658 Watkins Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212

This 3-unit, 2-story New Law tenement building at 658 Watkins Street in Brownsville, owned by Jack Bentley, was constructed in 1930 and has experienced numerous concerning issues over the past year. Most notably, there are multiple open violations related to safety and habitability, including problems with garbage storage, pest infestations, and fire escape safety. The building has active violations from a November 2024 inspection regarding insufficient garbage receptacles (class B violation) and multiple unresolved violations from September 2024 in apartment 1F related to safety systems and pest control.

These September violations include defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, an obstructed fire egress, and reports of mold and pest infestations (mice and roaches). Recent 311 service requests from November 2024 indicate ongoing challenges with sanitation conditions and safety features, though many of these requests ended without inspection due to access issues. The building experienced a period of concern regarding heat and hot water in November 2024, though HPD was unable to inspect the apartments. Additional violations from August 2024 suggested problems with electrical wiring and fire-retardant plaster in the public hall.

There are also multiple active illegal conversion complaints on file as of 2025, including one active complaint regarding illegal commercial use in a residential zone from September 2024. While some earlier violations were closed, such as those related to a water leak and mold in August 2024, the persistence of multiple open violations and service requests suggests ongoing maintenance challenges. The inspection and complaint history indicates significant and ongoing issues with building maintenance and safety systems, particularly regarding pest control, fire safety, and sanitation conditions. The inability of inspectors to gain access during multiple inspections is also notable, as is the presence of multiple open violations as of March 2025.