69-81 136th Street, Queens, NY 11367

The two-story, 18-unit building at 69-81 136th Street in Kew Gardens Hills, owned by Jim Cullen and constructed in 1949, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues over the past several years, with particular attention needed to water-related problems. Most recently, in January 2024, there was a heavy water leak reported, with HPD's inspection showing no violations, though this followed a pattern of water issues in 2022 (slow leak, violations issued) and multiple incidents in 2021 (two heavy flow leaks).

The building has also faced challenges with heating systems, as evidenced by three separate heat/hot water complaints in 2021 and one in 2019, most of which resulted in HPD being unable to gain access for inspection. Additional concerns documented include electrical lighting issues (November 2021), mold problems (November 2021), and various window-related defects. The building has open violations from a 2022 inspection that require attention, including water leak issues and damaged plaster surfaces in the kitchen and a front room of the 2nd-floor apartment.

Other open violations from 2021 concern window counterbalance problems, smoke detector issues, carbon monoxide detector concerns, and an encumbrance issue in the public hall stairs. While many past complaints have been resolved and closed, the recurring nature of water-related issues and the presence of current open violations suggest ongoing maintenance challenges. The building's documented history shows a pattern of similar issues, particularly during 2021-2022, with various emergency and non-emergency complaints being filed and subsequently addressed through HPD inspections.