161 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201

161 Columbia Heights is a historic four-story building in Brooklyn Heights, constructed in 1844 and containing 10 units. The property has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, most notably pertaining to structural concerns. In 2022, there was a serious incident involving building vibrations that led to a partial vacate order, and a subsequent environmental control board violation was issued for the rear yard wall, which was found to be in disrepair with vertical cracks, bulging, and crumbling stucco, resulting in a $12,500 penalty.

There are also outstanding violations for failure to file annual boiler inspections from 2017 and 2021. The building has experienced various plumbing and heating issues, including multiple reports of radiator problems and heat/hot water outages, with the most recent being a water leak in 2022. The property owner has maintained records showing compliance with bedbug reporting requirements from 2019 to 2024, with no reported infestations or re-infestations during these periods.

Rodent inspections in 2013 and 2015 passed without issues. Recent building inspections in 2023 and 2024 have indicated some administrative violations, including the need to file annual bedbug reports, and inspections related to Local Law 188/17 compliance. While many previous complaints have been resolved, the building has a history of access issues during inspections, particularly regarding radiator and wall inspections in 2018 and 2022.