FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`OF NASSAU
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`ROSLYN
`
`EVENTS
`
`CORP.,
`
`-against-
`
`BER DUR REALTY
`
`CORP.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant.
`
`TO THE ABOVE-NAMED
`
`DEFENDANT:
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`SUMMONS
`
`Plaintiff
`place of
`
`designates Nassau County
`trial.
`
`as the
`
`This action will
`Basis of Venue:
`enjoyment
`use, and/or
`possession,
`in Nassau County.
`situated
`property
`
`affect
`of
`
`the
`
`YOU ARE HEREBY
`
`SUMMONED
`
`to
`
`answer
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action
`
`and
`
`to serve
`
`a copy
`
`of your
`
`answer
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`attorney
`
`within
`
`twenty
`
`(20)
`
`days
`
`after
`
`service
`
`of
`
`of
`
`of
`
`service
`
`(or
`
`within
`
`days
`
`after
`
`service
`
`is
`
`the
`
`summons,
`
`exclusive
`
`the
`
`day
`
`thirty
`
`(30)
`
`complete
`
`if
`
`this
`
`summons
`
`is not
`
`personally
`
`served
`
`upon
`
`you
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York);
`
`and
`
`should
`
`you
`
`fail
`
`to
`
`appear
`
`or
`
`answer
`
`within
`
`the
`
`specified
`
`time
`
`period,
`
`judgment
`
`will
`
`be
`
`taken
`
`against
`
`you
`
`by
`
`default
`
`for
`
`the
`
`relief
`
`demanded
`
`in the
`
`complaint.
`
`Dated:
`
`New York
`New York,
`August
`4, 2020
`
`BRONSTER
`
`LLP
`
`By
`
`Alexandra
`
`Esq.
`
`C. Mink,
`for
`Plaintiff
`Attorney
`56th
`156 West
`Street,
`New York
`New York,
`558-9300
`Tel.:
`(212)
`246-4875
`Direct:
`(347)
`amink@bronsterllp.com
`Email:
`
`902
`
`Suite
`10019
`
`1
`
`1 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`TO:
`
`Joseph,
`Attorneys
`2 Roosevelt
`
`& Lynam
`LLP
`Terracciano
`Ber Dur
`for
`Defendant:
`200
`
`Realty
`
`Corp.
`
`Suite
`11791
`
`Avenue,
`New York
`496-0202
`
`Syosset,
`
`(516)
`
`720087.001
`
`2 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`OF NASSAU
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`ROSLYN
`
`EVENTS
`
`CORP.,
`
`-against-
`
`BER DUR REALTY
`
`CORP.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant.
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`Plaintiff
`as the
`designates Nassau County
`trial. The basis of venue is that
`place of
`this
`use, and/or
`action will
`affect
`the possession,
`enjoyment
`of
`real property
`in
`situated
`Nassau County.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Roslyn
`
`Events
`
`Corp.
`
`("Plaintiff"),
`
`by
`
`and
`
`through
`
`its
`
`attorneys,
`
`Bronster
`
`LLP,
`
`as and
`
`for
`
`its Complaint
`
`against
`
`defendant,
`
`Ber Dur
`
`Realty
`
`Corp.
`
`("Defendant"
`
`or
`
`"Landlord")
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`NATURE
`
`OF THE ACTION
`
`1.
`
`This
`
`is an action
`
`seeking,
`
`inter
`
`alia,
`
`injunctive
`
`and
`
`declaratory
`
`relief
`
`under
`
`New
`
`York
`
`Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law
`
`and Rules
`
`("CPLR")
`
`§3001
`
`arising
`
`out
`
`of Defendant's
`
`improper
`
`attempt
`
`terminate
`
`its
`
`lease
`
`(defined
`
`below)
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`allegedly
`
`certain
`
`rent
`
`payments
`
`in the midst
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`as
`
`failing
`
`to make
`
`pandemic,
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in a purported
`
`notice
`
`to cure
`
`dated
`
`July
`
`29,
`
`2020
`
`(the
`
`"Notice
`
`to Cure").
`
`Contrary
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`in the Notice
`
`to Cure,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`in default
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`and
`
`does
`
`not
`
`owe
`
`the
`
`rental
`
`amounts
`
`claimed
`
`therein.
