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SPOA Housing Policy, Episode 20 – Tenant Identity Fraud

From the SPOA:
“We live in a time when if you make it easy for someone to steal from you, someone will.” — Frank Abagnale

This quote applies to the story of small property owner Tasso Athanasopoulos, from Lynn, Massachusetts, who was left vulnerable when the system failed to protect him. But theft is not always financial. In this case, Tasso was robbed of his dignity by the tenant
who lived upstairs, while Tasso lived on the first floor, running his business as a dentist. Tasso kept the rent below market for years, while showing his tenant respect. When Tasso received the news that his mother was diagnosed with dementia, and when he informed the tenant that he needed the apartment back so that he could move in both of his parents to take care of them, the tenant refused to leave, which forced Tasso to the eviction process.

During the eviction, it was discovered that the tenant committed identity fraud, using a series of false names. Although this act is illegal, calling for the immediate termination of any lease, the eviction process only dragged on even longer for a total of four years! In the end, Tasso was denied the opportunity to be with his mother, and to take care of her, when she died. He also had to tolerate what had been a continued pattern of verbal abuse from his tenant, whose real name turned out to be Celeste Cohen, during and after his mother’s death, far away from her son.

Along with Tasso, we will speak to his attorney, Jordana Greenman, and news reporter, Scott Van Voorhis, who edits the independent newspaper Contrarian Boston. Scott will join us later in the conversation with his own set of questions. We will also hear why Tasso no longer wishes to be a rental housing provider and why he would rather keep his upstairs apartment empty than take the risk of renting to anyone ever again.

At a time when renters need more housing in Massachusetts, amid a housing shortage, what can be done to reverse this trend, so that all the kind and conscientious property owners don’t get chased out of the business?

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.

Dishing While Desserting – Serenade Chocolatier

In this episode, Heather & Nicole try many of the handcrafted chocolates at Serenade, a local chocolatier in Brookline Village. They also discuss applying to college, healthy boundaries, and personal growth.

All the Time in the World

Inspired by his friend April, Isaiah tries to convince Frankie to make a movie with him before Frankie goes off to college.

Produced by Brookline Interactive Group’s Cinema Apprentices.

Directed By Derek Matos Huertas

Written by Derek Matos Huertas and Reid Carroll

Producers Derek Matos Huertas, Abigail Ketema, Ben Ma
Producers Wes Kaplan and Marinah Phennicie

Director’s of Cinematography
Camille Fisher and Ben Dankwerth

Production Designer
Aarzoo Syeda

Editor
Ben Dankwerth

Costume Designer
Finn Carlson

Music Composer
Wes Kaplan and Ben Dankwerth

Nick Diaz as Isaiah
Zainab Al-Warshani as Frankie
Nina Victorov as April

Assistant Director
Abigail Ketema

Second Assistant Director
Reid Carroll

Production Assistant
Amber Huenneke

Cast
Nick Diaz Isaiah
Zainab Al-Warshani Frankie
Nina Victorov April
Eric Sack Teacher
Abram Duclos EXTRA
Calvin Johnson EXTRA
Meggie Weithman EXTRA
Yanchi Liu EXTRA
Kyrie Mateja Blye EXTRA
Christopher Riviere EXTRA
Edwin Guerrero EXTRA
Sachin Patel EXTRA
Nicole Ricci EXTRA
Tarrus McConnico EXTRA

Camera
Camille Fisher, Ben Dankwerth

Lighting
Ben Ma, Bella V

Sound
Emree Elentuck, Horizon Alfred

Wardrobe & Hair
Finn Carlson

Script supervisor
El O’Neil

Production Designer
Aarzoo Syeda

Animation
Nick Diaz

Special Thanks to
Brookline Community Foundation
Brookline Teen Center
Anamary Levasseur
The Town of Brookline
Emily Carroll

Made possible with support from the Brookline Community Foundation.

Dishing While Desserting – Jamie’s Co

In this episode, Heather & Nicole try milkshakes during the summer heatwave. They discuss topics such as class electives, knowing yourself, and having responsible fun.

Made possible with support from the Brookline Community Foundation.

Dishing While Desserting – Party Favors

In this episode, Heather & Nicole try buttercream frosting on the delicious cupcakes at Party Favors, a local bakery in Coolidge Corner and then discuss sea stars, class schedules, and ghost friends.

Made possible with support from the Brookline Community Foundation.

Mike Sandman: A Life in Public Service

A close-up on Brookline Select Board member Mike Sandman’s career in public service.

Produced by Brookline Interactive Group’s Media Apprentices, Yanchi Liu and Calvin Johnson, in partnership with Step to Success.

Made possible with support from the Brookline Community Foundation.

The Community Spirit of Thrifty Threads

Find out what makes Thrifty Threads much more than Brookline’s most affordable thrift store.

Produced by Brookline Interactive Group’s Media Apprentices, Horizon Alfred, Elias Cucurullo, and Eniyah Petit-Frere.

Made possible with support from the Brookline Community Foundation.