Case Name: Kathleen Star Lawlor, Respondent, v. 543 Second Avenue LLC et al., Appellants
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2008-03-25
Citations: 49 A.D.3d 449
Docket Number: 
Parties: Kathleen Star Lawlor, Respondent, v 543 Second Avenue LLC et al., Appellants.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 49
Pages: 449–449

Head Matter:
Kathleen Star Lawlor, Respondent, v 543 Second Avenue LLC et al., Appellants.
[854 NYS2d 125]

Opinion:
Defendants presented no evidence that they sought a certificate of eviction from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal before unilaterally deciding to demolish the building that housed plaintiffs rent-regulated apartment (see Administrative Code of City of NY § 26-408 [b]; Sohn v Calderon, 78 NY2d 755, 764-765 [1991]). Moreover, plaintiffs evidence of defendants' harassment raised factual issues as to the alleged necessity of the demolition.
Since, as a rent-controlled tenant seeking restoration to her apartment pursuant to Administrative Code § 26-408, plaintiff has asserted a possessory right affecting real property, her notice of pendency was properly filed (see CPLR 6501; 220 E. 56th St. Corp. v Excelsior Sav. Bank, 253 App Div 345 [1938]; Lafayette Forwarding Co., Inc. v Rothbart Garage Operators, Inc., 205 App Div 247, 249-250 [1923]). Concur—Tom, J.P., Andrias, Nardelli and Sweeny, JJ.