639 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

The 8-unit, 4-story old law tenement building at 639 Union Street in Gowanus, owned by Eric Nachimovsky, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, there have been three separate heat and hot water complaints within the past 18 months (2024-2025) that required HPD intervention, with at least one case involving an inability to gain apartment access for inspection. Water-related issues have also been problematic, including a heavy flow leak complaint in December 2024, and multiple violations regarding building wall maintenance and appurtenances that remain open as of 2025, dating back to 2019.

Electrical problems were documented in mid-2023, including power outages and lighting issues, with one violation involving defective/exposed wiring being served in June 2023. The building has accumulated various housing maintenance code violations, primarily related to paint/plaster conditions and building maintenance, though many of these were eventually closed following inspection. The property has an active ECB violation from June 2023 regarding unauthorized installation of fixtures in apartment 1L, and multiple historic violations related to building maintenance dating back to 2019, including issues with walls, steps, and a cellar entrance door.

Recent inspections have shown consistent reporting of maintenance issues including unsanitary conditions in garbage/recycling storage areas in late 2023. The building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbugs, with no reported infestations in the past five years, and has passed rodent inspections in 2018, though there was one instance of rat activity noted in 2018 and compliance issues in 2010-2011. While there have been various repair requests and violations over the years, many historical issues have been addressed, though several open violations remain as of 2025, particularly concerning building wall maintenance and public hall conditions.