Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman.
Last week I wanted to see
Mahmood Khan's dilapidation at 2639 Oliver so I could be certain it's as bad as everyone says (it is). I don't normally pick on random properties just for the heck of it. Instead, I try to focus on specific problem landlords or poorly done replacement windows. Every once in a while though, a house is in such an egregious state of disrepair that it just begs for a 311 report. And that's the case at 2701 Oliver Avenue North.
Just look at it. How in the WORLD is something like that even permissible? Glass block windows are on the second floor, and even then, they aren't installed correctly. One segment is upside-down. Next to that is what I am generously calling a window, although it's broken and so is the plywood around it. This is also the first time I've seen chicken wire used in this way. Around the corner on the north side of the house are two windows that almost look like they could be repaired. But sometime recently, these windows became self-aware, realized they are in imminent danger as long as they are attached to this property, and have clearly been plotting their escape.
Then we have the paint job, which looks like it was done by a four-year-old who wanted to prove to mommy and daddy that he doesn't always have to color inside the lines. This is one of the few properties that would be improved if Keith Reitman handled the painting.
As I was snapping these photos, a tenant came up and asked what I was doing. I informed her in no uncertain terms that this house was in terrible condition and I was going to report it to 311. She said her landlord has been a good landlord, and that she hasn't had any problems with him. Now that's certainly interesting, because according to the city's website,
Brandon Fischer and Kevin Owen don't have a rental license.
The 311 report I filed mentions the apparent lack of a license, the numerous window problems, and the fact that there are no house numbers on the front of the property.
