Violations mar Chinatown apartment

Yet another Chinatown building has been hit with a slew of violations — ranging from rodents, leaks in ceilings and toilets to broken windows and floor tiles — and more residents could be on the streets as new inspections have found possible structural problems, the Herald has learned.

Records show the city’s Inspectional Services Department stormed into 15 Beach St. on Feb. 7 and found dozens of violations, including broken lights, faulty hot-water heaters, ceiling leaks, broken bathroom fixtures and malfunctioning windows. Meanwhile, residents have complained of pests.

“There are a number of problems with the building,” said Mark Liu, deputy director of the Chinatown Progressive Association. “It has really old windows. There’s a rodent problem. Leaky ceilings.”

The building owner, Chinagate Housing Associates, has repaired some problems but new inspections revealed cracks in the foundation that threaten the stability of the building, records show.

The “substandard” condition of the building threatens the removal of more Chinatown residents and has led the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to take steps to terminate its contract with Chinagate, Liu said.

“There could be a structural issue that could make it unsafe for the tenants,” Liu said.

Attempts to reach a Chinagate manager yesterday were unsuccessful.

The problems at 15 Beach St. come just days after the city evacuated a run-down rooming house at 25 Harrison Ave. that was littered with code violations, including broken fire escapes, poor ventilation, no fire alarms and structural problems. The building’s 49 residents were removed and put up in shelters or public housing in South Boston.

City Councilor Bill Linehan, who represents Chinatown, called for a crackdown on slumlords.

“If these sort of things are popping up around Chinatown, then we certainly have to be more vigilant,” Linehan said. “We have to stand by the residents and make sure all landlords are compliant.”

Many of the displaced residents, as well as those from 15 Beach St., spoke yesterday about the devastating impact of the housing woes. Many don’t speak English and are worried about being forced out of Chinatown for good.

Maple Zou, a Chinese interpreter, said of one elderly couple displaced from the Harrison Avenue building: “Neither she nor her husband speak the (English) language. They want to move back into the building or somewhere nearby.”

More than 1,000 new luxury units are under construction in Chinatown and Liu fears working-class residents are being forced out by gentrification.

“What we want to figure out with the city ... is how do we keep those units in the community in good condition and still affordable for folks?” Liu said.