`
`Specifically,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`does
`
`not
`
`owe
`
`rent
`
`as claimed
`
`by Defendant
`
`by
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`clause
`
`in the Plaintiff's
`
`lease;
`
`under
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`frustration
`
`of
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease;
`
`by
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`casualty
`
`clause
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`lease;
`
`and
`
`as a result
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`on-going
`
`legal
`
`obligation
`
`to
`
`comply
`
`with
`
`state
`
`and
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`720087.001
`
`3 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`local
`
`governmental
`
`regulations
`
`concerning
`
`public
`
`safety
`
`during
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`which
`
`event
`
`was
`
`unforeseeable
`
`and
`
`not
`
`contemplated
`
`under
`
`the
`
`lease
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`the
`
`agreement.
`
`4.
`
`Additionally,
`
`as
`
`the
`
`underlying
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`lease
`
`agreement
`
`has
`
`been
`
`so
`
`frustrated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`unforeseeable
`
`outbreak
`
`of
`
`the
`
`novel
`
`coronavirus
`
`and
`
`the
`
`government's
`
`response
`
`to it, namely
`
`through
`
`New York
`
`State's
`
`executive
`
`orders,
`
`the
`
`lease
`
`agreement
`
`is void
`
`and
`
`terminable
`
`at
`
`the Plaintiff's
`
`option.
`
`5.
`
`Further,
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`owes
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a refund
`
`or
`
`rent
`
`credit
`
`for
`
`rent
`
`that
`
`was
`
`overpaid
`
`the period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`between
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`and March
`
`31,
`
`2020.
`
`during
`
`6.
`
`Lastly,
`
`Defendant,
`
`by
`
`its actions,
`
`has
`
`breached
`
`the
`
`implied
`
`covenant
`
`of good
`
`faith
`
`and
`
`fair
`
`dealing.
`
`PARTIES
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is a New York
`
`corporation
`
`authorized
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`and
`
`having
`
`a place
`
`of business
`
`in Nassau
`
`County
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`is a New York
`
`corporation
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`do
`
`business
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`and
`
`having
`
`a place
`
`of
`
`business
`
`in Nassau
`
`County
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`AND VENUE
`
`9.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`is the
`
`landlord
`
`of
`
`the
`
`premises
`
`described
`
`as 1 Railroad
`
`Avenue,
`
`Roslyn,
`
`New York
`
`(the
`
`"Premises").
`
`10.
`
`Pursuant
`
`to
`
`the
`
`lease
`
`(as
`
`defined
`
`more
`
`particularly
`
`infra),
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is
`
`the
`
`commercial
`
`tenant
`
`of
`
`the Premises.
`
`720087.001
`
`4 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`11.
`
`Thus,
`
`jurisdiction
`
`is
`
`proper
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§302(a)(4),
`
`and
`
`venue
`
`is
`
`proper
`
`in
`
`Nassau
`
`County
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`§507.
`
`THE LEASE
`
`12.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`became
`
`the
`
`tenant
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Premises
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`a ten
`
`(10)
`
`year
`
`lease
`
`agreement
`
`executed
`
`on May
`
`19, 2017
`
`by
`
`and
`
`between
`
`Defendant,
`
`as landlord,
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`as
`
`tenant
`
`(the
`
`"Lease").
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`is
`
`annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as
`
`Exhibit
`
`A.
`
`13.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`invested
`
`over
`
`$500,000.00
`
`in
`
`the
`
`buildout
`
`and
`
`development
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Premises
`
`for
`
`its
`
`business
`
`purpose.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`operates
`
`the Premises,
`
`in
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`underlying
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`as an event
`
`space
`
`and
`
`lounge
`
`for
`
`social
`
`and
`
`corporate
`
`events.
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`was
`
`fully
`
`operational
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`that
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`struck
`
`New York
`
`in early
`
`2020.
`
`PANDEMIC
`
`THE COVID-19
`
`14.
`
`In March
`
`2020,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`State
`
`catalogued
`
`its
`
`first
`
`known
`
`cases
`
`of
`
`the
`
`novel
`
`coronavirus
`
`known
`
`as COVID-19,
`
`an event
`
`which
`
`has
`
`since
`
`risen
`
`to the
`
`level
`
`of a
`
`global
`
`pandemic.
