DOB slams brakes on alleged hostel

A mixed-use building allegedly being partially converted into a hostel in Howard Beach was issued a partial stop-work order by the Department of Buildings on June 21.

On the agency’s website, a complaint made by an unidentified individual alleges that the owner of the property, at 102-22 159 Road, just off Coleman Square, “is doing illegal construction to turn it into a hostel.”

A representative for the DOB told the Chronicle that agency inspectors visited the building after they received the complaint.

“Upon inspection, it was determined that the building had installed a split A/C with disconnect box, which requires an applicable electrical permit for installation,” the rep said. Inspectors also observed new partitions on the first floor that were constructed without a permit.

As a result of the findings, the inspectors issued a partial stop work order and an OATH/ECB, or Office of Administrative Trials/Hearings and Environmental Control Board, violation for working without a permit.

PJ Marcel, a community figure and moderator of the Howard Beach Dads Facebook page, was present at the scene and took to social media to post photos and notify the public.

“Inspectors lawfully gained entry describing the interior design as being on a Amtrak train with (12+) sleeping compartments,” he wrote. He said many area residents observed “a multitude of laborers entering and exiting the building at all hours of the day, hearing construction sounds after hours.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Howard Beach) told the Chronicle, “As soon as I learned about the complaints at this location, I got on the phone with DOB to shut it down. This is a quiet residential neighborhood, it’s no place at all for a hostel or any other facility of that type. The neighbors were clear that they don’t want it, and as their representative, I don’t want it either.”

On Facebook, the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic said residents should report activity at the building to 311, and then notify the Council office at (718) 738-1083 and give the complaint number.

The DOB website states the property “may be subject to DOB civil penalties upon application for a permit. After obtaining the permit, a certificate of correction must be filed on the ECB violations.”

The owner of the property could not be reached for comment.