489 3rd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10016

The 25-unit, 6-story New Law Tenement building at 489 3rd Avenue in Kips Bay, currently owned by 33rd Street Investors I LLC, has experienced recurring heating system issues in early 2025, with two separate incidents of no heat or hot water reported in January 2025, despite restoration being confirmed during HPD inspections. The building has a documented history of maintenance challenges, including a heavy water leak in 2023, multiple plumbing issues in 2022 (particularly in apartment 3D), and various interior maintenance needs including wall, floor, and ceiling repairs in 2023. The property has also faced some environmental concerns, with a food establishment complaint in late 2023, and notably has an active ECB violation from December 2024 regarding the absence of a sprinkler system in the ground floor and basement, with a penalty of $1,250 imposed.

While the building has shown compliance in recent rodent inspections, passing a March 2025 inspection, there was a period of bait application needed throughout 2020. The building's maintenance record shows regular inspections and response to violations, though some issues have persisted over time. For example, violations related to the roof and water leak in apartment 1E were addressed but others from 2022-2023 remain open.

The property has maintained a record of no bedbug infestations or re-infestations since 2019, and while there were historical rodent issues that required baiting in 2020, recent inspections have shown improvement. The building's owners have obtained necessary permits for various maintenance work, with multiple permits issued in late 2019. The combination of heating system complaints, water issues, and the active sprinkler violation suggests ongoing infrastructure and safety system maintenance challenges, while the lack of pest and bedbug issues over recent years indicates some improvement in general building conditions.