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Post by fedup on Oct 31, 2006 21:54:46 GMT -5
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Post by admin on Nov 1, 2006 5:58:36 GMT -5
All readers take note, this restaurant was caught in operation again!! My question--why did the cop not get a second summons?
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Post by fedup on Nov 1, 2006 8:32:04 GMT -5
All readers take note, this restaurant was caught in operation again!! My question--why did the cop not get a second summons? My question is why there is no action being taken regarding illegal sales of alcohol? And why is the state not involved, since it is clear sales tax was not being collected or remitted? So many questions, so few answers...  |
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Post by Slap on the Wrist on Nov 1, 2006 9:21:17 GMT -5
That is a good question. I would say that based on the articles that I have read, the code enforcement office doesn't know it's a$$ from a hole in the ground.
First the police do not appear to have been involved, only the code enforcement aned local Borough Health Office. If alcohol was being sold, then the police should have contacted the ABC and the state police. The entire place should have been locked down and the state takes possession of it - supplies, cash, and house. This did not appear to happen.
I assume that the whopping amount of fines $1500 for the owner, and $1200 for the tenant really broke their banks and they are crying in the streets. Wow$100 of those fines was for the Health Code violations. (Don't forget that liquor sales and running a restaurant was the half of it - the other part is overcrowding.) How much do you think that cop made monthly from this overcrowded house? Next question: is $1500 a punishment. He probably made that per month (and had someone cut his lawn too).
Don't worry, I am sure that code enforcement seized the cash receipts, etc. What! they didn't?
Oh, I guess if they called in the police and ABC, the fines might have really been something. But $1500, I am sure that this really set an example. maybe for the door to door Hasidim?
Oh well, at least it is $2700 - $1200 to be paid by someone who probably changed her name by now.
this is no feather in the cap. there was no punishment here. Just a slap on the wrist.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 9:52:49 GMT -5
The board of health is currently preparing to recommend increased fines for this sort of thing (which has never come up here before - come on - who ever heard of an illegal restaurant in our area, before?) and they were to be contacting the ABC regarding the selling of alcohol on the premises to see what is done. I expect a report at this month's Board of Health meeting and council will then be asked to act accordingly regarding their recommendations.
The other fines received are capped by the state, as we already know. We are in favor of increasing those fines and have to get our legislators in Trenton to agree. YOU can help convince them. Of course, repeat offenders are eligible for jail time! This is do-able.
The damage to the reputation and possible career of Officer Borst is no laughing matter. His department admits that an internal investigation is under way and this is stated in the transcript article. Even the local newspapers in the Wall are are interested in this story and have reported on it. What an embarrassment for that police department. And, who knows what the county prosecutors office is doing about this, they will not talk about ongoing investigations.
We do know that Mr. Borst has been put on notice by the local authorities that these situations can not repeat themselves or other graduated penalties will come into play. That could include jail time, by the way.
Don't forget that Michael Leftkovitz, the blockbuster, was removed from our community and his job as a local slum property manager after his name hit the papers.
And, Don Forgione, the code enforcement official from Brick town that has been fined in the Boro for his housing abuses is now under fire in his own town according to the Brick Newspapers. My close friend, the Asst Ocean Prosecutor suggested that the issue is not dead for that guy.
Unfortunately, we can't ask for the electric chair for these people. But, we do know who they are; we can encourage the press to report on their abuses; we can monitor their future actions nd keep them on a short leash; and we can learn from each situation and make adjustments as we go along (e.g. increasing board of health fines).
Look the operation was busted and a heal was revealed to all. These people no longer operate in the shadows and they are no household names. The final verdict for them may not yet be known.
The glass IS half full. We're not letting up and more ordinances, amendments, penalties and enforcement changes are on the way. We're moving in the right direction.
Marc
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Post by Still just a slap on Nov 1, 2006 10:14:44 GMT -5
Ah, Marc, trying to turn sh!t into solid gold.
First, you did not address my first issue: Does code enforcement know its a$$ from its elbow? Your silence on this speaks volumes.
