54 Edgecombe Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10030

The four-story building at 54 Edgecombe Avenue in Harlem, owned by William Allen, has experienced persistent maintenance and safety issues throughout 2024 and into 2025. Most notably, there were multiple emergencies related to heat and hot water across the entire building in January 2025, with at least five separate complaints during that month alone, continuing into February and finally appearing again in March 2025.

In March and April 2025, there were additional concerns including problems with cooking gas, pest infestations, and ceiling maintenance issues, though no violations were found for the gas and pest complaints, while violations were issued for the ceiling issue. The building is currently facing several open Housing Maintenance Code violations from December 2024, including problems with paint and plaster in the first-story public hall, broken doors, and issues with garbage/recycling storage.

The property has a documented history of rodent activity, with regular inspections and baiting activities throughout 2024 and 2025, showing persistent rat activity in multiple inspections. Building systems have faced scrutiny, with two Department of Buildings complaints in late 2024 related to a defective/inoperative boiler and possible illegal work, though no violations were found during inspections. The building also received several housing violations in December 2024, including inadequate heating and hot water in the first-floor apartment, along with unsafe electrical wiring conditions in the basement that require attention.