340 Devoe Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

340 Devoe Street is a 2-story, 5-unit residential building in East Williamsburg, built in 1920 and currently owned by Mark Halpern. The property has experienced several concerning events in recent years, most notably between April 2025 and January 2023 when multiple HPD inspections were attempted but access was repeatedly denied, including for serious issues such as fire escape safety, plumbing concerns with steam pipes/risers, and mold problems.

The building has documented illegal alterations, particularly in apartment 2F, where modifications creating an illegal triplex configuration have been identified, along with unauthorized work on stairs and utilities. These violations were part of multiple Housing Maintenance Code complaints in 2023, all receiving classification as "B" level violations. The property has ongoing safety concerns, evidenced by recent ECB violations in 2024 regarding unpermitted gut renovation work with associated fall hazards, carrying a $12,500 penalty.

Historical complaints show patterns of access denial during inspections, particularly regarding illegal conversion and safety issues. While the building has maintained a zero incidence of bedbug infestations since at least 2020, recent rodent activity was documented in late 2024, as confirmed by compliance and initial inspections. The repeated inability of inspectors to gain access to investigate complaints, combined with the history of unauthorized modifications and safety violations, suggests ongoing challenges with building maintenance and compliance.