656 West 178th Street, Manhattan, NY 10033

The five-story, 22-unit tenement building at 656 West 178th Street in Washington Heights, owned by Besnik Celaj and built in 1910, has experienced recurring maintenance challenges in recent years. Most notably, in July 2024, multiple emergency complaints were filed and investigated, including issues with mold, water leaks, walls needing repair, and sewage problems, though no violations were ultimately issued in these cases.

The building's basement apartment (B1) has been the focus of significant attention, with violations recorded in July 2024 including defective carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, a roach infestation, visible mold, and several maintenance issues requiring repairs, such as a broken marble saddle in the kitchen and a damaged glass pane in a window. The Department of Buildings has documented both C and V violations related to fire escape disrepair between the second and third floors, representing an immediate safety concern. The building's recent history shows a pattern of unsanitary conditions and pest-related issues, with rodent activity documented in multiple inspections between 2023 and 2024, though a passing inspection in October 2024 suggests some improvement.

The property has undergone facade repairs, during which some safety compliance issues were noted and resulted in a $1,250 penalty in July 2024. While the building has experienced various maintenance issues over the years, including problems with the intercom system and multiple instances of wall and ceiling paint/plaster concerns, there have been no reported bedbug infestations in the past five years. The building's systems have generally shown some level of compliance with health and safety standards, as evidenced by the closure of most violation cases, though the persistence of certain issues suggests ongoing maintenance challenges.