55-40 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, NY 11385

The two-story, four-unit building at 55-40 Metropolitan Avenue in Ridgewood, owned by Kevin Siew and constructed in 1931, has been experiencing significant maintenance challenges in recent years. Most notably, there have been recurring heat and hot water issues, with three emergency complaints filed in November 2023 alone, leading to several open violations including inadequate heating in apartment 2R and a visible mold condition in the same unit.

The building has also faced persistent structural and safety concerns, as evidenced by multiple open violations from November 2023 related to defective self-closing doors in the public hallway, which pose security and safety risks. The property has documented various sanitary and maintenance issues over the past few years, including a pattern of mold and moisture problems. In 2022, there were complaints about water leaks and unsanitary conditions, with violations issued related to these problems.

Earlier issues included pest infestations and wall maintenance concerns in February 2022, and the building has a history of rodent inspections showing inconsistent results, with failures noted in 2012 and a pass in 2017. More recently, open violations from 2024 include a requirement to file an annual bedbug report, indicating ongoing challenges with maintaining basic housing standards. The building's maintenance record suggests a need for consistent attention to basic infrastructure, particularly regarding heating systems, water supply, and building safety features.