243 West 109th Street, Manhattan, NY 10025

The five-story, 16-unit tenement building at 243 West 109th Street, owned by Gabe Stone and constructed in 1915, has experienced numerous maintenance issues in the past two years, with particularly pressing concerns emerging in 2025. Most notably, there has been an ongoing mold problem documented through multiple 311 complaints and HPD violations between 2024-2025, and the building is currently facing significant legal scrutiny regarding its occupancy designation, with open violations from December 2023 concerning an allegedly illegal conversion to 16 Class-A apartments and unauthorized cellar alterations including a washing machine installation, plumbing fixtures, and cooking space. The building has also suffered from persistent heat and hot water issues during winter months, with multiple complaints between December 2024 and March 2025, though some were marked as duplicates of building-wide problems. The property has documented multiple rodent issues, with inspection reports showing consistent rat activity throughout 2025, including recent bait application in June 2025.

Other maintenance concerns include plumbing issues (e.g., sink problems in apartment 1E), elevator problems, and various apartment-specific violations. The building's recent history shows a pattern of recurring infrastructure problems, particularly during the winter months, when heat and hot water complaints have been most frequent. While there have been no reported bedbug infestations in recent years, the building's overall maintenance record suggests ongoing challenges with both basic services and vermin control. Recent housing maintenance code violations have been categorized into Class A and B, indicating varying levels of severity, with some requiring immediate attention.

The building's history shows regular 311 complaints and HPD interventions, with varying outcomes. Recent inspections and baiting efforts suggest active attempts to address rodent issues, though the persistence of these problems indicates challenges in achieving permanent resolution. The property has undergone several inspections and received various violations in 2023-2024, though some complaints were closed without finding violations. Of particular note is the building's apparent recent history of heat and hot water problems during winter months, with multiple emergency complaints made and documented between December 2024 and March 2025.