97 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10016

The 16-unit, 5-story brick building at 97 Lexington Avenue in Kips Bay, owned by Allen Abbani, has experienced several notable events in recent years, with the most significant issues relating to food safety and building systems. Since 2022, there have been multiple food establishment complaints involving hygiene violations, contaminated food, and improper food handling, including a recent May 2025 incident involving bare hands in food. The building's maintenance history reveals recurring hot water and heating issues, with three emergency complaints between 2020-2022 regarding heat/hot water problems affecting individual apartments and the entire building, suggesting ongoing HVAC challenges.

A concerning elevator safety incident occurred in 2018 when the door zone restrictor was rendered inoperative, resulting in a $1,250 penalty. The property has demonstrated reasonable pest control, with zero bedbug reports since 2019, though there was rat activity noted in 2013 and non-compliance for other reasons in 2010 during rodent inspections. Recent health inspections have generally passed, including a rodent inspection in April 2025. Building maintenance has addressed various general issues, including missing signage and mailbox problems, with no violations formally issued upon inspection.

In recent months, there have been multiple DOHMH food establishment complaints suggesting ongoing food safety concerns, though most were either referred to other agencies or administratively closed after being addressed. The building's inspection history from 2019 to the present shows active maintenance of basic building systems, including electrical work and plumbing repairs as indicated by permit issuances in 2018-2019. The property has maintained its compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, with consistent filings showing no infestation issues. While the building has experienced various maintenance issues typical of its age, it has generally resolved problems when formally documented through the appropriate channels.