2722 Fredrick Douglass Bl, Manhattan, NY 10030

The 6-story, 26-unit tenement building at 2722 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, owned by Robert Seiden, has experienced several recurring issues over the past two years, particularly with garbage storage conditions, heat/hot water systems, and rodent activity. Most notably, there have been multiple complaints about unsanitary garbage/recycling storage between February and April 2025, though HPD inspections found no housing law violations. The building suffered from heat/hot water issues in January 2025, with one complaint classified as emergency, and had plumbing problems (water supply) in December 2024 that were reportedly corrected.

More concerning are the open Housing Maintenance Code violations from August 2024 related to a fire escape, fire safety signage, and building cleanliness, including a C-class violation for rodent infestation in the front yard. The building has a documented history of elevator issues, with multiple complaints between 2019 and 2024 regarding the single elevator service and related safety equipment, though most were closed with no violations found or were resolved. There were also several active ECB violations in 2021 and 2019 involving elevator and fire safety equipment, with penalties totaling over $3,000, some of which remain active as of the latest records. While pest control efforts have been ongoing, with several documented bait applications throughout 2023-2024, there have been periods of rat activity around the building, as evidenced by rodent inspection results.

The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance, with multiple service requests and violations requiring follow-up inspections and corrections, though some issues have been addressed as evidenced by complaint closures and violation resolutions. The property has maintained a no-bedbug infestation record since 2021, with all reports showing zero affected units. Historical complaints from 2023-2024 indicate various maintenance issues including appliance problems (e.g., gas range), a slow water leak, and interior repairs needed in apartment 1A, which had multiple violations including electrical outlet issues and improper door hardware noted in June 2023. Recent records show some improvement in responsive maintenance, with many complaints being addressed and closed, but the pattern of recurring issues suggests ongoing challenges with building systems and maintenance practices.