1488 1st Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10075

The four-story, six-unit building at 1488 1st Avenue on the Upper East Side, owned by Alex Rivera and constructed in 1910, has experienced several recurring pest issues over the past few years, particularly involving rodents. Most recently, in March 2025, there was a DOHMH complaint regarding food establishment conditions with rodent/insect/garbage issues, though this was closed following department intervention. The building has maintained a zero-infestation record for bedbugs across all filing periods since 2019.

Notable maintenance concerns were documented in 2022 when violations were found in various public areas, including broken floor tiles, missing electrical outlet covers, and problems with the bulkhead ceiling requiring repairs. During this period, violations were issued for a leaky roof over the bulkhead ceiling, defective fire retardant material, and multiple issues with self-closing doors, all of which were subsequently addressed. The property underwent several construction-related activities in 2019-2021, during which time three separate ECB violations were recorded, including one regarding fire rating material removal and unauthorized electrical work in an apartment kitchen area, resulting in penalties totaling $3,850.

The building's maintenance history shows generally prompt response to violations and complaints, with follow-up inspections typically resulting in resolution. Rodent inspections conducted between 2016 and 2021 generally passed, with the exception of a March 2021 finding of rat activity. The most recent permits issued in 2019-2021 suggest ongoing maintenance and improvement work, with multiple plumbing permits being processed through the Department of Buildings. The building's emergency and non-emergency complaint history from 2019-2024 shows regular interaction with housing maintenance and health departments, though most issues appear to have been resolved through official channels, indicating active management response to maintenance concerns.