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December 9, 2006
Lawsuit filed by 13 rent-stabilized tenants; success would break new legal ground
Atlantic Yards Report
Following the Empire State Development Corporation’s (ESDC) approval today of the Atlantic Yards project, tenants in two buildings owned by Forest City Ratner filed suit today in state court challenging the ESDC's use of eminent domain to demolish their buildings and override their rights as rent-stabilized tenants. The lawsuit had long been anticipated.The lawsuit contends that a landlord that refuses to renew rent-stabilized leases and extinguish the tenants’ rights via demolition must obtain permission from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).
Tenants of one of the buildings, 624 Pacific Street (at left in picture), were rudely awakened in June by some startling demolitions next door. The other building is 473 Dean Street. Both would be the subject of "friendly condemnations"--actions welcomed by Forest City Ratner as owner, but not by their tenants.
AYR digs through attorney George Locker's unique arguments and finds a very interesting case. Read the article!
Posted by amy at December 9, 2006 11:36 AM