972 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206

The three-story, two-unit residential building at 972 Myrtle Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, owned by Yehuda Kohn, has experienced several significant issues since the property was built in 1931. Most notably, the building suffered a fire in July 2022 that caused major structural damage, including the collapse of the third-floor stairs and compromised windows, doors, ceilings, and facade. Following the fire, there have been ongoing concerns about structural stability, with active violations regarding failure to submit required engineering reports in 2022-2023, and multiple construction-related complaints in early 2025 regarding work without permits and work contrary to stop work orders.

The building has also faced persistent pest control challenges, with repeated rodent sightings reported to DOHMH between 2023 and 2025, and multiple inspections showing rat activity. While bedbug reporting requirements appear to have been met with zero reported infestations between 2022-2024, the building's overall maintenance record shows ongoing compliance issues. Recent construction activity is documented with several permit applications in 2024, including a June issuance for emergency work.

The property has a history of various maintenance issues requiring attention, including lighting deficiencies noted in 1999 and 2009, and multiple repairs needed for doors, windows, and intercom systems in 2021. While some earlier violations from 2001 regarding vestibule flooring and 1999 concerning broken stair treads were eventually resolved, the most pressing current concerns center around the building's post-fire condition and ongoing rodent problems. The Department of Buildings has issued multiple active violations regarding non-compliance with repair orders following the 2022 fire, indicating ongoing concerns about the building's structural integrity and maintenance response. The presence of repeated rat activity as recently as 2025 suggests continuing pest management challenges, despite some inspections showing compliance with rat control requirements.