1044 Avenue St John, Bronx, NY 10455

The six-story, 47-unit building at 1044 Avenue St John in Longwood, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced persistent heating and hot water system challenges in recent months. Between March and May 2025, there were at least eight documented complaints regarding heat and hot water issues, with multiple instances of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) being unable to gain access for inspections.

The building also has several open housing maintenance code violations from a December 2024 inspection, including issues with roof leakage, skylight mesh requirements, and ceiling repair needs in the east public hall stairs areas. While there have been various maintenance issues documented throughout 2024 and 2025, including plumbing, water supply, paint/plaster problems, and some electrical concerns, the building has maintained a zero incidence record for bedbugs over the past five reporting periods from 2019 to 2024. The property has a history of rodent issues, with multiple inspections in early 2024 showing rat activity, though more recent bait applications have occurred.

The building's systems have had attention from various agencies, including an ECB violation related to a non-functioning boiler in early 2020, which was resolved. An inspection in December 2024 revealed multiple violation categories requiring attention, particularly concerning the public hall areas, though some violations from this inspection were subsequently closed, including one related to an air conditioner encumbrance on a fire escape. The building's recent history suggests ongoing challenges with basic utilities, particularly heating, while other maintenance issues have been addressed in a relatively timely manner when documented through official channels.