Case Name: Geraldine Dowson et al., Appellants, v. Forest Park Association of Greenwood Lake, New York, Inc., Respondent. (And Other Actions.)
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1996-06-10
Citations: 228 A.D.2d 471
Docket Number: 
Parties: Geraldine Dowson et al., Appellants, v Forest Park Association of Greenwood Lake, New York, Inc., Respondent. (And Other Actions.)
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 228
Pages: 471–472

Head Matter:
Geraldine Dowson et al., Appellants, v Forest Park Association of Greenwood Lake, New York, Inc., Respondent. (And Other Actions.)
[643 NYS2d 1021]

Opinion:
Contrary to the plaintiffs' contention, the Supreme Court did not improvidently exercise its discretion in granting the defendant's motion to vacate an order entered upon the latter's default in responding to the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment. In view of the relatively short period of delay involved, the absence of any claim of prejudice to the plaintiffs, the existence of a possible meritorious defense, the absence of any willfulness on the defendant's part, and the public policy in favor of resolving cases on the merits, the defendant's motion to vacate its default was properly granted (see, Pollizotto v Ultra Express Coach, 220 AD2d 568; Robles v Grace Episcopal Church, 192 AD2d 515). Bracken, J. P., O'Brien, Joy and Goldstein, JJ., concur.