Trenton needs to protect residents and hold landlords accountable
Here’s a suggestion for unscrupulous landlords attempting to escape numerous charges of malfeasance that tether violations of City of Trenton codes, regulations and ordinances regarding rental properties.
Get yourself a well-suited, solid-heeled attorney who can mumble 1,000 words per minute, simultaneously rub his stomach and pat his head, plus, chew gum while whistling “Let My (Client) Go.”
Municipal Court Judge Marc A. McKithen rightfully declined my personal request to speak about landlord Eli Schor based on the fact that the matters before him did not include complaints regarding a Hamilton Ave. property.
A property located at 1012 Hamilton Ave. gained public scrutiny in November after a mother of two nearing childbirth complained about a broken heater, malfunctioning electrical service and numerous other problems identified by city inspectors.
Eli Schor faced summonses regarding four properties. Schor, with his speed-talking jitterbug attorney, escaped two violations, one on a technicality regarding a wrong address. Schor faced a $1,000 fine for violations pertaining to two other issues.
Judge McKithen allowed Schor and his attorney to return in late March for another appearance to resolve numerous landlord issues pertaining to several city properties.
Schor received six more weeks to continue his deeds as Assistant Prosecutor Lenore Hannah described the landlord as “a continuing problem in the city.”
Schor lives his life as a shape shifter pulled out of some fictional offering by Charlaine Harris. The alleged Red Bank resident exists as part of the cluster of vampire-like landlords that spend as much time in court as they do in the comfort of pillows.
The landlord or homeowner needed a recess then returned more determined to step away without penalty. Two city inspectors, an assistant prosecutor and one journalist shared frustration.
McKithen’s denial for personal input included a statement by Schor’s attorney.
“I don’t know what this guy’s problem is,” he said. His comment offered a perfect segue to discuss “this guy’s” issues that register as important in this capital city.
Landlords of all religions, ethnic groups, colors, gender, etc. enjoy a sovereignty that allows them to disregard the safety of tenants and the authority of law in a mind maddening dance that offers them slaps on the wrist. Hannah appeared flummoxed, exhausted by the dizzying spiel of excuses.
The problem here involves the fact that my eyes witnessed that Hamilton Ave. dump that matched President Donald Trump’s “shithole” reference for several disadvantaged nations.
Imagine an eight-month pregnant woman and mother of two who arrives home from work to find no electricity, no heat and roaches, this after being duped into renting a Hamilton Ave. apartment.
My problem with landlords includes their unchecked ability to rent vacant properties without receiving a certificate of occupancy (COO). This occurred in the 100 block of Franklin St. during the summer but residents alerted Inspections and prevented the move in until code issues were repaired.
Perhaps you remember an article about an attempted break in of another apartment on Franklin St. Police did not respond to an emergency call and the alleged homeowner sped off in his vehicle.
A “For Rent” sign hung in the window yesterday which produced an immediate trip to Inspections. No record of the house being sold. No information of the house being inspected. Nothing.
More incredible news developed as a trip to the Tax Assessor’s office inquired about properties owned by Eli Schor. Nothing. Dinah Shore, Pauly Shore, and everyone from ship to shore but no Eli Schor.
Eli Schor may as well be a ghost or “The Usual Suspects” Keyser Sose hiding in plain sight as landlords cover their tracks with pseudo owners and LLCs. Schor and his mouthpiece exited the Municipal Court courtroom, heard my introduction then scurried.
“No comment,” Schor said. “Talk to my lawyer.”