Many residents in Flatbush will be thrilled to hear, that a “halfway-house” located in the heart of Flatbush, has successfully been shut down. YWN had the opportunity to visit the now defunct home together with NYC Councilman Michael Nelson, and Chief Assistant Chaim Deutsch. YWN salutes them in successfully shutting down this dangerous, illegal residence in the midst of a quiet, residential community.  Click HERE to see the photos of the more than FORTY beds which occupied a three bedroom apartment! Please keep in mind that these forty people, were all parolees for various crimes.

Councilman Michael Nelson issued the following letter late this evening:

Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to announce that my office has been successful in closing down the illegal, unlicensed halfway house located at 1551 East 15th Street.  Thanks to the hard work and persistent efforts of my chief assistant Chaim Deutsch, along with Debbie Weiss and other members of my staff, we have permanently removed this intolerable blight on our community, effective March 15, 2008.

From the moment I learned of the unacceptable situation at 1551 East 15th Street, Chaim Deutsch mobilized a crisis team at my office to investigate and address the problem.  My staff made site visits, and spoke with neighbors, residents of the building, and the Building Manager.  We worked with the local Community Board, as well as agencies and organizations that license such facilities, to rule out the possibility that the facility was duly licensed.  Chaim subsequently enlisted the aid of the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), along with the Police Department, Fire Department, and Shomrim.  Inspections conducted by DOB and HPD resulted in violations for the illegal conversion of this one-family home into a halfway house, while the Police Department and Shomrim stepped up patrols in the area.  The Environmental Control Board (ECB) held a hearing, at which the building was described as an illegal “three quarter house with sixteen (16) beds at 2nd floor & sixteen (16) beds at first floor.” Similarly, HPD issued a Notice of Violation to the owner ordering him to “discontinue unlawful overcrowding” at the building.

After diligent but unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner, my staff communicated with the property’s mortgage lenders to apprise them of the situation.  Subsequently Chaim located and spoke with the owner, with whom an agreement was reached to restore the building to its proper and legal use. 

On March 16th, I personally visited 1551 East 15th Street, along with my staff.  I am delighted to report that the residents have vacated the building, and that there is no longer a halfway house at this location.  Thanks to the concerned residents who sought out my help, and unyielding efforts of my staff, spearheaded by Chaim Deutsch and Debbie Weiss, we were able to remedy this intolerable situation!

Please feel free to contact my office if I can ever be of help to you again in the future.

Michael Nelson, NYC Councilman – 48th District.