2085 Valentine Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457

The 6-story, 78-unit building at 2085 Valentine Avenue in Fordham, owned by Steven Finkelstein, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues over the past 18 months. Most recently, in May 2025, there was a power outage requiring HPD intervention. Throughout 2025, multiple service requests and complaints were filed regarding unsanitary conditions, plumbing issues, flooring problems, door concerns, and mold, though HPD was often unable to complete inspections. Of particular concern are the persistent heating and hot water issues reported in February 2025, occurring after similar complaints in January 2025, suggesting ongoing problems with building systems.

The building has several active building code violations and Department of Buildings (DOB) complaints from 2023-2024, including multiple failures to certify corrections on immediately hazardous violations. Notable issues include improper construction work, with violations for unauthorized plumbing and electrical work, and safety concerns regarding fire escape access. There was a significant incident in April 2023 involving a partial collapse of the retaining wall that affected building fire escapes. The property has had repeated pest control challenges, with multiple reports of rat activity in 2024-2025, though most recent inspections have shown compliance. While the building has experienced periodic issues with pest infestations (including bedbugs), recent filings show no current infestations.

A new food poisoning complaint from February 2025 is currently under investigation, and there appear to be ongoing concerns with garbage storage and sanitation in common areas based on various violation notices. The building's maintenance history shows some improvements, with several violations being closed through proper certification or correction. However, the frequency and pattern of recent complaints suggest persistent maintenance challenges. The property has undergone various construction activities since 2018, with permits issued for different types of work, though some recent construction resulted in violation citations for lack of proper permitting. The building's bedbug and rodent inspection history shows a mix of compliance and violations, indicating ongoing pest management needs, though recent inspections have mostly resulted in passing grades.