981 Columbus Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10025

The 128-unit, 5-story residential building at 981 Columbus Avenue, owned by Simon Bolivar Housing Development Fund Company Inc, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues in recent years, particularly in 2025. Currently, there are three open service requests from 2025 regarding an inoperative intercom system and unsanitary garbage/recycling storage conditions. The property experienced multiple heat and hot water system complaints in January 2025, with at least two affecting the entire building, though some were subsequently closed after partial resolution.

There have been ongoing pest issues, with multiple violations related to mice and cockroach infestations in apartments 4D and 5F documented in 2023-2024. Notably, apartment 2E has had multiple violations including mold, missing smoke detector, and missing carbon monoxide detector, though some were closed after correction. The building has a documented history of bedbug infestations, particularly between 2022-2024, though recent filings indicate fewer occurrences.

A concerning pattern emerged in 2021 regarding egress issues, with multiple complaints about locked or blocked exits, and violations related to self-closing doors in common areas were noted in 2024, though one of these was marked as "Open." The property experienced mechanical maintenance issues with facade-related equipment, including a violation for improperly installed window air conditioning units in 2023. While the building has had several environmental control board violations, including a significant one for an obstructed exit in 2021, most have been resolved without pending penalties. Recent rodent inspections passed in 2023-2024 suggest some improvement in pest management, though initial inspections in 2021 and 2022 had detected rat activity. The combination of recurring maintenance issues, particularly regarding building systems and pest control, indicates ongoing challenges with property maintenance and resident comfort.