The L&I Files

City Paper’s ongoing coverage of accusations against the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Articles are listed chronologically, oldest to newest. All were written by Ralph Cipriano.

11.23.00: In the Rick of Time

City Councilman Rick Mariano says he’s "immensely bothered" by recent City Paper stories that have raised questions about how life safety issues are being handled by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

11.16.00: Alarming Developments

Working without permits, contractors set off a fire in a Philadelphia Management Corp. property.

11.2.00: Daycare Scare

Fire officials want to know why L&I boss Edward McLaughlin overruled their concerns about the safety of 20 tots at a private daycare.

10.26.00: Fired Up on Chestnut

Tenants at 1300 Chestnut Street are refusing to pay rent in a Ron Caplan high-rise with no certificate of occupancy.

10.19.00: A Moving Issue

Fire department officials, now muzzled by the city, say hundreds of tenants were moved into uncertified buildings.

10.12.00: Signing Off

The L&I officials wanted the dorm evacuated. Their boss didn’t agree.

10.5.00: The Blame Game

The head of L&I blasted the press at a recent private gathering of his employees.

9.21.00: The Ghosts of Meridian

Did L&I dismiss fire code violations for the sake of a wealthy developer? The Fire Department wants to find out. (Cover story)