221 Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206

The 4-story, 9-unit tenement building at 221 Lee Avenue in Williamsburg, owned by Gitty Katz, has experienced several significant incidents since 2023 that warrant attention. Most notably, in March 2023, the building underwent a partial vacate order due to concerns about a structurally questionable extension constructed without proper permits.

This illegal structure, measuring approximately 20' x 12' with steel frames and supports, was reported to pose safety and structural hazards. The Department of Buildings subsequently issued violations requiring an engineer's report to address the structurally deficient conditions, for which there remains an active Environmental Control Board violation as of October 2023 with a $2,500 penalty.

The building has also maintained a consistent record of annual bedbug reporting violations from 2021 through 2024, though recent reports (most recent: May 2024) indicate no current infestations, with zero infested units, eradications, or re-infestations recorded between November 2022 and October 2023. The property has a documented history of structural monitoring concerns, with inspections in March 2023 finding issues with both the building's extension and its facade, though some complaints from March 2023 regarding building conditions were found to have no violations warranting further action. The building's age (built in 1931) and classification as an Old Law Tenement are consistent with its history of maintenance challenges, though the most pressing current concern appears to be the structure and extension-related violations from early 2023.