98-20 37th Avenue, Queens, NY 11368

The property at 98-20 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, owned by Centro Biblico Inc, is a 3-story building constructed in 1931 that has undergone significant changes from its original use as a church. Recent inspections and violations indicate several concerning issues with the building's current status.

As of October 2024, there are active violations related to structural concerns, including a leaning parapet wall on the 99th Street side and various permit-related issues such as unauthorized changes to building occupancy, including the removal of a first-floor apartment, unauthorized storefront modifications, and electrical work for undocumentated awnings. The building's certificate of occupancy status is currently under scrutiny, with multiple violations documented for occupying as a commercial business/butcher shop contrary to the original church designation. The property has a history of maintenance violations and regulatory non-compliance, including failure to file required boiler and pressure inspection reports between 2018-2023, though recent bedbug reports from 2021-2024 indicate no infestations.

In recent years, enforcement actions have resulted in multiple summonses, with penalties totaling $15,000 for various violations as of October 2024, including issues related to an unauthorized awning installation and unpermitted electrical work. The building currently shows active violations for building-related work completed without proper permits and failure to maintain proper documentation and certifications, including a recently issued violation for failure to certify correction of an immediately hazardous ECB violation. While some violations have been resolved through proper corrective actions, such as the installation of a sidewalk shed in October 2024, numerous outstanding compliance issues remain, particularly regarding the building's current use and occupancy status.