58-52 Catalpa Avenue, Queens, NY 11385

The three-story, New Law Tenement building at 58-52 Catalpa Avenue in Ridgewood, owned by Jeffrey Kaufman, has experienced significant ongoing rodent-related issues throughout 2024. The most recent developments include rat sightings reported to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in August 2024, with the department finding violations requiring follow-up inspections. The building underwent a series of rodent control measures in 2024, with multiple bait applications between February and June, though these efforts were followed by inspections indicating persistent rat activity.

An initial rodent inspection in September 2024 resulted in passing, but a subsequent compliance inspection in November 2024 showed improvement compared to earlier inspections. The property's historical maintenance records show some concerning patterns, including two DOHMH-initiated rodent complaints in 2024 and violations regarding annual bedbug reporting requirements in 2022 and 2023. However, it's notable that the building has maintained a consistent record of reporting zero infested dwelling units during its regular bedbug reporting periods from 2019 through 2024.

A single Department of Buildings complaint from 2019 regarding water retention and drainage issues was investigated and found not to warrant any violations. The building's age (117 years old) as a New Law Tenement structure is consistent with its classification. While there have been various pest control measures implemented, particularly focused on rodent issues, the ongoing nature of these problems suggests challenges in achieving long-term resolution.