1695 Watson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472

The three-story, two-family house at 1695 Watson Avenue in Soundview, owned by Noella Best, has experienced recurring maintenance issues since 2020, with particular concerns about heat and hot water systems. Multiple complaints about insufficient heat and hot water were documented between 2020 and 2022, affecting both individual apartments and the entire building, though inspections generally found no violations or confirmed that systems were restored. The building has also faced plumbing issues, particularly with shower/bathtub facilities, as evidenced by multiple complaints between late 2020 and 2022, though again, most inspections resulted in no violations being issued.

Of significant concern are two active violations related to an allegedly illegal first-floor apartment conversion, including unauthorized plumbing and electrical work, with associated fines totaling $1,750. While there were rodent-related concerns raised in 2022, inspections conducted since then (most recently in March 2024) have passed, suggesting improved conditions in this regard. The property has undergone several inspections by various agencies, including the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Buildings (DOB), typically responding to tenant complaints.

The building's history shows consistent maintenance issues primarily focused on heat/hot water systems and plumbing facilities, though most problems were addressed without resulting in formal violations. The most recent activity includes a 2024 illegal conversion complaint leading to an ECB violation and a 2022-2024 sequence of illegal conversion complaints resulting in multiple inspection attempts. Despite these ongoing compliance issues, the building's regular rodent inspections have consistently passed since 2022, indicating successful pest management.