Gertrude Berman explained the higher cost to convert 847 Asylum Avenue into a rooming house to the City of Hartford

1. Gertrude Berman was acting as agent for the owner of the house, Irving Levy.
2. The contractor, Gene Warnke, owed the City of Hartford an additional fee of $16.50 due to the higher cost to complete the project.

There is no indication in the public record as to how the City responded to Berman’s explanation or whether the additional fee was paid, but it would appear the matter was resolved as the City issued a certificate of occupancy for the house.

1. Gene Warnke applied for a building permit to convert 847 Asylum Avenue into a rooming house on March 22, 1950.
2. The city’s building division will approve the permit application on May 4, 1950.
3. Sam Rogers will apply for a plumbing permit for work at 847 Asylum Avenue on June 19, 1950.
4. On November 2, 1950, a municipal inspector will declare the work completed.

The city will issue a certificate of occupancy today.

1. William Ahern, a resident of 847 Asylum Avenue, will die on November 28, 1950.
2. The house will be converted to a “home for the aged” beginning on November 5, 1954.

1. The final cost of the project would be $51,326.09 in 2025.
2. The additional fee of $16.50 would be the equivalent of $220.09 in 2025.
3. Gertrude Berman is also Irving Levy’s mother-in-law.

City of Hartford.  “Letter from Gertrude J. Berman on behalf of Irving Levy re Permit 8142-HR,” November 8, 1950.