The large tree in front of 23-21 33rd Road, Queens. Image Credit: Google Maps.

Man tripped on a sidewalk that was raised because of growing tree roots. On March 5, 2017, Konstantinos Gallis tripped and fell on a raised part of a sidewalk adjacent to 23-21 33 Road, Queens. Tree roots had raised the sidewalk and allegedly caused the trip. (read more…)

33-17 87th Street. Image Credit: Google Maps.

Owner of Queens apartment illegally converted two family residence into an SRO and added an attic apartment. On November 12, 2019, a Department of Buildings officer visited a two-family dwelling in Jackson Heights located at 33-17 87th Street, Queens. A resident let the officer into the home. Inside, the officer observed key-locking devices for three rooms on the second floor with hot plates inside each room. The residents of the rooms on the second floor told the officer that they each lived separately and received the codes for the locking devices from the owner of the building. The officer also observed the attic was fully converted into an additional apartment with a full bathroom, kitchen, and two bedrooms. A family occupied the attic level. (read more…)

Roger Herz at the microphone asking a question at a CityLaw Breakfast. Image Credit: CityLand

Roger Herz, who passed away last week at the age of 88, was a prominent participant at all of our CityLaw breakfasts. He was often first at the microphone with a knowledgeable question for each speaker. We miss his energetic involvement in the civic life of New York City. Below is a profile CityLaw originally published about Roger on April 12, 2021.

First to the microphone at many CityLaw Breakfasts during the Q&A session following the speaker’s prepared remarks was Roger Herz. Roger, with a serious demeanor and in a steady voice, would announce himself: “Roger Herz, Time to Improve Municipal Efficiency.” And then Roger would ask a pointed question, well prepared, and personal, often adding that he had been pressing the same point for years. The speakers always knew Roger from prior appearances, emails and events. They regularly responded with apologies, explanations and promises to get back to Roger. (read more…)

The Hugo Boss store at Columbus Circle. Image Credit: Google Maps.

Hugo Boss store at Columbus Circle which was forced to close by COVID-19 executive order sought rent relief. Hugo Boss operates a retail store in The Shops at Columbus Circle in New York City. A/R Retail LLC is the landlord for this luxury indoor mall. Hugo Boss entered into a 13-year lease at the location as a way to gain visibility in the heavily trafficked location catering to premium market customers. Hugo Boss’s rent was $692,026.07 per month. (read more…)

Image credit: School Construction Authority.

Plumbing company claimed time extension due to delays. In May of 2012, the New York City School Construction Authority awarded BG National Plumbing & Heating Inc. a contract to perform accessibility and electrical upgrades for the New York City School Construction Authority. When it became evident that BG Plumbing could not meet the contractual deadline, BG Plumbing filed a notice of claim with the City alleging it was entitled to an extension because of certain delays and impacts on the project. BG Plumbing did not include a claim for monetary damages.  The School Construction Authority denied the extension and claim. (read more…)