Brooklyn Tenants Endure 2 Years Without Heat or Hot Water

Residents of 491 Keap St. building battle notorious landlord and receiver over lack of basic services

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Tenants at 491 Keap St. in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood have been living without consistent heat and hot water for over two years, forcing them to boil water and seek alternative bathing options. The building, which opened in 2018 and includes luxury apartments with rents up to $6,400 per month, is in foreclosure and has been plagued by issues stemming from a court-appointed receiver's failure to make necessary repairs. A New York Supreme Court judge has now ruled that the receiver has not adequately addressed the hazardous conditions, allowing the tenants to seek a new building administrator to manage the property and restore services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges low-income tenants can face when landlords neglect their properties, even in high-end developments. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of court-appointed receivers in resolving building issues and protecting vulnerable residents. The lack of basic necessities like heat and hot water during a brutal winter underscores the human toll of landlord negligence and the need for stronger tenant protections.

The details

In three separate incidents since July, police said Walker Reed Quinn, a 45-year-old San Francisco resident, has been damaging Waymo autonomous vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles when the latest incidents occurred.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.