491 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

The 5-unit, 2-story building at 491 East New York Avenue in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, owned by David Sputz, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over the past five years. Most recently, in February 2023, the building faced electrical problems, specifically with outlets/switches and lighting, though Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) was unable to gain access to inspect these complaints.

The building's electrical system appears to be a recurring concern, with a power outage incident recorded in February 2020, which was inspected with no violations found. A notable cluster of problems occurred in late 2019-early 2020, including issues with heat and hot water systems (where HPD sometimes could not gain access to inspect), as well as a paint/plaster ceiling issue that resulted in violations. The 2nd-floor apartment (2F) has multiple open violations from 2020, including problems with mold (8-12 square feet on various surfaces), pest infestation, and multiple repair needs involving walls, ceilings, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, kitchen cabinet doors, and floor surfaces.

While the building has had three annual bedbug reports filed between 2019-2021 showing no infested units or eradication issues, there are currently two open bedbug violations from 2024 and 2023 related to the failure to file annual bedbug reports. The building also had some rodent inspection activity, with a failed inspection noted in November 2017 and a passing result in December of the same year, along with a passing inspection in May 2013. These combined factors suggest ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly related to building systems and apartment 2F's condition.