Second, why wasn't ABC brought in? This is not something that should be hidden in a file somewhere - it is the first step. Code enforcement is small change compared to the big guns.
Third, don't try to turn this around that I have to convince the legislature to increase the fines. All the tools were in place to smack this guy down. There was (1) the ABC - who would laugh at these petty fines; and (2) numerous violations taking place, all probably had the cap of $1,250 - who knows how much the total amount could have been if feet were held to the fire. This surely sounded like a guy to make an example of, right? No electric chair - but his wallet could have smarted a bit. Instead, the violator pled everything down and got a slap on the wrist and his name in the paper (thank you Claire) In the end, he paid probably a month's profit (or less).
Fourth, that officer is still employed, and there has been nothing about the prosecutor doing anything. So don't raise false conjectures when you have no reason to suppose that the county prosecutor is involved.
Fifth, Mike Lefkowitz - was he the landowner or just the manager of the properties? And if he was really run out of town - who did this - Claire or Hank? I think Claire.
Take off the rose coloured glasses, the glass is half full because there is a crack in the glass.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 11:56:20 GMT -5
Let me just preface this by saying that there is no defense (of anyone), required, nor will I provide any. This is merely a frank and informal discussion of this situation, on a mesage board, by someone working along with you and with others to help improve our town. If you don't believe this to be true or have some partisan motivations for engaging in this discussion, there is no reason to read on.
In my view, I agree that the outcome, here, is not gold, but neither is it nuts, as you so eloquently called it. Guilt WAS established in the courts and the penalties should have been greater. And, here is where we go to work, next. These are the facts, as we all know them. Hey, I'm on the resident's side of this issue. You are preaching to the choir with me, friend.
Hey, if I were a "spin doctor" I would be working in PR and not in HR. My world is all about accountability and that is what I am always looking for in EVERY situation like this one.
By the way, can you share your name with us or will you email me at stffgpr2003@yahoo.com and benefit ME by knowing who you are? I feel as if I should know which of our residents, I am addressing, who seems so distraught. I have been willing to be ME on this board and if you are willing to be YOU, we can have an honest and much more comfortable discussion. Can you do this for me? Here or in private. The phone is OK, too.
For the benefit of the rest of us...
There is no question I would have liked to see even more come down on these folks. And, don't bet I won't be vocal about that part of it - in the proper settings and forums. And, also don't think that I am not already involved in applying what has been learned from this situation - we all are.
Regarding your request for a public critique on code enforcement, this is not the proper forum to give out performance appraisals for any employee or department. It is not professional nor is it fair to post such things on a message board. I will not do that.
I WILL say that, by my own nature in business, in human resources and in all other of my endeavors, no one gets a 5 rating from me, performance-wise. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. By the way, this applies to me, too. Improvement is ongoing for every one and it often comes as a result of constructive criticism and other corrective actions. I thank you for yours (to me) and other people - well... they get it from me. I am not easily satisfied - just ask my former employees. I expect no less from others than I am willing to contribute, myself.
We have a rental property advisory board looking into ways to help further improve code enforcement's efforts, at least with the rental properties. Expect a report in a month or so, featuring recommendations by resident members and residential experts. Some of their early recommendations are already in place, such as annual inspections of all rental properties in the Borough. Many violations have already been cited, as a result of this new effort. It doesn't end with this, either.
Doing research on other towns and reviewing our current practices with officials is also part of what I normally do as a councilperson - due diligence. I'm very hands on in this respect. As an aside, I just got a packet from code officials in Minnesota, offering some interesting ideas that I'm discussing with the rental committee.
As for your projections that nothing else will happen to the bad guys... neither of us really know, for sure, what additional fallout may result from all this. We don't know that there are no ongoing investigations, etc. And, if they are not, we can continue calling for them to take place. In my earlier comments to the press, I publically called for the prosecutor to look into this situation and WE DO KNOW (for sure) he has been made aware of the situation. Let's see what happens. The matter can still be pursued through his office, if we do not get satisfaction.
