Neglected Brooklyn Buildings Sold to New Owner for Repairs

In a positive development for housing stability, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the transfer of three long-neglected rent-stabilized apartment buildings in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to a new owner. This transfer, which took place on September 3, 2026, is expected to put 88 homes on a path toward improved conditions and investment. The properties, previously owned by Rubin Dukler, known for a history of violations, were sold to Mark Schwartz. Following the sale, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will collaborate with tenants and the new owner to address the extensive repairs needed after years of neglect. The three buildings—located at 1018 Eastern Parkway, 1074 Eastern Parkway, and 1392 Sterling Place—are part of HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP), which targets buildings with severe uncorrected violations. Collectively, these buildings had nearly 1,000 open code violations, requiring emergency repairs by HPD. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the significance of this sale, stating that it marks the beginning of a new chapter for tenants who have long endured neglect and disinvestment. The administration is dedicated to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to safe and well-maintained housing.

The transfer of ownership results from concerted efforts by tenants, who began organizing in 2018 for repairs and better conditions. With support from Housing Organizers for People Empowerment (HOPE) and Brooklyn Legal Services, the tenants formed the Dukler Tenant Union in 2025 to advocate for a change in ownership away from the Dukler family. Their efforts culminated in an agreement with Schwartz to rehabilitate the buildings with tenant oversight, moving toward a model of resident ownership. This sale is part of a broader initiative by the Mamdani administration to hold negligent landlords accountable and enhance housing conditions across New York City. The administration has committed substantial resources to affordable housing, with a budget of $22 billion over five years focused on preservation and development. This includes a dedication of $2.6 billion over the next two fiscal years specifically for affordable housing preservation, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s housing crisis.

As the new owner begins the rehabilitation process, collaboration between HPD, tenants, and the new management is crucial for ensuring that necessary repairs are made. The administration’s commitment to empowering tenants and improving housing quality is evident in their ongoing support for tenant organizing and enforcement measures. This sale represents not just a change in ownership but a hopeful step toward a future where all New Yorkers can enjoy safe and stable homes.