677 East 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218

The two-family house at 677 East 4th Street in Kensington, owned by Jacques Pierre, has experienced significant safety and structural concerns in recent months. Most notably, in July 2024, the building suffered fire damage resulting in serious structural issues, with reports documenting that the rear wall at the first and second floors was missing, leaving only charred studs remaining. Inspection reports from July 11, 2024, led to a full vacate order being served, and active violations remain open regarding the building's disrepair.

The property has also faced persistent safety concerns, including a broken/missing window guard reported in July 2024 which HPD was unable to inspect despite multiple complaint filings. Electrical safety has been a recurring issue, as evidenced by multiple complaints in 2023 about defective/exposed wiring, though inspectors were unable to gain access to the building on two separate occasions (May and June 2023). The building has encountered ongoing pest control challenges, particularly with rodent infestations, with complaints filed in July 2024 resulting in violations from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Follow-up inspections in August and September 2024 did not meet compliance standards. The property has a history of access issues for inspectors, as demonstrated by three instances in recent years (2018, 2023, and 2024) where inspectors could not gain access to investigate reported concerns. While some complaints from 2023 related to electrical issues and safety concerns may have been resolved or closed, the most pressing current issues relate to the building's structural integrity, safety violations, and ongoing pest control challenges.