Landlord Seeks Damages for Building Demolition

LVT Number: 10164

Prior landlord sued city for damages after city demolished building in May 1987. Landlord lost the building to the city in a May 1986 foreclosure action. Prior landlord claimed it owned the building at the time of demolition and that city didn't notify landlord of the demolition or get its consent. Landlord argued that by law it had two years to apply to redeem the property. The court ruled against landlord. The city owned the building at the time it was demolished and had a right to demolish it. The city wasn't required to wait and see if landlord tried to redeem the property.

Prior landlord sued city for damages after city demolished building in May 1987. Landlord lost the building to the city in a May 1986 foreclosure action. Prior landlord claimed it owned the building at the time of demolition and that city didn't notify landlord of the demolition or get its consent. Landlord argued that by law it had two years to apply to redeem the property. The court ruled against landlord. The city owned the building at the time it was demolished and had a right to demolish it. The city wasn't required to wait and see if landlord tried to redeem the property. The fact that landlord made some payments on a HPD loan covering the building didn't matter; it was required to repay the loan in any event.

500 Pennsylvania Ave. Realty Corp. v. City of New York: NYLJ, p. 35, col. 2 (11/6/95) (Civ. Ct. Kings; Torres, J)