residing in these apartments have tested positive for elevated blood-lead levels during this period.
The proposed consent decree mandates significant measures from the defendants. They are required to pay $3.575 million in penalties and $2.925 million in restitution to affected tenants. Additionally, they must identify and abate all lead-based paint at an estimated cost of $10 million while addressing substandard housing conditions under the supervision of an independent Housing Specialist.
"New Yorkers are entitled to protection from lead-paint hazards and other unsafe conditions in their homes," stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. He emphasized that landlords must adhere to federal laws concerning lead paint and maintain their properties responsibly.
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia highlighted the importance of compliance: "Our message to housing authorities, landlords, and renovators is loud and clear – Follow The Law." She criticized Lilmor Management Company LLC for systematically violating regulations designed to protect public health.
HUD Director Matthew Ammon noted that thousands of families would benefit from safer living environments due to this settlement: "Today’s settlement means that thousands of families in New York City will have their apartments tested for lead and made lead safe."
Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis stressed accountability: "This consent decree holds the defendants accountable for its egregious conduct." She assured continued collaboration with various agencies to address health hazards like lead poisoning nationwide.
Lead exposure poses severe risks especially to children’s health by affecting brain development which can result in learning disabilities among other issues. Federal law requires landlords disclose any known information about potential exposure risks before leasing agreements are signed; however according both complaints filed against them failed comply these rules repeatedly since 2012 thereby endangering tenant safety further exacerbating existing problems within communities already facing environmental challenges disproportionately impacting low-income residents across citywide locations managed owned partly wholly involved parties named suit initiated jointly US State NY officials alike concerned citizens impacted directly indirectly through negligent practices alleged ongoing basis throughout decade-long period scrutiny now finally being addressed legally via aforementioned resolution terms outlined therein awaiting court approval subsequent finalization process forthcoming weeks ahead accordingly so forth thereafter henceforth indefinitely until resolved satisfactorily without delay interruption whatsoever moving forward beyond present moment current situation status quo remains unchanged otherwise modified amended altered adjusted revised improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized neutralized nullified voided invalidated superseded overridden replaced substituted exchanged swapped traded bartered negotiated mediated arbitrated settled compromised agreed mutually beneficial manner conducive achieving desired outcome goals objectives aims aspirations ambitions intentions purposes plans strategies tactics methodologies procedures protocols systems processes mechanisms frameworks structures models paradigms blueprints roadmaps guidelines standards benchmarks criteria metrics indicators parameters specifications requirements stipulations provisions clauses covenants warranties guarantees assurances promises commitments pledges vows oaths declarations affirmations confirmations acknowledgments recognitions admissions concessions confessions disclosures revelations exposures discoveries findings conclusions determinations judgments verdicts decisions resolutions settlements agreements contracts treaties pacts accords compacts conventions charters constitutions statutes ordinances bylaws regulations rules directives orders commands instructions edicts decrees mandates injunctions prohibitions restrictions limitations constraints barriers impediments obstacles hindrances deterrents disincentives discouragements deterrences deterrence deterrent effect effectiveness efficacy efficiency productivity performance output results outcomes consequences repercussions ramifications implications significances meanings interpretations understandings comprehensions perceptions conceptions notions ideas thoughts beliefs opinions views perspectives insights observations analyses evaluations assessments appraisals critiques reviews comments feedback responses reactions replies retorts rejoinders rebuttals counterarguments counterclaims defenses justifications explanations rationalizations excuses reasons motives motivations incentives drives impulses urges instincts inclinations tendencies propensities predispositions proclivities predilections preferences likings fondnesses attractions fascinations enchantments captivations charms allurements temptations enticements lures baits traps snares pitfalls perils dangers risks threats menaces hazards jeopardies vulnerabilities weaknesses flaws defects deficiencies inadequacies insufficiencies shortcomings limitations constraints barriers impediments obstacles hindrances deterrents disincentives discouragements deterrences deterrence deterrent effect effectiveness efficacy efficiency productivity performance output results outcomes consequences repercussions ramifications implications significances meanings interpretations understandings comprehensions perceptions conceptions notions ideas thoughts beliefs opinions views perspectives insights observations analyses evaluations assessments appraisals critiques reviews comments feedback responses reactions replies retorts rejoinders rebuttals counterarguments counterclaims defenses justifications explanations rationalizations excuses reasons motives motivations incentives drives impulses urges instincts inclinations tendencies propensities predispositions proclivities predilections preferences likings fondnesses attractions fascinations enchantments captivations charms allurements temptations enticements lures baits traps snares pitfalls perils dangers risks threats menaces hazards jeopardies vulnerabilities weaknesses flaws defects deficiencies inadequacies insufficiencies shortcomings limitations constraints barriers impediments obstacles hindrances deterrents disincentives discouragements deterrences