`
`As
`
`of
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`this
`
`filing,
`
`more
`
`than
`
`thirty
`
`thousand
`
`(30,000)
`
`people
`
`have
`
`died
`
`from
`
`COVID-19
`
`in New York
`
`State
`
`alone,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`global
`
`death
`
`toll
`
`numbers
`
`over
`
`half
`
`a million
`
`souls.
`
`New
`
`15.
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to
`
`the
`
`severity
`
`of
`
`this
`
`deadly
`
`crisis,
`
`York
`
`State
`
`Governor
`
`Andrew
`
`Cuomo
`
`issued
`
`a series
`
`of
`
`executive
`
`orders
`
`(the
`
`"Executive
`
`Orders")
`
`which,
`
`among
`
`other
`
`things,
`
`declared
`
`a state
`
`disaster
`
`emergency
`
`for
`
`the
`
`entire
`
`state
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202");
`
`mandated
`
`that
`
`restaurants
`
`and
`
`bars
`
`cease
`
`serving
`
`patrons
`
`food
`
`or beverage
`
`on-premises
`
`from
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`onward
`
`720087.001
`
`5 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.3");
`
`ordered
`
`all
`
`businesses
`
`to utilize
`
`work
`
`from
`
`home
`
`procedures
`
`if possible
`
`and
`
`to reduce
`
`the
`
`in-person
`
`workforce
`
`at any work
`
`location
`
`by
`
`100%
`
`from
`
`March
`
`22,
`
`2020
`
`onward
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.8");
`
`canceled
`
`all
`
`gatherings
`
`of non-essential
`
`individuals
`
`of any
`
`size,
`
`for
`
`any
`
`reason
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.10");
`
`declared
`
`that
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of a type
`
`of
`
`facility
`
`or occupancy
`
`of
`
`than
`
`number
`
`order
`
`any
`
`space
`
`by more
`
`the
`
`of persons
`
`allowed
`
`by
`
`executive
`
`be
`
`deemed
`
`a violation
`
`of
`
`law
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.11");
`
`which
`
`restrictions
`
`were
`
`extended
`
`until
`
`May
`
`15,
`
`2020
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.18");
`
`and
`
`then
`
`further
`
`extended
`
`until
`
`June
`
`7,
`
`2020
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.29").
`
`The
`
`executive
`
`orders
`
`collectively
`
`came
`
`to
`
`be
`
`described
`
`as
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`"NYS
`
`on
`
`PAUSE"
`
`of which
`
`as regions
`
`met
`
`program,
`
`the
`
`restrictions
`
`were
`
`to be phased
`
`out
`
`certain
`
`public
`
`health
`
`metrics
`
`("Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.31").
`
`Copies
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`are annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`B.
`
`16.
`
`Neither
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`nor
`
`the
`
`resultant
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`were
`
`anticipated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`parties.
`
`17.
`
`In
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`above-referenced
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`and
`
`the
`
`PAUSE
`
`program,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`like
`
`other
`
`similar
`
`establishments
`
`in New
`
`York,
`
`shuttered
`
`its
`
`for
`
`doors
`
`on March
`
`16, 2020,
`
`after
`
`having
`
`paid
`
`the
`
`full
`
`rent
`
`that month.
`
`FIVE
`
`DAY DEMAND
`
`/ NOTICE
`
`TO CURE
`
`18.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`initiated
`
`conversations
`
`with
`
`the
`
`Landlord
`
`in March,
`
`April,
`
`and May
`
`to
`
`discuss
`
`the
`
`impact
`
`of COVID-19
`
`on
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`obligations
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`as well
`
`as the
`
`steps
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`taking
`
`to mitigate
`
`that
`
`impact
`
`(such
`
`as
`
`applying
`
`for
`
`federal
`
`aid
`
`under
`
`the Paycheck
`
`Protection
`
`Program
`
`and
`
`investigating
`
`720087.001
`
`6 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`ways
`
`to
`
`pivot
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`by
`
`developing
`
`a food
`
`takeout
`
`and
`
`delivery
`
`operation).
`
`19.
`
`In
`
`June
`
`2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`Landlord
`
`engaged
`
`in
`
`discussions
`
`to potentially
`
`revise
`
`the
`
`rental
`
`obligations
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`given
`
`the
`
`effect
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Pandemic
`
`on
`
`possible
`
`performance
`
`thereof.
`
`20.
