The owner of a Warren Street building paid $2,500 in fines on Friday morning at the Paterson Municipal Court for allowing illegal businesses in a ramshackle property that was powered using an extension cable from an electrical outlet on the street, according to municipal officials.

George Maalouf, owner of 185 Warren Street, pleaded guilty to the violations issued by the Community Improvement Division inspectors on May 5th, 2016. His building was cited for 10 violations.

Maalouf rented the building to six businesses without any certificate of occupancy. Among the businesses were an illegal gambling joint, a chop shop, and a car mechanic shop, inspectors said at the time.

Maalouf’s 14,756 square feet building also did not have fire sprinklers or proper electrical connections. Half of the roof at the rear of the building had caved in, found inspectors. There was also construction work done at the site without necessary city permits.

The fire department closed down the building and evacuated the businesses at the time.

The city also issued violations to the businesses that were occupying the building without proper paperwork.

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