556 Avenue Z, Brooklyn, NY 11223

The six-story, 120-unit building at 556 Avenue Z in Gravesend, owned by Ronald Coulter and constructed in 1951, has experienced recurring heating system challenges over the past year, with multiple complaints about heat and hot water issues. Between December 2024 and January 2025 alone, there were seven documented incidents, with three specifically affecting the entire building, though in many cases, inspectors were unable to gain access to verify the conditions. The building has also experienced persistent elevator-related issues, with multiple "No Alternate Service" complaints filed between 2018 and 2025, including three such complaints in 2024-2025, though inspections often found no violations. Apartment 4E was the subject of several serious violations in late 2024, including issues with peeling paint, defective plaster surfaces, faulty smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, leaky faucets, and broken floor tiles, though most of these were certified as corrected by December 2024.

The building's elevator system has faced scrutiny, with ECB violations issued in 2020-2022 regarding critical examination reporting requirements, with penalties totaling $6,250. The building's maintenance record shows sporadic pest control issues, particularly with bedbugs, as evidenced by multiple reports between 2020 and 2024, though recent filings in December 2024 indicated reduced infestation levels. While there were some rodent inspection challenges in 2011 and 2014, the most recent inspections appeared to show compliance. The building has also faced requirements for compliance with energy benchmarking and exterior wall examination reporting, with some penalties paid for missed deadlines in 2023-2024, though a 2024 violation for failed FISP Cycle 9C submission remains active.

The most recent building data indicates some improvements have been made, with several violations being resolved or certified as corrected, particularly in late 2024. However, the pattern of heating and elevator service interruptions, along with various maintenance issues primarily affecting apartment 4E, suggests ongoing challenges with building systems and maintenance response. The building's age and the nature of the complaints indicate typical urban building maintenance issues, though the frequency and pattern of certain complaints, particularly regarding heat and elevator service, might warrant attention. The property has generally maintained compliance with most housing maintenance codes, though there have been periodic issues requiring attention and correction.