1494 East 17th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11230

The three-story, three-unit building at 1494 East 17th Street in Midwood, owned by Abe Pentelnik and constructed in 1930, has experienced several significant events, most notably a major four-alarm fire in June 2019 that caused extensive damage to multiple floors and portions of the roof, resulting in structural instability and requiring emergency stabilization work. Following the fire, there were multiple violations related to fire damage clean-up and structural repairs, though these were subsequently dismissed in 2023. The building has two recent Class B Housing Maintenance Code violations from August 2023, concerning unauthorized re-occupancy of Apartments 2 and 3 during repair orders, though these were certified as closed in September 2023.

The property has maintained a clean record for bedbugs since 2019, with no infestations reported in the past five filing periods. The building's history includes several instances of unauthorized work and permit issues, particularly in 2019 which indicated possible illegal conversions, though these complaints were ultimately dismissed. There have been multiple complaints and violations regarding work being performed without proper permits between 2019 and 2024, with one construction-related violation in 2022 resulting in an Oath Violation being served.

The total number of dwelling units has been a point of concern, with violations noting the building was maintained or occupied as a dwelling for more than the legally approved number of families (three), with records suggesting possible illegal fourth-unit occupancy. However, recent bedbug reporting requirements indicate all units are currently being properly maintained. Since the 2019 fire, multiple permits have been issued and properly filed, suggesting improved compliance with building codes and regulations.