474 West 144th Street, Manhattan, NY 10031

This four-story, three-unit building in Hamilton Heights, owned by the Estate of Claire D. Foster, has experienced a series of maintenance and safety concerns, particularly in recent months. Most notably, between April and May 2025, multiple violations were documented involving water leaks, mold issues, and problems with walls, ceilings, and cabinets.

Specifically, violation notices from November 2024 indicate persistent water leak issues in Apartment 2's bathroom and kitchenette ceilings, along with window frame problems and evidence of pest infestations (both mice and cockroaches) in various locations. The building has also faced serious egress concerns, with two separate complaints about blocked or improperly maintained exit paths in October 2023, resulting in Oath Violations. An Environmental Control Board violation from October 2023 remains active, citing unauthorized storage of electric bikes and a wheelchair in the public hallway, along with exterior facade concerns.

The property has been subject to regular rodent inspections, with the most recent showing rat activity in June 2025. Historical inspection records reveal a pattern of pest management challenges, though the building passed initial inspections in 2018, 2021, and 2022. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has recorded multiple complaints and violations, primarily concerning water leakage and pest issues, with the most recent complaints being classified as non-emergency but still requiring attention. The building's maintenance history suggests ongoing challenges with both infrastructure maintenance (particularly regarding water damage and surface treatments) and pest control, with several violations issued requiring the property owner to address these conditions within specified time frames.