ALJ Finds Landlord Harassed Tenants

Testimony showed landlord Aimco routinely ignored maintenance requests and issued baseless eviction threats.  The NYC Department of Housing Preservation Development charged Aimco with a dozen different forms of harassment against their tenants.  Aimco is the owner of the Tempo, a Class A hotel at 238-244 West 73rd Street, with 150 rent-stabilized single-room occupancy (SRO) units and 75 SRO units rented at market-rate.  Aimco’s representative, John Bezzant, denied the charges and petitioned for a certificate of … <Read More>


City Council to Hold Hearings on Controversial Astoria Cove Proposal

The project was approved by City Planning despite opposition from the Community Board, Borough President, and the local Council Member. On October 20, 2014 the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will hold hearings on the proposed Astoria Cove mixed-use development project. The project, designed by Alma Realty, is the first project subject to Mayor de Blasio’s mandatory inclusionary zoning housing requirement. Despite the requirement, the project has faced opposition from community … <Read More>


Reminder: CLE: Litigating With and Against the City of New York

CityLaw CLE

Litigating With and Against the City of New York

Litigation against the City of New York presents unique challenges. This program offers insights into the practicalities of litigation against the City and warnings on how to avoid some of the major pitfalls. Panelists are among the most experienced lawyers handling cases with and against the City of New York.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.

WHERE:
New York Law School… <Read More>


Union Square Restaurant Put on Hold by Judge [Update: Appellate Division Rules in Favor of Planned Restaurant]

See below for update.

Neighborhood coalition sued Parks over proposed plan to open restaurant in Union Square. Union Square is comprised of 3.6 acres of dedicated municipal parkland, stretching three blocks in length and one block in width. Union Square Park’s pavilion has hosted a myriad of political events and recreational activities for over a century. In 2004, the City announced its plans to open a restaurant in the pavilion. In April 2008, the Union <Read More>


Former Tammany Hall Near Union Square Enters Landmarking Process

Hall served as home to powerful City political organization after abandonment of 14th Street headquarters. On May 14, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar the former Tammany Hall, formally commencing the structure’s consideration as an individual City landmark. The building is located at 100-102 East 17th Street, just off Union Square.

The Neo-Georgian building was completed in 1929 based on the designs of the firm of Thompson, Holmes & Converse and architect … <Read More>


Jerry Goldfeder: Improve Voter Turnout By Modernizing New York’s Election Law

New York State’s voter turnout in the 2012 presidential election was 47th best in the country. It is difficult to discern the cause of low turnout, but there is no question that changes in election procedures could make voting less difficult and encourage turnout.

The manner in which a state conducts and regulates its elections determines whether voting will be easy or hard. Each state determines its election rules, even when electing a President. The … <Read More>