Portland officials cite problem property

PORTLAND – City officials seek to condemn one of the city’s most troublesome properties, owned by one of the city’s most notorious landlords.

Police have designated a downtown apartment building owned by Joseph Soley as a “disorderly house” because they responded to 11 calls for service there in August.

The designation requires a landlord to eliminate problems that lead to the calls by evicting problem tenants, increasing private security or other means.

If the owner does not make changes, the city can condemn the property, forbidding new tenants from moving in and evicting those who are causing trouble.

Police said they have been called to the building, located on Exchange Street, 129 times in the past year for domestic disputes, fires, loud parties, people passed out, fights, burglary and thefts.

“His buildings are the buildings from hell,” Police Chief Michael Chitwood said. “His properties in the Old Port cause us more problems with criminal-type activities than any other place in the city.”

Neither Soley nor his lawyer could be reached for comment.

Soley was scheduled to meet with the city’s attorney Wednesday morning.