2154 Watson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472

The two-family house at 2154 Watson Avenue in Unionport, owned by Lori Hernandez and built in 1920, has experienced several significant maintenance and compliance issues, most notably between 2018-2022. In late 2021, Apartment 1 (first story) faced multiple problems including pest infestations (roaches and mice), water leakage, and issues with plaster and paint on walls and ceilings, which resulted in several Housing Maintenance Code violations. The apartment was also cited for lead paint hazards that required remediation.

Earlier, in 2018, there were concerning safety and compliance matters, including illegal conversion issues with a purported Class A apartment in the cellar, which resulted in several Environmental Control Board violations and penalties totaling $3,905, though these were subsequently resolved. The building has faced challenges with maintenance compliance, including a 2019 violation for failure to certify corrections of immediately hazardous conditions. More recent history shows some improvement in conditions, with rodent inspections in 2010, 2014, and 2022 passing successfully.

A thorough investigation by HPD in March 2022 resulted in no violations being found, indicating potential resolution of earlier issues. The most recent legal matters include a 2024 complaint about illegal conversion, though the inspector was unable to gain access. The Department of Buildings has issued permits in 2018 for electrical and plumbing work, suggesting some level of proper maintenance and improvements to the building's systems. The history of complaints and violations, while significant, shows a pattern of remediation and correction, with most issues having been addressed by early 2022.