864 East 221st Street, Bronx, NY 10467

The 13-unit, three-story New Law Tenement at 864 East 221st Street in Williamsbridge, built in 1929 and currently owned by David Dwek, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most notably, the building has ongoing heating system problems, with multiple heat/hot water complaints in 2025, including one in April where HPD could not gain access to inspect. April 2025 also saw violations issued for water leaks, flooring issues, and various other maintenance problems including electrical and plumbing issues.

The building has faced serious safety concerns, as evidenced by multiple emergency housing maintenance code complaints in May 2025 regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, suggesting potential life safety system failures. There are also active ECB violations from 2024 related to illegal cellar conversions and exterior building maintenance issues, including significant brick facade problems, with penalties totaling over $10,000. The property has a history of unauthorized modifications, with multiple illegal conversion complaints documented between 2019-2024, particularly concerning cellar apartments.

Recent inspections revealed multiple violations requiring correction, including lead paint hazards, plumbing issues, and interior maintenance problems. A concerning pattern of access denial for inspections has been noted in several complaints, potentially indicating reluctance to address persistent issues. While the bedbug and rodent inspection records show some compliance history, the building's overall maintenance record suggests ongoing challenges with basic systems and infrastructure. The property has consistently generated multiple HPD violations each year, with particular clusters of complaints in 2025 indicating a period of significant maintenance challenges.