Increasing fine thresholds? Yes, your help is appreciated - not required - in getting the legislature to act. Lots of voices are better than fewer voices in their arena. This is only one aspect of the penalty phase, but you will agree - an important one. In the meantime, there ARE other things we can do - you are right. And, we will continue to do them.
And, YES, thanks to the News Transcript for reporting on these recent situations and in giving the bad guys the bad press they so deserve. But, just ask Clare how she learned about these recent stories and who appealed to the paper to adapt the stance that this kind of journalism is effective in creating positive change in Freehold Borough. We use whatever tools are at our disposal to do what we must. Fortunately, we are served by a newspaper that feels our pain and is responsive to our needs. Credit is shared by all, in this case. Before the news is reported, it must be developed.
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 11:59:22 GMT -5
For the record, I did not use the word "nuts." Brian's trusty filter changed the bad word that I copied from "Slap on the Wrist." You know - "doo doo."
;D
Marc
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Post by Silence Dogwood on Nov 1, 2006 12:10:28 GMT -5
For the record, my name is Silence Dogwood. I am a middle-aged widow. I have been puclished in the New England Courant and the Pennsylvania Gazette.
I Shall conclude this with my own Character, which (one would think) I should be best able to give. Know then, That I am an Enemy to Vice, and a Friend to Vertue. I am one of an extensive Charity, and a great Forgiver of private Injuries: A hearty Lover of the Clergy and all good Men, and a mortal Enemy to arbitrary Goverment & unlimited Power. I am naturally very Jealous for the Rights and Liberties of my Country; & the least appearence of an Incroachment on those invaluable Priviledges, is apt to make my Blood boil exceedingly. I have likewise a natural Inclination to observe and reprove the Faults of others, at which I have an excellent Faculty. I speak this by Way of Warning to all such whose Offences shall come under my Cognizance, for I never intend to wrap my Talent in a Napkin. To brief; I am coureous and affable, good-humour'd (unless I am first provok'd) and handsome, and some times witty, but always,
I AM
Your most humble servant,
Silence Dogwood
P.s. call the ABC.
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Post by fedup on Nov 1, 2006 12:20:37 GMT -5
For the record, my name is Silence Dogwood. I am a middle-aged widow. I have been puclished in the New England Courant and the Pennsylvania Gazette. So many august (and long dead) posters on this board of late! Seems those in the hereafter have finally transitioned from Ouija boards to internet message boards, and they are all interested in the goings-on in our little town.  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 12:33:39 GMT -5
I LOVE IT!!!! LOL LOL!!!
I get these kind of emails all the time from widows of third world royalty. They ask for ss# and banking information to transfer funds...and open oneself up to being cleaned out! I gotta admit, this is a great impersonation. Thanks for lightening things up.
Fed Up...yeah...lot's of the long dead poltergeists surfacing on the board this week. Methinks the silly season is upon us.
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 12:48:19 GMT -5
P.S. so noted
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Post by Freehold Resident on Nov 1, 2006 14:59:34 GMT -5
I hope they fry this cop and the others in Wall. Mr. Levine, I know you disagree with the fines and had to base your warning to other landlords on the verdict not the punishment. Not your fault how this went down but you can fix this. Are you mad enough to make sure the next guy gets slammed?
Can you still go after this guy for other laws he broke? Selling booze without a license for one.
F R
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Post by John Barleycorn on Nov 1, 2006 15:45:24 GMT -5
Anyway, it is called "running a speakeasy." Besides the ABC, I am sure that the IRS would be interested in all of this. There is even a reward posted: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p733.pdfI am sure code enforcement is patting themselves on their backs, but they really dropped the ball by trying to handle this by their lonesome selves. And yes, although Mr. LeVine cannot be all places at all times, he and the rest of the Borough Council should give Code Enforcement a proper scolding, instead of defending them and being apologists. Come now, rub their noses in the mess on the rug. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 15:46:17 GMT -5
F R -
It will be addressed by the council. I want the same things we all do.
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 1, 2006 16:18:44 GMT -5
John Barleycorn...some creative names we have these last few days... in any case...