`
`Thereafter,
`
`Defendant
`
`offered
`
`to
`
`sell
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff
`
`offered
`
`the
`
`on
`
`to buy
`
`building
`
`which
`
`the
`
`Premises
`
`were
`
`located
`
`(in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`right
`
`of
`
`first
`
`refusal
`
`as discussed
`
`in Paragraph
`
`53 of
`
`the
`
`Lease),
`
`an offer
`
`for which
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`is currently
`
`seeking
`
`financing.
`
`21.
`
`Despite
`
`these
`
`good
`
`faith
`
`efforts
`
`and
`
`the
`
`fact
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is
`
`still
`
`currently
`
`prohibited
`
`by
`
`state
`
`and
`
`local
`
`law
`
`from
`
`operating
`
`its
`
`business
`
`in
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`with
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`on
`
`July
`
`30,
`
`2020,
`
`Landlord
`
`served
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a "five
`
`day
`
`demand"
`
`(the
`
`"Notice"),
`
`declaring
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in
`
`default
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`for
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`pay
`
`rent
`
`for
`
`the months
`
`of April
`
`2020, May
`
`2020,
`
`June
`
`2020,
`
`and
`
`July
`
`2020.
`
`22.
`
`The
`
`Notice
`
`stated
`
`that,
`
`if Plaintiff
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`cure
`
`the
`
`default
`
`at
`
`the
`
`end
`
`of
`
`the
`
`of
`
`expiration
`
`period
`
`(August
`
`5, 2020),
`
`Landlord
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`See
`
`a copy
`
`the Notice
`
`annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`C.
`
`23.
`
`Defendant
`
`effectively
`
`seeks
`
`to
`
`force
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to break
`
`mandatory
`
`local
`
`and
`
`state
`
`laws
`
`to effectuate
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`24.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`now
`
`moves
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`for
`
`relief
`
`from
`
`the
`
`prospect
`
`of
`
`immediate
`
`and
`
`irreparable
`
`harm
`
`from
`
`this Defendant.
`
`720087.001
`
`7 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`PLAINTIFF
`
`HAS NOT DEFAULTED
`
`AS FORCE MAJEURE
`
`EXCUSES
`
`PERFORMANCE
`
`OF ITS OBLIGATIONS
`
`UNDER
`
`THE LEASE
`
`25.
`
`The
`
`Lease,
`
`by
`
`its
`
`terms,
`
`clearly
`
`indicates
`
`that
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`as well
`
`as
`
`the
`
`government
`
`regulations
`
`issued
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`the
`
`pandemic
`
`constitute
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`events
`
`that
`
`excuse
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`performance
`
`of
`
`its obligations
`
`thereunder.
`
`26.
`
`Paragraph
`
`27
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`defines
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`as inclusive
`
`of
`
`several
`
`causes
`
`or
`
`events
`
`that
`
`justify
`
`the
`
`delay
`
`of performance:
`
`of
`
`period
`in the
`
`"The
`delayed
`or
`fulfilling
`caused
`
`by
`
`any
`fire,
`acts
`or
`
`commotion,
`or
`regulations,
`beyond
`Landlord's
`Tenant's
`time
`shall
`have
`
`any
`
`time
`during
`performance
`obligation
`
`terrorism,
`of God
`
`catastrophe,
`or
`the
`public
`or difficulty
`inability
`or
`Tenant's
`control,
`performance
`thereof,
`thereof."
`reason
`
`by
`
`for
`
`liability
`
`which
`Landlord
`of
`the making
`required
`
`or
`are
`Tenant
`of any
`improvements
`under
`this
`Lease
`labor
`or
`strikes
`governmental
`
`enemy,
`to obtain
`shall
`be
`neither
`and
`(emphasis
`
`materials,
`to
`added
`Landlord
`
`added)
`
`or
`
`due
`
`prevented
`or
`repairs
`to
`delays
`civil
`
`Tenant
`
`trouble,
`prohibitions
`or other
`causes
`or
`Landlord's
`nor
`
`rules
`
`instituted
`
`in response
`
`fall
`
`into
`
`not
`
`but
`
`27.
`
`The COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`one,
`
`three,
`
`of
`
`these
`
`enumerated
`
`bases
`
`for
`
`force
`
`majeure:
`
`(i)
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`God,
`
`(ii)
`
`governmental
`
`prohibitions
`
`or
`
`regulations,
`
`and
`
`(iii)
`
`other
`
`causes
`
`beyond
`
`Landlord
`
`or Tenant's
`
`control.
