979 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

979 Metropolitan Avenue is a 3-story, 6-unit Old Law Tenement building located in East Williamsburg, constructed in 1920 and currently owned by Fred Gelfand. The building has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years, with particular concerns in 2024 including multiple complaints about building-wide heat and hot water problems in March, an electrical outage and lighting issues in February, and concerns regarding water supply and door security.

These issues are reflected in both 311 Service Requests and Housing Maintenance Code Complaints, with multiple violations remaining open as of 2024. The building has a history of rodent activity, with inspections in 2024 showing consistent rat activity, and previous pest control measures documented in 2021-2022. The property has also had some concerning infrastructure questions, with complaints about building shaking and work without proper permits recorded in 2023, though inspectors were unable to gain access during their visits.

While the building's bedbug reports from 2019 through 2025 show no infestations, the property has faced recurring maintenance challenges, including plumbing issues and interior structural concerns like ceiling paint/plaster problems. Open violations as of 2024 include security concerns regarding encumbrances on the fire escape and excessively hot water in one apartment (3R). The building's maintenance history suggests ongoing challenges with basic systems like heating, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure, requiring frequent tenant complaints and agency interventions.