By Dalia Diaz
For the past weeks I have been critical of the Inspectional Services Department in the City of Lawrence and wrote about the building at 555 South Union St. which is owned by Roger Farah. On the 14th, The Eagle-Tribune published an article on the same subject; the only difference is that Mayor Dan Rivera was interviewed and, as usual, the words didn’t register in his brain before speaking them. This was a building permit for a development of 26 single rooms
In it, the mayor said, “Farah coerced building inspector Jose Negrón, who issued the building permit, and Building Commissioner Peter Blanchette, who issued the certificates of occupancy, to provide their approvals.”
Mr. Negrón is now doing very well working for the City of Lowell and Mayor Rivera never misses an opportunity to blame someone for the failures. “I am working with a group of professionals and an amazing city administration,” he responded.
I asked him if he had read the article and he had, indeed. “I did read the article few days ago because someone alerted me about how the mayor was trying to use defamation of character and slander against me without any reason,” he said obviously angry. “I wasn’t surprised of what Mr. Rivera is capable to say or do, it is what characterizes him bullying those he don’t like and saying and doing whatever he fills without consequences.”
What really happened at 555 S. Union St. to give Mayor Rivera reasons to claim that Roger Farah coerced him to issue a building permit for the construction work, Negrón explained, “I issued the building permit sometime in July 2017 after zoning had approved of the project for the 26 rooms assisted living apartments. I recall before the permit was released on my end, Dan McCarthy from Zoning confirmed through an email project site approval because it was similar Use and Occupancy of what was there prior.”
Since Zoning approved for this project because the project was allowed in that district, Negrón signed off on the Building Permit.
Mr. Negrón’s job as a Building Official is to deal with the building permit not Zoning approval matters. When the permit was released Mr. Farah had the blessing of Zoning and submitted an application for a building permit with the building department.
The problem, according to Michael Armano, interim director of Inspectional Services, when they became aware that the building permit specifically said “assisted living” and there was no state-issued license on file for an assisted living building because what he created was 26 studio apartments for rental, the permit was canceled. This is a different purpose from what was stated before.
If this is the case, I couldn’t understand why Mayor Rivera made such statement against Negrón.
“The only logical reason why Mayor Rivera claims that Mr. Farah persuaded me, forced me, pressured me or threaten me (these are all the meanings of the word coerced) to release a building permit is because he is used to opening his mouth without thinking about the consequences when making a false allegation about anyone without evidence. But, knowing Dan Rivera, he is a corrupt politician that will retaliate against anyone who won’t do as he says or anyone who won’t supports his illegal activities around the city. This man is a corrupted politician and is used to thinking that he can do whatever he feels and get away with it. I treated Mr. Farah with the same respect I treated anyone building a small deck in their backyard I always made sure that I gave everyone due process. Rivera is clearly trying to demonize my character and my integrity and I won’t put up with it anymore. I hope Mr. Rivera doesn’t forget that smart people always take note and document important event while on duty in case such are needed in the future,” he elaborated.
For now, Jose is dealing with this situation on a personal level. He has contacted legal counsel in order to take action against Rivera for defamation of character.
“It is very stressful situation, I am minding my own business in another jurisdiction trying to stay away from this third-world mentality, Rivera did not need to make such a defaming statement toward me specially when is a complete lie and a fabrication without merit, but again, knowing this man one cannot expect anything less. After a recent conversation with my attorneys I am following their advice and will not comment further.”
His reasons for leaving Lawrence to go to Lowell were simple. “I live in Lowell and I was offered better working conditions and other benefits that were the deciding factors for me to make the move and I was also tired of the abuses and bullying of the Rivera administration towards innocent residents, businesses, and other employees. I thank you for reaching out and giving me the chance to tell my side of the story to this matter,” he concluded.
Mr. Negrón’s courage clarifying Mayor Rivera’s false statement on the daily newspaper should be commended. He has a long and expensive fight in his hands and I wish him the best with his future goals.
