221 Mcdonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218

221 McDonald Avenue, a 6-story, 160-unit residential building in Windsor Terrace constructed in 1953 and currently owned by Greg Cohen, has experienced several notable maintenance and safety issues over recent years. The building has faced multiple concerns regarding fire door safety and security, with three Class C violations in 2024 related to self-closing door mechanisms and latch issues at various public hall fire doors, particularly on the first and fifth stories. A significant pattern of unsanitary conditions has emerged, including five separate complaints in 2023-2024 involving mold, with the most recent occurring in November 2023, though no violations were ultimately issued by HPD.

The building has also shown recurring issues with its garbage/recycling storage areas, evidenced by multiple complaints and violations between 2018 and 2024. Recent health and safety inspections have revealed various concerns, including an ongoing investigation into construction lead dust (2024), two asbestos-related complaints (2024 and 2023), and a brief drinking water quality complaint in late 2024 that yielded no health code violations. The elevator system has been a focus of attention, with violations in 2021 related to maintenance and safety features, though these were resolved with penalties in 2023.

The building's management has generally maintained compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, showing zero infestation cases in the most recent two reporting periods (2023-2025). Historical records indicate previous challenges with heat and hot water systems, particularly in 2019 and 2020, though these issues were reportedly resolved promptly. While the building has faced various maintenance challenges, records show most violations have been addressed through proper channels, often requiring multiple inspections before resolution, suggesting ongoing management oversight of building systems and maintenance requirements.