Contractor’s claim advances

School construction contractor sought extra compensation for change orders and delay caused by the School Construction Corporation. In July 2013, the Arnell Construction Company won a $42 million contract with the New York City School Construction Authority to construct a three-story school building and renovate the existing structure at Public School 106 in the Bronx. The contract required the work to be completed by April 12, 2016. During the course of the construction, Arnell, upon … <Read More>


Council Votes to Create Supportive Housing Tenants’ Bill of Rights, Reporting Requirements

The bill of rights provides tenants with necessary rights and information to help them maintain their housing. On December 9, 2021, the City Council voted to approve two bills related to supportive housing. Supportive housing is a form of affordable housing with on-site social and supportive services targeted primarily at formerly homeless households. The bills, both sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin, create a supportive housing tenants’ bill of rights and require the Department of <Read More>


Council Passes Bill Strengthening Protections Against Deed Fraud Through Information

On October 21, 2021, the City Council passed legislation to help fight against deed fraud. Deed fraud is a growing problem in New York City; fraudsters have been using a variety of tactics such as offering fake home improvement services, grants for repairs, forging homeowner signatures or posing as foreclosure “rescue” companies to record fraudulent deeds, mortgages and other liens against property. Int. 1919-A, sponsored by Council Member and Chair of the Committee on Finance <Read More>


DEP’s default of contractor upheld

DEP defaulted the contractor upgrading the Bowery Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant following long delay and performance failures. On March 4, 2013, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection awarded Framan Mechanical, Inc. a $6,555,000 contract to upgrade of the Bowery Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract involved the replacement of all eight main sewage pumps, including suction piping, seven suction valves, high and low-level seal water skids, and ancillary seal water equipment.


LPC Holds Public Hearing for Two Proposed Historic Districts in Cambria Heights

Residents raised concerns about the cost and difficulty in maintaining special details and features. On September 14, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing for two proposed historic districts in Cambria Heights, Queens. The Cambria Heights-222nd Street Historic District and the Cambria Heights-227th Street Historic District are both well-preserved examples of the Tudor Revival and Storybook styles and of the 1930s suburban expansion in Queens. 


Lead poisoning claim goes to trial

Parent of two and one-half-year-old child found with elevated lead levels sued landlord. On September 13, 2004, a two and one-half-year-old child was diagnosed with lead poisoning after a test revealed his blood lead level to be four times greater than the City’s guideline.  The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tested the child’s apartment located at 1727-29 Walton Avenue in the Bronx and discovered 47 positive findings of lead paint and 29 readings which … <Read More>