653 9th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10036

At 653 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, a five-story, eight-unit old-law tenement built in 1915 and currently owned by Steven Croman, there has been a pattern of recurring heat and hot water issues in 2025. Between February and April 2025, there were ten separate 311 complaints about building-wide heat and hot water problems, with the most recent complaints in April 2025 being described as "emergency" issues. While some complaints were resolved or closed after inspections, including a February 2025 incident where heat and hot water were reportedly restored during the inspection, access issues often hindered proper verification of the conditions. The building has also faced other significant maintenance challenges, including an active Environmental Control Board violation from July 2021 regarding the boiler and backflow system, and multiple Housing Maintenance Code violations in 2024 related to infrastructure and safety systems, such as a leaky roof (APT 5N), heating system access issues, and rodent infestations.

The property has a documented history of building systems maintenance concerns, including a C-class violation from July 2024 regarding mice infestation in apartment 2N and access issues to the boiler room. Department of Buildings records show past violations regarding sidewalk hatch door safety in 2020, though these were dismissed after proper safety measures were implemented. The building's rodent control efforts have had mixed results, with recent inspections in 2025 indicating some compliance issues despite previous successful inspections in 2023. Notably, there have been no reported bedbug infestations in the past five years according to the required reporting periods, and the building has consistently submitted its annual bedbug reports as required.

The property's multiple heat/hot water service complaints in 2025 represent the most pressing current concern, with these recurring issues suggesting ongoing infrastructure challenges despite some resolutions. The building's recent history reflects persistent challenges with temperature control systems, evidenced by numerous 311 complaints and HPD violations throughout 2024 and 2025. Heating system access and maintenance issues have generated multiple emergency service requests, often related to unclear or unresolved heating conditions in the building. While some heating system complaints were resolved upon inspection, the frequency and pattern of these complaints indicate ongoing infrastructure concerns. The presence of active violations related to both rodent control and building safety systems, including water management and environmental controls, suggests that maintenance and compliance issues extend beyond just heating and hot water systems.