Mr. Barleycorn (LOL):
I'm not offering a defense or apologies for anyone. I do see some successful results in this matter, but theydo fall short of what we probably expected and intimately feel would have been more approprate, in this case.
Disappointing? Yes. A disaster? No. Not when you catch, prosecute and prevail in court. And, there is added value in the other "un-tasty trimmings," we've already talked about.
I'm also not convinced that the ABC, the IRS, the Prosecutors office and other regulatory and legal channels are closed to us, in this case. We only dealt with the municipal piece, so far. We'll look into this. I'm all for using all tools at our disposal.
We'll examine how this whole situation played out - very soon - and discuss what can still be done, in this case. We will also be looking to put some improved procedures and other details, in place, for the future.
You have my word that I will work on this, as part of the council.
Marc
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Post by Bob Woodward on Nov 2, 2006 9:46:20 GMT -5
In the thread entitled "Home restaurant busted in Freehold" on September 26, Marc Levine wrote:
"I've been directly involved in this investigation and, in fact, brought the story out to the Press. It was revealed to me at a recent Board of Health meeting and I was outraged, to say the least."
Marc, had the idea of the ABC, State Health Dept, local police, or prosecutor's office come up in any part of the investigation?
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Post by Freehold Resident on Nov 2, 2006 10:00:24 GMT -5
Just found this quote about the prosecutor. Seems like he might have been told.
F R
I'm outta here.
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Post by horses mouth on Nov 2, 2006 10:10:56 GMT -5
then let's hear it from the source... It's a quote from Mr. LeVine. Well, was the prosecutor informed?
While you are at it: was the ABC, State Health Dept, or local police in any part of the investigation? What role are they currently playing?
I'll sit back and wait for the crickets to stop chirping...
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 2, 2006 11:26:02 GMT -5
Though I have been more than open and genuine with you as an anonymous psuedo individual, this has become something less than a respectful debate (from your end). Your issues have been worth considering, but your approach/style borders on insulting. Other posters have emailed me pointing this out.
I think you are the one (with many names) that I invited to post, email or call me with your true identity as a concerned FB resident (by name) rather than as a troll. If you can do this, I will be glad to carry on your single person (with many names) inquests.
Until then, I will leave all general appraisals on this an other related subjects to the readers on this board and to the residents of Freehold Borough.
Fortunately for you, my earlier replies to your postings, on this particular topic, adequately address this matter.
p.s.
which one are you, today?
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Post by Jiminy on Nov 2, 2006 12:29:58 GMT -5
Another topic beat to death.
Point of clarification: did the fines mentioned above include the 2nd operation of the restaurant?
what happened to the stock of food, beer, etc. from the first raid?
from the 2nd raid?
p.s. Calliope thinks this will happen again in our future: here is a quote from her:
"regarding calling in the other authorities such as ABC, I would think there's some type of protocol in order to get them involved. Once again, a good point brought up and perhaps this will be done in the next situation."
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Post by The all seeing eye on Nov 2, 2006 13:29:21 GMT -5
Trust me .............. only one raid
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 2, 2006 13:37:01 GMT -5
Calliope:
I will respond to you, because I know who you really are. And, you are always courteous and rational.
I will tell you that this particulatr matter may not be completely closed to future actions. Let me also add that most of the enforcement avenues you mentioned were already being utilized before this thread was even started. Though, I still am awaiting feedback from the others, involved.
I am not sure the IRS was considered, to date, but it is a good idea - addressed easily enough Of course, they never share what they will do with the information provided. We have turned over many illegal employer license plate numbers to them. Heard anything from them?
If a certain critic will give us a chance, we can see this thing through the right way. Mocking the effort only gets us nowhere. Our best efforts are still underway. What we may not be able to accomplish this time, we will surely have learned how to be better prepared for the future cases we may come across. How often have illegal restaurants come along in your lifetime?
I stand by my comments. Justice WAS served, it just might have been served alot better. This is what I promised to work on. And, I will. Let's move on.
