45-14 50th Street, Queens, NY 11377

The two-family house at 45-14 50th Street in Sunnyside, currently owned by Robert Cunniffe, has a concerning recent history of violations related to unpermitted construction work. Most notably, in August 2023, the building received a significant setback when a complaint was filed regarding unauthorized construction activities in violation of a previously issued stop work order. This complaint, entered on August 21, 2023, resulted in an inspection the same day, during which a building violation was documented for failure to obey the stop work order.

Following this incident, the Environmental Control Board issued a violation on the same date (August 21, 2023) against Robert Cunniffe for unlawfully continuing construction work while under notice of a stop work order. The violation specifically noted that work had resumed on the staircase leading to the cellar at the front yard, which had been only 25% complete at the time of the original stop work order in February 2017. A penalty of $5,000 was imposed for this violation, though records indicate the balance was subsequently cleared.

This pattern of construction-related violations raises questions about regulatory compliance and safety oversight in the building's recent history. It's worth noting that the property was built in 1930 and has maintained its original two-story, two-family configuration throughout its history. The building's current violation status was resolved through payment of the imposed penalty, but the series of stop work orders and subsequent violations suggests a history of challenges in adhering to proper construction protocols and city regulations.