491 Montauk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

The two-family house at 491 Montauk Avenue in East New York, owned by George Kennedy, has experienced several concerning maintenance issues since 2018, with the most significant problems occurring in the past year. As of April 2023, there are open Department of Buildings (DOB) violations regarding illegal rooming units and cooking spaces in the cellar, including five violations related to unauthorized rooming units and one for an unlawful cooking space with an electric stove, for which a $2,500 penalty has been imposed.

The building has a documented history of heating system problems, with multiple heat/hot water complaints filed with HPD, including a recent emergency complaint in April 2023, though no violations were issued during the inspection. Between 2018-2023, there were several periods of inadequate heat (with violations issued in 2018) and various maintenance issues including electrical problems (lighting and wiring), plumbing concerns, and unsanitary conditions.

Notably, there were multiple instances in 2018 where inspectors were unable to gain access to apartments for inspections regarding electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance concerns. The building's recent history also shows multiple complaints about illegal conversions and rooming units, though inspections often resulted in access denial. The property has maintained a legal occupancy status since a rodent inspection in 2012 passed without issues.