479 Hancock Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233

The three-story, two-family house at 479 Hancock Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, owned by Francisco Vasquez, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over recent years. Most notably, there were multiple heating-related complaints in late 2021 and early 2022, including an apartment-specific emergency complaint in March 2022 and a building-wide emergency complaint in November 2021.

The building faced serious safety concerns in October 2020 when dislodged stone from the third-floor window injured three people, though subsequent DOI violations related to this incident were ultimately dismissed. Multiple violations were issued between 2020-2021 for working without proper permits, unmaintained fire safety systems, and hazardous conditions, including gas piping issues and non-compliant sprinkler systems, though most were resolved without penalties. Recent rodent inspections show a mixed record, with rat activity noted in 2024 and failed compliance in late 2022, though the most recent inspection in June 2025 passed.

The Department of Buildings recorded various complaints, including a Stop Work Order violation in July 2023 for unauthorized work on the third floor/public stairs, though other recent complaints in 2022 regarding permits and vacant building status resulted in no violations being issued. Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) inspections between 2021-2022 investigated various issues including plumbing, unsanitary conditions, and fire escape safety, though no violations were found in these cases. While many historical violations were resolved with no penalties, the pattern of heating system problems, safety incidents, and rodent issues suggests ongoing maintenance challenges at the property.