One of Richmond's largest owners of vacant, run-down property was fined $3,600 yesterday for 16 convictions of failing to meet city property standards on five of his holdings.
Richmond General District Judge David E. Cheek Sr. imposed the fines -- less than the city recommended -- after learning that property owner Oliver Lawrence had met the judge's deadline to make repairs to the three most unsafe properties, all in the 200 block of East Grace Street.
Assistant City Attorney Greg Lukanuski had asked that Lawrence be fined $2,500 with $1,000 suspended on each of the five serious counts, but Cheek reduced that to $500 for each charge, or $2,500 total. In addition, the judge sentenced Lawrence to $100 for each of the 11 less-serious violations.
At a hearing last month, Cheek convicted Lawrence of the 16 counts and told him to correct the five serious violations by yesterday.
"It is the city's hope that Mr. Lawrence learns to care for his properties as other responsible property owners do," Lukanuski said after yesterday's hearing. "The city wants him to clean up his properties -- it's that simple."
But Lawrence faces more legal troubles.
Lukanuski said Lawrence is to be arraigned next Thursday on 19 additional property violations involving six addresses: 2022 Parkwood Ave.; 3408 South St.; 1305 N. 37th St.; 1300 N. 38 St.; 1115 N. 34 St. and 1310 N. 38 St. Those charges involve overgrown vegetation and accumulation of trash and debris in yards.
Lawrence also will have to show why he shouldn't have to pay $357,050 in fines and serve 270 days in jail for the 152 misdemeanor property-violation convictions he has received in the past three years involving 30 properties in North Richmond. The fines and jail terms had been suspended on the condition he not commit any further violations.
Speaking before the judge yesterday, Lawrence disputed the city's description of his East Grace Street properties as being dangerous or unsafe. He said a structural engineer inspected those buildings and found no such problems.
Lukanuski said Lawrence failed to maintain the façades of the structures, which until their repair had been a potential risk to passers-by. The city issued a total of 11 violations against those properties, including five that were termed "dangerous."
"He only [fixes them] when the city insists," Lukanuski told the court. "Otherwise, he lets them rot."
Lawrence also complained that he has had to deal with about 30 inspectors, which has led to inconsistent application of standards. "It is impossible to get any consistency on what I'm supposed to do on the different properties," he said.
In imposing the fines, the judge said that he can't "squeeze blood out of a turnip," noting Lawrence's earlier remarks about financial problems. At last month's hearing, Lawrence blamed harsh economic conditions that he said precluded him from getting loans to fix his properties.
"It appears he is trying to move in the right direction," Cheek said.
But the judge scolded Lawrence for creating the situation and said some punishment was necessary.
"How will they [city officials] deter others if you get off lightly?" he said.
Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or mbowes@timesdispatch.com.
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