2131 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10029

The four-story, six-unit tenement building at 2131 2nd Avenue in East Harlem, owned by Thomas Gonzalez, has existed since 1900 and has experienced several significant incidents in recent years. Most notably, in December 2023, multiple Environmental Control Board violations were issued regarding unauthorized construction in the rear yard, including an unpermitted bicycle repair shed with electrical wiring that obstructed access to the fire escape for occupied apartments.

These violations, currently active with substantial penalties totaling $37,500, are particularly concerning as they relate to resident safety and building code compliance. In 2024, the building was cited for failing to timely file its annual bedbug report, marking the fourth consecutive year (2021-2024) this violation has occurred, though previous bedbug inspections indicate no reported infestations during the 2021-2022 reporting period.

The property has maintained a consistent record of passing rodent inspections, with all 10 recent inspections from 2017 through 2025 showing compliance. While the building has demonstrated good pest control management through regular inspections, the recent structural and safety violations present a concerning pattern of regulatory noncompliance, particularly in terms of fire safety and building modifications.