Dyker Heights

Department of Buildings vacates illegally constructed apartments in Dyker Heights

June 23, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle
FDNY and DOB examine the plans of a house with an illegal cellar unit. Photo by Ray Denaro
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According to a spokesperson for the Department of Buildings (DOB), on Thursday, the DOB made an inspection at 1317 73rd St. responding to a 311 complaint.

Upon arrival, DOB inspectors observed an illegally constructed apartment in the cellar, with unpermitted gas and plumbing lines.

DOB issued a Vacate Order on the illegal cellar unit due to a lack of two means of egress: the illegal gas lines and insufficient ventilation in the apartment.

In total, five people were determined to be living in the basement unit, and all were offered relocation assistance by the American Red Cross.

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None of the apartments on the first and second floor were vacated. 

Responders arrived at the house at approximately 10:15 p.m., according to an eyewitness, along with NYPD, FDNY, DOB and the American Red Cross.

Recently, illegal home conversions have become more prevalent in the neighborhood.

“Being on the scene last night and witnessing some of the conditions that not only adults but many children were living in was heart-wrenching,” said District 47 City Council candidate Ray Denaro. “I understand the financial difficulties of providing a proper home for your family but circumventing your legal duties cannot be tolerated. 

“I want to commend our great NYPD, FDNY, American Red Cross and DOB for attending to this situation swiftly and with great poise,” added Denaro. “We need more residents to come forward if they see signs of illegal home conversions. People’s health is absolutely at risk.”

 


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