357 Westervelt Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301

The three-story, four-unit residential building at 357 Westervelt Avenue in St. George, owned by Matthew Black, has experienced persistent pest and maintenance issues over recent years. Most notably, there is an ongoing rodent problem, with the most recent complaint filed in April 2025 and multiple documented rat sightings between 2018 and 2020.

The building has open violations related to annual bedbug reporting requirements from 2021 through 2024, indicating non-compliance with Housing Maintenance Code regulations. There was a significant maintenance issue in December 2019 regarding heat and hot water service, though this was reportedly resolved within two days. In 2021, a violation was issued for unauthorized removal of a large tree (approximately 35 inches in diameter) in the backyard area, which is currently listed as active. The building has undergone multiple rodent inspections between 2018 and 2019, with evidence of rat activity noted during several compliance checks, though bait was applied regularly as part of the control measures.

Historical records from 2018 also show a series of maintenance and safety compliance issues, including violations related to the posting of important safety notices regarding carbon monoxide detectors, gas leak procedures, smoke detector requirements, and heating system access information in common areas. While some of these earlier violations from 2018 were resolved, they indicate past oversight in building management and safety compliance. A construction-related complaint was filed in July 2021 regarding work beyond permitted plans, though this appears to have been resolved. The building's persistent pest control challenges and recent rodent-related complaints suggest ongoing difficulties with maintaining basic living conditions, though many previous violations have been addressed over time.