Suspected Illegal Conversion On Ditmas Avenue Is Rife With Violations

Concerned neighbors tell us they have spotted construction at a Ditmas Avenue home, a suspected illegal home conversion that is plastered with active Department of Buildings violations.

Over the last year, 22 complaints have been filed against the owner of 1135 Ditmas Avenue, located between Westminster and Stratford roads, including illegal construction, violation of Stop Work Orders (SWOs), a non-compliant fence, illegal excavation, and operating an illegal construction depot and religious school on the property.

The two-story residence, which includes a garage at 520 Westminster Road, has seven open violations, including several for continuing construction in the face of past SWOs, according to Department of Buildings (DOB) records.

“The owners refuse to follow the law,” said Joel Siegel, the Ditmas Park resident and member of the Ditmas Park West Neighborhood Association. “One has to wonder why they chose to buy property in such a cohesive neighborhood, with the intent of disrupting the continuity.”

Yesterday, trucks were seen pouring concrete for what may be a large driveway at the property, and neighbors called 311 to issue a complaint. The most recent construction also violates an active Full Vacate Order from October 2015, for excavation work that undermined the existing footings, according to the DOB.

A neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, told us the original contractor on this job had a dispute with the property owner, and sent a copy of the building contract and plans to the DOB. The plans revealed the owner’s intention to build an illegally subdivided four- to five-unit building on property zoned for one- to two-family homes only.

The two permits that have been recently filed and approved, in May 2016, are for interior renovations and a vertical extension at the second floor.

We reached out to the property owner Alsayed Alabdlawi, but he did not respond in time for publication. The DOB is planning to follow up on the property with inspector, according to a press office.

The property owner currently owes the city $18,800 in civil penalties.