55 East 196th Street, Bronx, NY 10468

The 6-story, 35-unit residential building at 55 East 196th Street in Fordham, owned by Marco Fuentes, has faced several significant maintenance challenges in recent years. As of October 2024, the building has active safety concerns with broken or missing window guards throughout public areas, which resulted in violations being issued, though repairs were certified by October 28, 2024. The building is currently under investigation for construction lead dust in common areas as of September 2024.

There is a concerning pattern of pest-related issues, particularly in Apartment 5C, where multiple open violations from February 2024 cite problems with mice and roaches, along with several plaster and paint deficiencies. The property has experienced recurring rodent activity, with the most recent inspections from 2024 showing consistent rat activity and the application of bait. The building's maintenance history reveals a variety of issues requiring attention, including water leaks, unsanitary conditions, and safety concerns.

In 2021, multiple violations were recorded regarding building systems and safety features, such as heating, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors. While there have been periods of improved reporting compliance (as evidenced by three consecutive years of bedbug reports showing no infestation from 2020-2023), the recent spike in maintenance issues, particularly in 2024, suggests ongoing challenges with building upkeep. The property has undergone various inspections and resolutions of violations through HPD and DOHMH, with both emergency and non-emergency complaints being recorded and addressed, though several current violations remain open as of October 2024.