828 Saratoga Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212

The two-family residence at 828 Saratoga Avenue in Brownsville, owned by Oswald Bowman, has experienced several notable issues in recent years, most significantly regarding heat and hot water systems. In February 2024, an emergency complaint was lodged through the Housing Maintenance Code regarding heat and hot water problems, which the Department of Housing Preservation and Development responded to, finding that the services had been restored, though they advised the tenant to file a new complaint if issues persisted.

This heat and hot water issue marked the building's most recent documented resident comfort problem. The property has been undergoing scrutiny regarding unauthorized modifications, with a significant complaint about illegal conversion dating back to July 2022.

While this complaint was initially closed, a subsequent inspection on June 21, 2024, resulted in an Active Environmental Control Board violation against respondent Beverly Bowman, relating to unpermitted work including full-height partitions for rooms and bathroom installations, as well as water-related modifications. This violation, which carries a penalty of $1,250 with a remaining balance of $630, stems from a previous Notice of Compliance Action issued in August 2022 that was reportedly not corrected. The building has been in existence since 1930, featuring two stories and two residential units, and has had these documented maintenance and regulatory challenges under its current ownership.