1540 1st Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028

1540 First Avenue is a 34-story, 310-unit residential building located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, built in 1980 and currently owned by Steven Rotter. The property has experienced several recurring issues in recent years, most notably concerning food establishment violations, with multiple complaints between 2022-2025 regarding rodents, insects, and garbage. There are also ongoing concerns about rodent activity, with repeated inspections showing varying results from "Passed" to "Rat Activity" between 2022-2025.

The building has documented problems with construction-related lead dust in common areas and apartments that remains unresolved as of 2024, along with air quality issues including chemical vapors and construction dust in late 2022. Multiple 311 service requests and DOB complaints have been filed regarding various maintenance issues, including elevator safety concerns, facade maintenance, and sidewalk shed compliance. The parking garage has been found with concrete spalling and exposed rebar, while exterior inspections have noted problems with balcony undersides and brickwork.

Despite these challenges, the building has maintained active compliance efforts, with regular rodent inspections and multiple permits issued for various maintenance and repair work. Bedbug reports have shown no infestations since 2019, indicating effective pest control management. The property has generally addressed violations when cited, with several being resolved through compliance actions or payments. Recent inspections and service requests suggest ongoing maintenance and safety monitoring, though the persistence of certain issues, particularly regarding food establishments and rodent activity, indicates these remain significant concerns for building residents.