Beverley Square West Association

From Ed Blaine: ILLEGAL CONVERSIONS

Apr 02, 2002

Monica MacAdams of Ditmas Park West met recently with Marty Markowitz and his Community Liaison, Yvonne McKenzie to discuss the need to deal with illegal conversions. She asked that we coordinate with the Building Department in the targeting of homes we thought were most obviously being occupied illegally and/or were being used for commercial purposes. Since a "blitz" of such properties was held in Staten Island last year, we believe it could be done in our area as well.
Yvonne McKenzie has asked for a list of buildings we'd like targeted for inspections. You can help by identifying possible illegal conversions on your block and calling me with the information at 693-5706. Here's what we need:
1. Address and suspected illegal use
2. Reasons for suspicion
a. Multiple doorbells, mailboxes and/or utility meters
b. Number of people coming and going
c. Cars parked on the property on a daily basis
d. Signs of commercial activity
e. Apartment in basement or third floor, etc.
Our original neighborhood was zoned for one family homes, and over time, some homes have
been legally converted for two families. However, a number of illegal changes have also been made in recent years, and the landlords of these properties should be held responsible. Help us to identify these properties.
In a recent newsletter, I used an unfortunate term in describing 197 Marlborough Road. I apologize for that. The owner has assured us that he is making every effort to repair the damaged building, and we have offered to assist him.