Buckeye Reporter

A Franklin County Magistrate has recommended a $19,840,000 civil penalty against the owners and property manager of an affordable housing apartment complex in Columbus, Ohio, for violating asbestos regulations. The recommendation came in response to arguments made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety regulations.

Yost stated, “While not final, this sends a clear message that disregard for safety regulations and court orders will not be tolerated in Ohio. We will continue to vigorously pursue justice and hold accountable those who prioritize profit over the well-being of our communities.”

The recommended penalty is directed at Boruch Drillman, Paxe Latitude LP, and Aloft Management LLC. The violations occurred at Sawyer Towers, a 400-unit complex on the near east side of Columbus. The case was initially brought to the attention of the Attorney General’s Office by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in March 2023.

The violations stemmed from work done at the complex to address extensive repairs and maintenance issues. Negligence on the part of the owners and property management company led to the release of asbestos fibers throughout the complex, endangering workers and contaminating residents' belongings.

The court's decision to recommend the significant penalty took into account the harm caused to contractors' employees, the impact on the community, and the defendants' blatant disregard for safety regulations and court orders.

The situation at Sawyer Towers escalated in August 2021 when Paxe purchased the complex, prompting a series of health code violations and legal actions by the City of Columbus. A critical incident occurred during the 2022 Christmas season when burst water pipes forced the immediate evacuation of residents from over 160 apartments, leaving their belongings behind.

The cleanup efforts following the water damage were mishandled, leading to the spread of asbestos throughout the complex. The owners failed to adhere to asbestos abatement plans, inform contractors of the risks, or provide protective gear to workers, resulting in further environmental harm and endangerment of residents.

Ultimately, the recommended penalty serves as a stern reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and upholding standards in the management of residential properties.