1980 3rd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10029

The four-story Old Law Tenement at 1980 3rd Avenue in East Harlem, owned by Steven Croman and built in 1920, has experienced several notable incidents in recent years, particularly related to its commercial food establishment operations. Between 2019 and 2023, there were multiple reports of food poisoning incidents, including two significant episodes in 2022 (three or more cases) and 2023 (1-2 cases), as well as recurring complaints about rodent/insect issues and garbage management.

The building has maintained an active rodent inspection record, passing inspections in 2023, 2024, and 2025, though it failed one inspection in September 2023 for "other reasons." Recent Department of Buildings (DOB) activity is particularly concerning, with multiple complaints about unpermitted work in occupied multiple dwelling units in April 2025, leading to a partial stop work order. Notably, an active environmental control board violation from May 2020 remains unresolved, citing hazardous conditions including exposed wires, open outlets, and improperly handled electrical fixtures in a walk-in restaurant area, with a $12,500 penalty still outstanding.

The building's housing history shows no documented bedbug infestations in recent years, with consistent reporting of zero infested units since 2019. While the building has periodically faced various code compliance issues, most recent rodent and sanitation inspections have yielded passing results, suggesting some improvement in building maintenance standards.