117 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

117 Gates Avenue is a 4-story, 5-unit residential building in Clinton Hill, constructed in 1865 and currently owned by Melba Wilkins. The property has experienced several concerning maintenance issues in recent years, with the most critical being structural problems identified in early 2023 when the building was placed under structural monitoring due to reported shaking and vibrations. Inspections revealed severe facade issues including bulging, step cracks, and missing mortar compromising wall stability, leading to multiple active violations and significant penalties totaling $37,500 for failure to maintain building walls and appurtenances.

The building has also faced persistent heating system challenges, particularly notable in May 2021 when multiple heat/hot water violations were issued affecting the entire building. More recently, there are open violations from 2022-2024 regarding bedbug report filings, and recent environmental control board violations concerning the annual boiler inspection requirements and expired sidewalk shed permit. The building has a documented history of both structural and systems maintenance challenges that warrant attention.

These include not only the aforementioned heating system problems and structural issues, but also various safety concerns such as the need for carbon monoxide detector repairs and multiple building code compliance violations in 2021 regarding access to the heating system, hallway encumbrances, and required signage. While the property did pass an initial rodent inspection in December 2021, the persistent pattern of violations, particularly in the areas of heat/hot water systems, building maintenance, and structural integrity, suggests ongoing maintenance and compliance challenges. The most recent inspections and violations indicate active issues requiring attention, including multiple open violations related to building safety systems, structural concerns, and failure to meet filing requirements for inspections and reports.