A Morrisville man who came to be known for running what residents called a “party house” was ordered to pay $30,000 in fines and costs in a summary trial for code infractions last week by Falls Justice Jan Vislosky, borough officials said. 

Jean Augustin, 62 of Morrisville was found guilty in a summary trial for violating zoning ordinances connected to his operating a short term lodging facility and related violations in Morrisville illegally.

 “The Borough is pleased with the Court’s ruling and the assessment of fines and costs at over $30,000. We hope this will deter the defendant’s actions going forward, but we are prepared to take further legal action if necessary,” Borough Manager Scott Mitchell said Monday. 

Augustin became the ire of locals last year when his “parties” came to the attention of Borough officials through  complaints by  neighbors at council meetings and e-mail complaints to officials.  Morrisville residents during public comment at council meetings last year dubbed the North Pennsylvania residence “party house”, frequently complaining about the noise, foot traffic, loud music and the residence not being approved for short term leasing. 

The parties Augustin held were advertised on the All Events In City website which describes itself as an event discovery hub for cities and localities. 

Beginning in August, Augustin was cited by Borough Code Enforcement seven times for summary violations related to the parties and and operating without a short term facilities license. Augustin has been cited for these same types code violations in Lower Makefield also as reported by Lower Bucks Source in January.

The website itself ,and its operators, are based in India and have no conditions for “event holders” to comply with local laws. Organizers of events are paid through a “ticketing” service which attendees pay for online to go to. 

Augustin’s code infraction cases were transferred to the Falls jurisdiction due to Justice Corryn Kronnagel’s prior role as a councilwoman in Morrisville. She told LBS prior to taking her seat on the bench in January she would recuse herself from cases involving Augustin’s code violations in Morrisville.

In December Lower Makefield officials won injunctive relief when County Justice Jeffrey G. Trauger, ordered him to allow officials to inspect all structures located at the his Ridge Avenue residence.

The order called for him to remediate any violations noted by inspectors within 30 days of notice. He was also ordered to vacate the property immediately if code officials cite him for short-term, long term leasing of property and pay costs incurred by the township’s legal actions against him.  No renting or leasing of his property until violations, inspections, and permits are issued by Lower Makefield officials, according to court documents. 

Days after the order was issued, Augustin was arrested by Lower Makefield Township Police for a fight with a neighbor. That case has also been transferred to Falls Township and is scheduled to be heard on March 17. 

In February, according to online court documents, Augustin paid the Lower Makefield about $1100.00 in fines for a August code violation.