274 Van Buren Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221

The property at 274 Van Buren Street is a 2-story, 3-unit residential building constructed in 1899 in Bed-Stuy, currently owned by Chaim Friedman. The building has experienced persistent pest-related issues in recent years, with multiple rodent complaints and inspections showing rat activity throughout 2024 and 2025, including several violations requiring Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) follow-up inspections. In 2024, there was a significant health concern involving human feces that resulted in a violation notice requiring corrections.

The building's garbage and recycling storage areas have also been the subject of multiple 311 complaints in 2025, though HPD inspections found no violations of housing laws. The property has a history of infrastructure-related violations, particularly regarding its sprinkler system. In 2018-2019, multiple violations were documented related to sprinkler head requirements, water supply issues, and testing equipment deficiencies, all of which were eventually closed.

The building underwent an environmental control board (ECB) violation for improper drainage requirements in 2023, resulting in a $625 penalty. More recently, in early 2025, there were concerns about non-conforming zoning use, though no violations were warranted at the time of inspection. However, the building's water drainage and system maintenance have been recurring issues, as evidenced by the ECB violation in 2023 and multiple Department of Buildings complaints regarding water retention and drainage problems.