Zero Percent Rent Increase in 2016 Upheld

Landlord’s association challenged the Rent Guidelines Board’s 2016 decision to authorize a zero percent increase for one year leases. On June 27, 2016, the New York City Rent Guidelines Board promulgated the annual guidelines for rent adjustments for rent stabilized apartments. The Board allowed no increase in rent for one year renewal leases and a two percent increase for two year renewals.


Appellate Department Affirms $20,000 Fine for Astoria Landing Sign in Residential District

New owner relied on error by Buildings which had erroneously issued permit for sign in residential district. Beginning in 1941 the owner of a 4-story apartment building located at 24-59 32nd Street in Astoria, Queens, allowed a sign to be painted on the south wall of the building. In 1961 the City adopted an amendment to the zoning resolution which prohibited signs in residential districts including the district covering 24-59 32d Street. Non-conforming signs then … <Read More>


Court of Appeals Blocks Willets Point Development

Legislative approval would be needed in order to build retail stores, restaurants and a movie theater on Willets West parkland. The Special Willets Point District was approved by the City Council in 2008. The rezoning was controversial; area businesses and residents were concerned over the relocation of businesses, the possibility of eminent domain, and traffic congestion. As a result, a lawsuit was filed against the City by business owners and residents but was dismissed … <Read More>


Hotel Use Ruled Unlawful

Hotel continued to operate transient use despite amendments to the Multiple Dwelling Law. The Royal Park Hotel, located at 258 West 97th St., Manhattan, operates as a transient use hotel. On July 5, 2012, Buildings issued a notice of violation to the Royal Park Hotel charging that it was operating as a transient hotel in violation of its 1964 certificate of occupancy. The 1964 certificate of occupancy classified the building as class A, a … <Read More>


False Filings Result in Permanent Ban

Licensed PE made multiple false and negligent filings with Buildings. The Department of Building brought an administrative proceeding against Scott Schnall, a licensed professional engineer, alleging that he knowingly or negligently made false statements in eleven alteration applications filed with Buildings between 2010 and 2014. Six of applications were in violation of the Zoning Resolution, the Multiple Dwelling Law, or the Administrative Code. The alteration applications filed related to six properties in Brooklyn.


Tenant Denied Move Within Building

Mitchell-Lama tenant sought to move to a different two-bedroom apartment in building, but failed to meet the occupancy requirements of three persons. In 2014, Lawrence Wilson and his partner occupied a two-bedroom apartment in a Mitchell-Lama building. They sought to move to a different two-bedroom apartment in the same building. Another couple, Nickita Skopelitis and Joann Papamichael, who lived in the same building with their child, also sought to transfer to the same two-bedroom apartment.