`
`28.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`forced
`
`to shutter
`
`its business
`
`on March
`
`16, 2020
`
`in compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`state mandates
`
`and
`
`is
`
`still
`
`unable
`
`to
`
`fully
`
`operate
`
`as an event
`
`space
`
`and
`
`late-
`
`night
`
`lounge,
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`Nassau
`
`County's
`
`Phase
`
`4 guidelines.
`
`29.
`
`The
`
`executive
`
`orders
`
`restricted
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`non-essential
`
`businesses
`
`and
`
`precluded
`
`the
`
`gathering
`
`of
`
`groups
`
`of
`
`any
`
`size.
`
`The modified
`
`orders
`
`still
`
`regulate
`
`the
`
`size
`
`of groups
`
`permitted
`
`to be gathered
`
`at one
`
`time.
`
`720087.001
`
`8 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`30.
`
`The
`
`executive
`
`orders
`
`issued
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to COVID-19
`
`constitute
`
`government
`
`restriction
`
`covered
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Lease's
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`clause
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`non-
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`rent
`
`during
`
`the months
`
`in which
`
`the
`
`executive
`
`orders
`
`preclude
`
`the
`
`normal
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`its business.
`
`31.
`
`Additionally,
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`itself
`
`is
`
`a force
`
`majeure
`
`event
`
`excusing
`
`of
`
`is a natural
`
`event
`
`not
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`performance
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`The
`
`pandemic
`
`by human
`
`agency
`
`and
`
`beyond
`
`the prevention
`
`or control
`
`of human
`
`agency.
`
`32.
`
`Finally,
`
`both
`
`the
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`government
`
`regulations
`
`issued
`
`in response
`
`fall
`
`within
`
`the
`
`Lease's
`
`catch-all
`
`provision
`
`as both
`
`constitute
`
`events
`
`beyond
`
`the
`
`control
`
`of either
`
`party
`
`that
`
`obstruct
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`PLAINTIFF
`
`AS NEW YORK
`
`LAW HAS
`
`FRUSTRATED
`
`THE
`
`HAS NOT DEFAULTED
`
`BUSINESS
`
`PURPOSE
`
`OF THE LEASE
`
`33.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`in default
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`because
`
`the
`
`government's
`
`response
`
`to the
`
`coronavirus
`
`pandemic
`
`has
`
`frustrated
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`34.
`
`The
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`is to operate
`
`an event
`
`space
`
`and
`
`lounge
`
`(the
`
`"Permitted
`
`Use").
`
`See Exhibit
`
`A.
`
`The Premises
`
`can
`
`be operated
`
`to the
`
`terms
`
`and
`
`intent
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`35.
`
`36.
`
`only
`
`according
`
`The
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`make
`
`it
`
`abundantly
`
`clear
`
`that
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`legally
`
`prohibited
`
`from
`
`operating
`
`the Premises
`
`according
`
`to those
`
`terms
`
`from
`
`March
`
`16,
`
`2020
`
`through
`
`and
`
`including
`
`the
`
`present
`
`date.
`
`37.
`
`Both
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`government's
`
`response
`
`to
`
`it
`
`were
`
`completely
`
`unforeseeable
`
`and
`
`unprecedented
`
`in modern
`
`history.
`
`720087.001
`
`9 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`38.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`business,
`
`as described
`
`in the
`
`Lease,
`
`is not
`
`one
`
`in which
`
`outdoor
`
`dining
`
`is possible.
`
`Moreover,
`
`though
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`can
`
`resume
`
`for
`
`limited
`
`capacity,
`
`it
`
`still
`
`cannot
`
`be not
`
`fully
`
`operational
`
`at 100%
`
`capacity,
`
`which,
`
`as an event
`
`space
`
`for
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`celebrations
`
`for
`
`several
`
`hundred
`
`people
`
`at
`
`a time,
`
`is
`
`totally
`
`debilitating.
`
`frustrated
`
`and
`
`continues
`
`to
`
`frustrate
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`39.
`
`The
`
`law
`
`has
`
`lease,
`
`both
`
`excusing
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`non-performance
`
`of
`
`its
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`and
`
`entitling
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`at
`
`its option.
