20 Scott A Gadell Place, Queens, NY 11691

20 Scott A Gadell Place, a 3-story, 6-unit residential building in Far Rockaway owned by Simeon Farber, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in 2024-2025 that warrant attention. The building has faced recurring heating system problems, with multiple heat/hot water complaints in 2025, including an emergency complaint in May 2025. The property has also struggled with sanitation issues, particularly in garbage/recycling storage areas, resulting in multiple violations in 2025. Apartment 1D has documented maintenance needs, including three open Housing Maintenance Code violations from December 2024 related to a kitchen sink connection, water leak, and floor repair requirements.

Additionally, there are active Department of Buildings violations from 2023 for failing to file external low-pressure inspections for 2021 and 2022. The building's complaint history shows a pattern of unresolved and recurring issues, particularly in 2025, with violations issued for door/window problems and garbage storage. A plumbing emergency involving a toilet was reported in March 2025, and various maintenance requests have required HPD inspections and resulted in violation notices. The property has had some concerning safety history, including three stop work orders related to unlicensed work in 2019, suggesting previous management issues.

While the building has maintained a pest-free status in recent bedbug reports, with no infestations reported between 2022 and 2025, there have been multiple rodent inspections, with one failure noted in 2015, though subsequent inspections showed compliance. Adding to the building's maintenance history, there are two open violations from 2024-2025 regarding defective self-closing doors in public areas, and concerns about outdoor waste management. The property's infrastructure appears to be aging, with ongoing maintenance needs across multiple systems and common areas. While there have been some improvements noted in response to complaints, such as heat and hot water restoration, the frequency and nature of recent complaints suggest persistent maintenance challenges. The building's age (constructed in 1931) and classification as a "New Law Tenement" indicate it was built with pre-war design principles, which may impact maintenance requirements and resident comfort.