144-55 Melbourne Avenue, Queens, NY 11367

The 6-story, 106-unit building at 144-55 Melbourne Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills, owned by Michelle Abubo and constructed in 1954, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, there have been recurring problems with heat and hot water systems, including a heat emergency in January 2024 that affected the entire building and a similar incident in March 2023.

The building has also faced multiple violations related to water damage and mold, particularly concerning ceiling paint/plaster conditions and unsanitary mold issues between April and December 2023. Other documented concerns include wiring and electrical issues (March 2023), an open violation regarding roof leaks in Apartment 6F (December 2023), and multiple outstanding violations related to heating system accessibility and inspection requirements. The property has a pattern of unresolved violations, including four active DOB violations from 2021-2023 regarding failure to file external low-pressure inspections.

While there were two complaints in March 2023 regarding boiler and electrical wiring issues, inspectors were unable to gain access to perform the necessary evaluations. On a positive note, the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with zero cases reported in the past four reporting periods from 2020 through 2023. The building's management has received multiple violations requiring improved documentation and notice postings regarding heating system access and inspection requirements, though many of these appear to have been certified as corrected.