2653 Fredrick Douglass Bl, Manhattan, NY 10030

The five-story, eight-unit tenement building at 2653 Fredrick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced several maintenance issues of concern over recent years. Most notably, there is currently an open complaint as of March 2025 regarding unsanitary conditions related to garbage/recycling storage, with HPD having attempted to notify the property owner and requiring tenant access for inspections.

The building has undergone multiple rodent control interventions in 2025, with inspections showing rat activity in March and April 2025, though bait was applied during inspections in May and July 2025. This pattern of rodent-related issues has persisted, with similar concerns noted in late 2023, indicating an ongoing infestation challenge. The building's maintenance history also shows past issues with unsanitary conditions and flooring problems in 2022 (Mold and Floor complaints), though these were closed without violations being issued.

Two complaints regarding Certificate of Occupancy issues were filed in 2020 but were also closed with no violations found upon inspection. Notably, the property has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with zero reported units affected in the past five consecutive reporting periods from 2019 through 2024. While the building has experienced various maintenance challenges, particularly regarding pest control and waste management, it has shown some responsiveness to inspections, though with recurring issues that suggest ongoing infrastructure or management challenges affecting resident comfort and safety.