509 West 179th Street, Manhattan, NY 10033

The 20-unit, 5-story tenement building at 509 West 179th Street in Washington Heights, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced significant maintenance and infrastructure challenges in recent months, particularly regarding heat and pest management. Between January and June 2025, the building underwent multiple heat and hot water complaints, with three reported incidents in January 2025 alone, including both apartment-specific and building-wide issues. The building has also faced persistent rodent issues, with the most recent complaints in April, May, and June 2025.

While a June 2025 inspection resulted in a passing grade, earlier inspections in May 2025 noted rat activity, and baiting operations were conducted throughout 2023. The property has a documented history of pest issues, with Housing Maintenance Code violations recorded in 2024 showing rodent infestations in multiple apartments, and a 2024 March inspection identified visible mold in Apartment 1A's bathroom. The building's condition has drawn attention to several housing quality concerns, as evidenced by multiple Housing Maintenance Code violations.

Between November 2024 and March 2025, violations were recorded for various apartments, including the need for kitchen floor repairs in Apartment 3C, bathroom mold remediation in Apartment 1A, and infestation issues in Apartment 5D. Additional concerns include problems with doors/windows, heating systems, and building sanitation, with particular attention being required to maintain clean conditions in the south, east, and west yards, as noted in two November 2024 violations. While the building has maintained a consistent record of bedbug monitoring since 2019, with zero reported infestations in the most recent filings from 2023-2024, the ongoing issues with heat, pests, and general maintenance suggest persistent challenges in maintaining basic living conditions.