59-54 Gates Avenue, Queens, NY 11385

59-54 Gates Avenue is a three-story, six-unit residential building constructed in 1930 and classified as a New Law Tenement, currently owned by Eddie Schmidt. The property has faced recurring rodent issues, with the most recent rat sighting complaint filed in November 2024 resulting in violations that required follow-up inspections. Rodent activity has been documented regularly, with multiple inspections in 2025 showing continued bait application efforts.

The building has experienced several other concerning maintenance issues over the past few years, including unsanitary conditions with reported mold (2023), ceiling-related plaster and paint problems (2023), and a heat/hot water complaint affecting the entire building (2022) - though HPD was unable to gain access for inspection. Additional violations were documented in 2023 for a self-closing door issue and water leak problems in Apartment 2A, as well as plaster and paint deficiencies. Prior violations from 2018 indicate long-standing building maintenance challenges, including issues with the fire escape and garbage/recycling storage.

The building has filed its annual bedbug reports consistently since 2021, showing no infestation cases through October 2024. However, an active Department of Buildings violation remains from 2019 regarding an annual boiler inspection report that was not filed. Recent inspections in 2025 have shown ongoing rodent activity, with multiple bait applications being required, suggesting that pest control efforts are being maintained but indicating a persistent problem. While the building has made efforts to address various violations and file necessary reports, the repeated nature of some complaints, particularly regarding pests and building systems, suggests ongoing maintenance challenges.