689 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207

689 Pennsylvania Avenue is a two-story, four-unit residential building constructed in 1923, currently owned by Solomon Jacobowitz and located in East New York. The property has a concerning pattern of maintenance issues, particularly regarding pest control, water damage, and building systems. Most recently, in March 2025, multiple complaints were filed regarding unsanitary conditions, including pest problems and deteriorating paint/plaster conditions, though HPD was unable to complete inspections in response to these complaints.

The building has experienced recurring rodent problems, with failed inspections in November 2024 and January 2025. Water-related issues have been persistent, with multiple heavy flow water leak complaints in late 2023, and the building currently has several open Housing Maintenance Code violations from August 2024, including infestations of roaches, peeling paint requirements, and door-related deficiencies in Apartment 3. Building systems and safety concerns include multiple instances of heating problems (with a November 2023 emergency complaint regarding inadequate heat in Apartment 1), electrical issues, and ventilation concerns. The property has a documented history of unsuccessful inspections by various agencies, including multiple cases where inspectors were unable to gain access to affected areas.

Environmental Control Board violations remain active, including a 2022 violation regarding outdoor electrical installations with a $4,000 penalty and a 2019 construction safety violation with a $25,000 penalty. The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of recurring issues with pest control (particularly rodents), water damage, and building systems requiring attention. While some inspections have resulted in no violations being issued, the current status shows numerous open violations and unresolved complaints affecting multiple units and common areas. The property has also undergone several inspection attempts related to unauthorized work and electrical safety concerns over the past five years, with inspectors frequently unable to access the necessary areas for proper evaluation.