Marc
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Post by a Pun on Nov 2, 2006 13:44:54 GMT -5
Justice WAS served, it just might have been served alot better.[/quote] |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 2, 2006 14:01:43 GMT -5
One with too many names:
Don't you have work to do or were you recently let go for spending to much time on line? Otherwise, you must have had the week off from work and in that case - TGIF!!! (tomorrow).
Hey, get out and enjoy the beautiful fall leaves. Whoops - that suggestion may give you reason to get started on the Shade Tree Commission. In know, I know. Why not leave the trees in the Boro alone...don't cut them back...falling on people's power lines is part of the natural order of things....
Geesh...I'm trying to get some people hired for my clients and keep seeing, yet. another one of your alter egos popping up all over the place. I can tell you one thing - we've run out of patience long before you'll ever run out of clever names. When you do, I think a few members of this board may have a few other suggestions.
Marc
p.s.
Have another one on me.
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Post by Freehod Resident on Nov 2, 2006 14:35:50 GMT -5
I'm back from the interview. An hour trip up there. Whoa. What's been going on here? Dude, what are you trying to prove?Brian, I think you are losing control of PEOPLE. Just lets not answer this guy and he'll go away. Mr. Levine and Caliope please dont answer him anymore and give us all a break.
F R
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Post by admin on Nov 2, 2006 14:56:54 GMT -5
I'm back from the interview. An hour trip up there. Whoa. What's been going on here? Dude, what are you trying to prove?Brian, I think you are losing control of PEOPLE. Just lets not answer this guy and he'll go away. Mr. Levine and Calliope please don't answer him anymore and give us all a break. F R FR, I am with you, what is going on? Mr. many names appears to be a person capable of putting forth many good points, yet prefers to have those points lost by acting like a moron. We will probably have to chalk it up to a bad day. Freehold Resident, Marc, Calliope and all other readers --keep your heads up and do not allow one rotten apple to dictate so much of this sites direction. I will say that I am not happy with the tone. |
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Post by Ben Franklin on Nov 3, 2006 21:57:20 GMT -5
For the record, my name is Silence Dogwood. I am a middle-aged widow. I have been puclished in the New England Courant and the Pennsylvania Gazette. I Shall conclude this with my own Character, which (one would think) I should be best able to give. Know then, That I am an Enemy to Vice, and a Friend to Vertue. I am one of an extensive Charity, and a great Forgiver of private Injuries: A hearty Lover of the Clergy and all good Men, and a mortal Enemy to arbitrary Goverment & unlimited Power. I am naturally very Jealous for the Rights and Liberties of my Country; & the least appearence of an Incroachment on those invaluable Priviledges, is apt to make my Blood boil exceedingly. I have likewise a natural Inclination to observe and reprove the Faults of others, at which I have an excellent Faculty. I speak this by Way of Warning to all such whose Offences shall come under my Cognizance, for I never intend to wrap my Talent in a Napkin. To brief; I am coureous and affable, good-humour'd (unless I am first provok'd) and handsome, and some times witty, but always, I AM Your most humble servant, Silence Dogwood P.s. call the ABC. |
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Post by BEN FRANKLIN on Nov 3, 2006 22:07:54 GMT -5
Silence Dogwood belongs to Ben Franklin... Use your own intellect... Next thing you know you are going to tell us all you invited the first fire insurance plan (another Ben Franklin accomplishment). The only person you impressed must be yourself and some of these other simple minded people...
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Post by aaalady5 on Nov 3, 2006 22:12:07 GMT -5
Gee, I think I should put some tables and chairs in my eat in kitchen and open up shop. Better yet, have some of these folks come in for my delicious baked chicken . I'll open up my sofa bed and voila "Betsys B and B!!!!" Talk about the "feeding of the bums" If anyone tasted my cooking they would shut my B and B down in a NY minute. Oh god, what will these people think of next. Lucky thing they didnt get salmonella poisoning at that home. Sure at 500,000 or more for a liquor license these folks certainly circumvented that situation. Note the corona beer in the photo!!!! Maybe I should have supplied them with my delicious chocolate sour cream bundt cake to add to their dessert menu, lol!!!!
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