Mayor Andre Sayegh, Corporation Counsel Aymen Aboushi, and Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea announced that Paterson has collected a record-breaking $251,000 in fire code violation fines from landlord Frankee Firritto.
According to TAPinto, the fines are part of the city’s “Operation Feet to the Fire” initiative.
Violations included blocked emergency exits, faulty wiring, lack of fire extinguishers, and hazardous structural issues across multiple properties.
One of Firritto’s properties, destroyed in a fire on Harrison Avenue in January 2023, further incurred fire suppression costs.
The properties cited for violations were located at 150 Martin Street, 196 Beech Street, 219 Broadway, and 297 Twelfth Avenue.
The collected fines will fund new fire prevention vehicles, firefighter training, and public safety education programs.
During the announcement, Corporation Counsel Aymen Aboushi emphasized the city’s broader safety initiatives, particularly addressing abandoned properties.
“When we took office six years ago, there were over 1,200 abandoned properties in Paterson. Today, fewer than 200 remain,” Aboushi stated.
He credited the fire department and housing enforcement teams for rigorous inspections that have significantly reduced fire and safety hazards.
The city has also expanded its efforts to address illegal dumping through “Operation Clean Sweep.”
Mayor Sayegh highlighted how the funds from fines are directly reinvested to enhance public safety measures.
“This isn’t just about enforcing the law; it’s about using these penalties to make our community safer and better,” Sayegh said.
Recent fines have been allocated for purchasing new fire equipment, firefighter training, and safety education initiatives.
Since 2023, Paterson has collected over $600,000 in fire code fines.
In 2024 alone, nearly $500,000 has been secured for various violations, including lead hazards and zoning infractions.
Fire Chief Alex Alicea reiterated the city’s commitment to protecting residents: “The endangering of our residents will no longer be tolerated.”
He assured that fines will continue to support fire safety training and equipment improvements.
Fire Captain Herbert Eggers encouraged residents to report unsafe living conditions.
“If violations aren’t fixed, penalties will be assessed, and we will pursue action in court. Our mission is to protect lives, and we will not waver in that commitment,” he said.
Mayor Sayegh added that the administration remains vigilant in improving living conditions for residents, emphasizing that no family should live with unsafe wiring or blocked emergency exits.
Paterson announced the collection of $251,000 in fines from landlord Frankee Firritto for fire code violations under “Operation Feet to the Fire.”
Violations included blocked exits, faulty wiring, and structural hazards across several properties.
The fines will fund fire prevention vehicles, training, and public safety programs.
Corporation Counsel Aymen Aboushi noted that abandoned properties in Paterson have been reduced by 80% since 2018.
The city continues efforts to address fire safety, zoning infractions, and illegal dumping through its initiatives.
Fire Chief Alex Alicea and Fire Captain Herbert Eggers emphasized ongoing enforcement and community engagement to ensure safety.
