Lawmakers and community leaders in southern Brooklyn are putting pressure on the city to tackle conversions of one-family homes into illegal multi-family dwellings.
Community Board 10 – which includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Fort Hamilton – is preparing recommendations for the city, including a recommendation that the Department of Buildings concentrate inspection efforts on “hot spots,” the Brooklyn Daily reported.
Since 2012, the neighborhoods have logged more than 1,100 complaints related to illegal conversions, fewer than 300 of which were inspected, according to an analysis of city data by the news site.
City Council member Vincent Gentile of Bay Ridge has introduced legislation that would allow the city to fine owners of homes that show signs of illegal conversion, the news site reported. Property owners would have to submit their buildings for inspection and prove they are compliant to clear the fines. [Brooklyn Daily] – Tom DiChristopher