1388 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459

The 5-story, 20-unit tenement building at 1388 Prospect Avenue in Morrisania, owned by Melvin Newhouse and constructed in 1904, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues over the past few years. Most notably, in May 2025, multiple complaints were filed regarding ceiling and wall conditions, with one complaint potentially involving lead-based paint, and another concerning mold. These recent incidents add to a concerning pattern of building maintenance challenges, including several heat and hot water complaints between 2022-2025, a fire escape safety complaint in 2024, and various paint/plaster issues.

The building has also grappled with pest control concerns, evidenced by a 2021 violation for roach infestation in Apartment C, though subsequent bedbug reports from 2022-2025 show no documented infestations. The property has demonstrated some improvements in specific areas, with all bedbug reports from 2021 onwards showing zero infested units. However, safety concerns remain, as indicated by two 2024 violations involving access issues and encumbrances on the 5th story.

Rodent control efforts have been documented through multiple inspections, with varying results from 'Passed' to 'Failed for Other Reasons' between 2017-2022. The building's record shows a mix of emergency and non-emergency violations, with all complaints being investigated and closed, though inspection access was denied in at least one instance. The most recent violations, particularly those concerning lead paint and mold, warrant attention as they may directly impact resident health and safety.