2356 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The three-story, two-unit building at 2356 Pitkin Avenue in East New York, owned by Rev. Jose Cotto, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over recent years. Most notably, there have been multiple heat and hot water complaints, with the most recent emergency complaint filed in December 2024, though inspectors were unable to gain access to verify the conditions.

The building has also faced challenges with unsanitary conditions, including garbage/recycling storage issues and pests in late 2022, with inspectors unable to gain access to verify the more recent sanitation complaint from November 2022. Three open violations related to bedbug reporting requirements have been documented between 2021 and 2024, though there was one documented pest inspection in 2022 that resulted in no violations. Additional concerns include an open violation from December 2022 requiring the removal of encumbrances (mattresses, table, and cardboard boxes) from the second-story public hall.

A more recent concern was raised in late 2024 regarding potential illegal conversion of the property, though inspectors were denied access during their attempts to investigate in January 2025. The building's maintenance history also shows two rodent inspections from 2012, with the initial inspection revealing rat activity, though a subsequent compliance inspection indicated this issue had been resolved. While many complaints and violations have been closed, several open issues remain, particularly regarding bedbug reporting compliance and the 2022 encumbrance violation. The property has been in operation since 1930 and has transitioned to a Class A building designation, though its current condition suggests ongoing maintenance challenges.