51 Coursen Place, Staten Island, NY 10304

The 30-unit, 2-story building at 51 Coursen Place in Clifton, owned by Heshy Botknecht and built in 1971, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues throughout recent years. As of 2025, there are ongoing concerns with water-related problems, evidenced by multiple complaints about heavy flow water leaks in 2025, including one that resulted in violations. Other significant issues this year have included unsanitary conditions related to mold and pests, though not all complaints were able to be inspected. The building has also faced challenges with basic services, including heat/hot water systems and multiple plumbing issues between February and May 2025, many of which resulted in violations.

The property has a history of various maintenance problems requiring attention, as demonstrated by multiple Housing Maintenance Code violations. In 2024, violations were recorded in apartments 3E and 3J regarding defective safety equipment and property maintenance issues. Additionally, in 2024 the building received an Environmental Control Board violation for facade disrepair, with cracks and erosion noted. While there have been multiple plumbing and water-related complaints, including issues with sinks, bathtubs/showers, and window frames, not all inspections were able to be completed due to access issues.

The building's emergency systems, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, were found to be defective in late 2024. However, the property has generally maintained compliance with rodent inspections, passing multiple assessments from 2016 to 2024, though there were two instances of failure recorded in 2020 and 2021. The building has a mixed record of addressing and resolving maintenance issues, with some violations being certified as corrected while others remain open or have been closed without resolution requirements being met. The most recent cluster of complaints in 2025 suggests ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly related to water systems and basic building infrastructure. The building's history shows periodic issues with heating systems, building envelope maintenance, and various plumbing problems, though some historical concerns such as bedbug infestations appear to have been successfully managed with no reported cases in recent years.