942 Rev James Polite Ave, Bronx, NY 10459

The property at 942 Rev James Polite Ave is a two-story, two-family house built in 1920, currently owned by Shahriar Davaran. The building has experienced persistent maintenance and safety issues over recent years, with the most concerning problems emerging between 2024 and 2025. As of April 2025, there are open violations related to inadequate drainage and fire escape maintenance, as well as active Environmental Control Board violations for illegal occupancy and unpermitted construction work in the cellar area.

The cellar, which appears to have been improperly converted to a Class A apartment, includes a bathroom, kitchen, and two bedrooms, contrary to the building's permitted use as a two-family dwelling. The building has a documented history of plumbing issues, including recent complaints about sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, as well as persistent problems with heat and hot water affecting the entire building. Multiple service requests have been filed regarding unsatisfactory living conditions, including mold, window issues, and rodent infestations, with rat activity consistently recorded between 2016 and 2023. Several emergency violations from 2024 remain unresolved, including problems with fire escape maintenance, debris accumulation, and a defective entrance lock.

While some violations related to mold in Apartment 2 were previously addressed, the building continues to have significant maintenance challenges, particularly related to plumbing systems and unauthorized alterations to the structure. The property has also experienced periodic difficulties with basic services such as heat and hot water, as evidenced by multiple HPD complaints and violations. In summary, 942 Rev James Polite Ave has a substantial number of open violations and a documented history of maintenance issues, particularly related to unauthorized modifications, plumbing systems, and pest control. The most pressing concerns involve the illegal conversion of the cellar space, unaddressed violations regarding building maintenance and safety features, and ongoing problems with basic services affecting tenant comfort and safety.