223 Cypress Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454

The 42-unit, 6-story New Law Tenement building at 223 Cypress Avenue in Mott Haven, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced multiple recurring issues in 2025, particularly with heat and hot water systems, access problems for inspections, and plumbing concerns. In April 2025 alone, there were three separate HPD complaints (heat/hot water, electrical wiring, and intercom issues) that could not be inspected due to access problems. Earlier that year, there was a significant pattern of heat and hot water complaints in February, some of which were addressed and closed, but others resulted in HPD's inability to gain access for inspection.

More recently, in June 2025, multiple plumbing/water supply emergencies were reported, with at least one remaining open. The building has also faced infrastructure challenges, including open violations from September 2024 related to apartment 4E, regarding issues with the kitchen floor, bathroom fixtures, and various maintenance concerns. Historical data shows some improvements in certain areas, with the building maintaining a record of zero bedbug infestations reported from 2019 through 2024.

However, rodent inspections have revealed inconsistent results, with failures noted in October and June 2023, and an attempted compliance inspection also failing for other reasons. The building's maintenance history includes a notable environmental violation from 2018 regarding blocked emergency exit passageways, though this was resolved. More recent Department of Buildings complaints have shown some administrative challenges, with inspectors unable to gain access in 2023 regarding electrical wiring concerns and a similar situation in 2022 for boiler issues, though no violations were warranted upon inspection. The property requires careful attention to ongoing maintenance issues, particularly related to its aging infrastructure as evidenced by the persistent nature of complaints and the building's 1915 construction date.