624 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

The 2-family house at 624 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, owned by Candice Aqui, has experienced several significant events over the past decade, particularly during the 2020-2024 period. In 2020, the property underwent demolition work that attracted multiple complaints and violations, including issues with unsafe/illegal demolition practices, inadequate safety netting, and multiple failures to obtain proper permits, though these complaints were eventually resolved.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) and Environmental Control Board (ECB) records show a series of concerning violations during the demolition and construction phases, including inadequate guardrails and handrails, poor housekeeping, and unsafe conditions creating hazards for pedestrians. More recently, in 2024, two significant ECB violations were issued related to construction operations, including improper management of water drainage affecting adjacent properties and inadequate pre-construction documentation, resulting in penalties totaling $15,000.

The building's history also reveals some maintenance and safety issues beyond the demolition phase, including complaints about an inadequate fence in 2021 (with associated penalties), problems with construction site management in 2021, and past rodent activity as documented in 2014 and 2015 inspections showing rat activity. A notable pattern emerges of permit-related violations, with multiple instances of inspectors being unable to gain access during permit-related inspections in October 2019, and a concerning trend of safety violations during the demolition and construction phases between 2020-2024, though many of these violations were ultimately resolved and dismissed, either through payment of penalties or demonstration of compliance. The most recent inspections in 2024 indicate that construction-related violations are being addressed, with some penalties still showing as due, particularly for safety safeguard issues.