138-10 Franklin Avenue, Queens, NY 11355

The 15-story, 194-unit residential building at 138-10 Franklin Avenue in Flushing, owned by James Demetriou, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues over the past few years, with particular concern around air quality and heating systems. Most recently, in April 2025, there were two separate complaints about chemical vapors or gases/odors, though previous indoor air quality issues had been noted as early as 2021 with a mold complaint. The building has also faced challenges with heating systems, experiencing multiple documented incidents of heat and hot water outages in 2022 and 2023, though these were reportedly resolved promptly.

Recent construction work has brought to light several safety concerns, with multiple construction safety compliance violations issued in late 2024, including issues with scaffold installation and pedestrian protection that remain active with substantial penalties. The building's maintenance history also shows periodic rodent inspections and violations, with the most recent failed inspections in October and December 2023, alongside pest-related complaints in 2023. While the building has shown consistent reporting of bedbug inspections between 2019 and 2025, these reports indicate no infestations or eradication efforts required during this time. The property has several open violations as of 2025 related to safety equipment and emergency procedures, including carbon monoxide detection requirements and building entry signage.

The building's history shows a pattern of maintenance issues requiring attention from various city agencies, including the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). These issues range from basic maintenance concerns like window frame problems and plumbing issues in 2021, to more serious concerns about indoor air quality and building systems. The property's violation history indicates ongoing challenges with prompt correction of certain safety requirements, as evidenced by several recent violations related to building safety and emergency procedures. While the building has undergone multiple construction projects as evidenced by various work permits from 2021 through 2024, these have sometimes been accompanied by safety-related complaints and violations that suggest challenges in maintaining compliance with safety regulations.