Housing Complex in the Bronx Faces Over 200 Violations

The apartment building showcased by Bronx Mayor Mamdani to highlight the skills of his new housing commissioner has racked up nearly 200 unresolved violations. These issues range from broken doors and refrigerators to serious infestations and alarming mold conditions.

This assessment comes from an investigation, which indicates that the nonprofit-managed building in Morris Heights was used by the newly elected mayor as a prime example of new Housing Commissioner Dina Levy’s capabilities. The building, housing 102 units, is located at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue.

As of Saturday, there were 194 public housing code violations on record, dating back to 2016. Among these, 88 were classified as “Class C,” indicating ‘imminent danger,’ according to city officials.

During a visit to the site on January 4, Mamdani introduced Levy, described as a veteran advocate for tenant rights and a former state housing official recently named to lead the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) department.

Levy, earning an annual salary of $277,605, was instrumental in securing a deal that allowed Workforce Housing Advisors, a nonprofit group, to purchase and refurbish the Sedgwick Avenue complex from a private landlord in 2011.

However, tenants are expressing dissatisfaction with the nonprofit’s management, claiming the conditions have worsened since the change in ownership. One long-term resident, Maudistine Alexander, pointed out the building’s decay and issues like shortages of staff and neglected complaints.

She mentioned, “I’ve been here for 25 years, and it’s in worse shape now. Heat and hot water are often absent, and basic repairs are unaddressed.” This sentiment echoes among many tenants with ongoing HPD violations, revealing a stark contrast to Mamdani’s promises of providing quality, affordable housing.

Despite these complaints, Levy’s influence on the building’s management was defended. An HPD spokesperson stated that her efforts helped keep the property affordable amidst potential predatory buying. They also mentioned plans for an $8 million renovation to improve living conditions.

Yet, former Bronx Democratic Rep. Kenny Burgos remarked that the building’s numerous open violations surpass those of around three-quarters of New York City’s privately owned rent-stabilized apartments. He argued that nonprofit-governed complexes frequently show high violation rates, even with government support, which he found concerning.