514 Chauncey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233

The three-story, six-unit building at 514 Chauncey Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, owned by James Johnson, has experienced significant and persistent heating system issues throughout 2024-2025, with eight documented HPD complaints regarding heat and hot water problems in the entire building between October 2024 and March 2025, many of which were classified as emergencies. These complaints followed a troubling pattern, often being closed shortly after inspection when heat and hot water were reportedly restored, though there were two instances in October 2024 and January 2025 where inspectors were unable to gain access to conduct a proper evaluation. The building also has multiple open Housing Maintenance Code violations as of October 2024, including issues with self-closing doors, an air conditioner in a fire escape window, and a malfunctioning drop ladder at the building's front yard.

Additional concerns have emerged regarding building maintenance and safety. The property has three open violations from July 2023 related to public hall conditions on the third story, including problems with the ceiling requiring repairs, painting, and addressing roof leaks. There are two open bedbug-related violations from 2022 and 2023 regarding annual reporting requirements.

The building's rodent inspection history shows a concerning pattern, with "Rat Activity" documented in multiple inspections between 2018 and 2023, though a compliance inspection in December 2023 passed without issues. Two emergency complaints from December 2023 regarding water leaks and mold were closed without violations being issued, as were two HPD inspections from December 2024. Despite the ongoing heating system problems and various maintenance issues, it's worth noting that many HPD inspections during this period have not resulted in official violations being documented.