688 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212

The 16-unit, 4-story tenement building at 688 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, owned by Christopher Bramwell and constructed in 1930, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues over the past few years. Most notably, there are multiple recent complaints regarding broken or missing window guards, with the most recent incidents reported and closed in April and June 2025, indicating ongoing safety concerns. The building has also faced intermittent issues with heat and hot water, with complaints in January and March 2025 being addressed.

A significant cluster of complaints emerged in late 2022, including issues with plumbing, windows, general maintenance, unsanitary conditions (including pests and mold), and various appliances, though inspectors were often unable to access the units for verification. The property has active violations related to failure to file external low-pressure inspections for multiple years (2018-2023), suggesting potential safety equipment maintenance oversight. There are also several open violations from late 2022 regarding Apartment 2C, including issues with bathroom mildew, broken windows, cabinet problems, and evidence of vermin infestation.

However, it is worth noting that the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug reports in recent years (2022-2025), with all filing periods showing zero infested units. The most recent rodent inspection in 2017 passed, though a 2010 inspection noted rat activity, indicating historical pest control challenges. The building's heating system received attention in both 2023 and 2025, with complaints being addressed, though these remain an area of concern given their recurrence.