1602 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213

The 23-unit, 4-story New Law Tenement building at 1602 Union Street in Crown Heights, owned by Leroy Forde and constructed in 1923, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues, particularly in recent years. Most concerning is the current situation with apartment 1C, which has multiple open violations as of 2024 involving mold (both under 10 sq. ft.

and over 10 sq. ft.), water leaks, flooring problems, and door issues that had previously been noted in 2023 inspections. Recent 311 complaints include a heavy water leak in early 2025 that could not be inspected due to access issues, and various maintenance concerns in September 2024 including electrical wiring, slow water leaks, sewage problems, and indoor air quality issues related to construction dust.

The building has demonstrated generally good pest management, with no reported bedbug infestations in the past several years, and consistent passing inspections for rodent presence from 2014 through 2025. While several housing maintenance code violations were issued and then closed, particularly in late 2023 regarding hot water temperature and various mold conditions, there are still outstanding issues as of 2024 that suggest ongoing maintenance challenges. The property has had multiple inspections and service requests through various city agencies, with most complaints being addressed through inspections, though some issues remain unresolved or were not fully validated during inspections, such as the recent water leak complaint in early 2025.