643 New Jersey Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The 3-story, 6-unit New Law Tenement building at 643 New Jersey Avenue in East New York, constructed in 1930 and currently owned by Meredith Marshall, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, particularly related to heat and building integrity. Most notably, in late 2024, the building faced repeated heat and hot water service complaints, with two emergency reports in November and December. These heating issues are part of a longer history, as a similar complaint was recorded in March 2019.

The building faced critical structural concerns in October 2024, when violations were issued regarding severely cracked and spalled brick masonry and stucco on both the south and west elevations, with some fallen sections posing public safety risks. These issues led to active violations requiring immediate installation of sidewalk protection and repair work. Apartment 3A has been the focus of multiple violations in 2024, including problems with pest infestation (open violation as of May 2024), and various safety and maintenance issues such as defective smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and bell buzzer intercom system problems. Earlier violations from March 2024 documented the need for painting work and repairs to plastered surfaces.

The building has a documented history of bedbug infestations, with incidents reported in 2019 and 2022, though no infestations have been reported in the most recent three filing periods (2022-2025). The property has seen regular interaction with housing authorities, with various emergency complaints and inspections, particularly focusing on heating systems and building maintenance, though many past complaints were ultimately closed with indications that issues were resolved or could be addressed through new complaints. The building's maintenance record shows a pattern of reactive rather than preventive maintenance, with issues typically being addressed only after multiple complaints and inspections. The most recent structural violations and ongoing issues in Apartment 3A suggest that some maintenance challenges remain unaddressed, particularly considering the open status of several May 2024 violations.