`
`PLAINTIFF
`
`HAS NOT DEFAULTED
`
`AS THE RENT
`
`IS ABATED
`
`UNDER
`
`THE LEASE
`
`40.
`
`The
`
`Lease,
`
`by
`
`its
`
`terms,
`
`clearly
`
`indicates
`
`that
`
`the
`
`rent
`
`is abated
`
`throughout
`
`the
`
`duration
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`length
`
`of
`
`time
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is prevented
`
`from
`
`and/or
`
`for
`
`purpose.
`
`accessing
`
`using
`
`the
`
`entire
`
`Premises
`
`its business
`
`41.
`
`Paragraph
`
`18
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`states
`
`that
`
`"if
`
`the Demised
`
`Premises
`
`or
`
`the
`
`building
`
`containing
`
`them
`
`should
`
`be damaged
`
`or destroyed
`
`during
`
`the
`
`term by
`
`fire
`
`or
`
`other
`
`insurable
`
`casualty...rent
`
`payable
`
`under
`
`this
`
`Lease
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`fully
`
`abated
`
`during
`
`such
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`that
`
`Tenant
`
`is denied
`
`the
`
`use
`
`and
`
`enjoyment
`
`of
`
`the Demised
`
`Premises."
`
`See Exhibit
`
`A (emphasis
`
`added)
`
`42.
`
`The
`
`casualty
`
`triggering
`
`Paragraph
`
`18 of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`began
`
`on
`
`or
`
`about
`
`March
`
`16,
`
`2020,
`
`when,
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`previously
`
`discussed
`
`herein,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`legally
`
`forced
`
`to close
`
`its
`
`business
`
`due
`
`to the
`
`property
`
`and
`
`physical
`
`damage
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the COVID-19
`
`virus
`
`and
`
`the
`
`dangerous
`
`propensity
`
`such
`
`virus
`
`poses
`
`to the
`
`public.
`
`720087.001
`
`10 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`43.
`
`On March
`
`16,
`
`2020,
`
`New York
`
`City
`
`Mayor
`
`Bill
`
`de Blasio
`
`specifically
`
`noted
`
`the
`
`"property
`
`damage
`
`and
`
`loss"
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`novel
`
`coronavirus.
`
`As
`
`of May
`
`22,
`
`2020,
`
`the
`
`Centers
`
`for
`
`Disease
`
`Control
`
`and
`
`Prevention
`
`(the
`
`"CDC")
`
`has
`
`maintained
`
`that
`
`"it may
`
`be possible
`
`that
`
`a person
`
`can
`
`get COVID-19
`
`by
`
`touching
`
`or
`
`object
`
`that
`
`it."
`
`on
`
`of
`
`Media
`
`a surface
`
`has
`
`the
`
`virus
`
`See
`
`a copy
`
`the CDC
`
`Statement
`
`annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`D.
`
`44.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`both
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`responsive
`
`government
`
`regulations,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`unable
`
`to use
`
`or access
`
`the
`
`entire
`
`Premises
`
`from
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`until
`
`the
`
`present
`
`time.
`
`45.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`in
`
`default
`
`for
`
`not
`
`paying
`
`rent
`
`for
`
`the months
`
`alleged
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`as the
`
`rent
`
`was
`
`contractually
`
`abated
`
`during
`
`that
`
`time
`
`under
`
`the
`
`terms
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`OWES PLAINTIFF
`
`A RENT
`
`CREDIT
`
`46.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`paid
`
`the
`
`entirety
`
`of
`
`the
`
`rent
`
`for March
`
`2020
`
`when
`
`it was
`
`only
`
`able
`
`to
`
`access
`
`and
`
`use
`
`the Premises
`
`for
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the month.
`
`47.
`
`Rent
`
`was
`
`due
`
`and
`
`to Defendant
`
`through
`
`March
`
`16,
`
`2020,
`
`the
`
`date
`
`on
`
`only
`
`owing
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incurred
`
`the
`
`casualty.
`
`48.
`
`As
`
`a result,
`
`the Defendant
`
`actually
`
`owes
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`a refund
`
`or a rent
`
`credit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`dates
`
`of March
`
`16, 2020
`
`through
`
`and
`
`including
`
`March
`
`31,
`
`2020.
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`IMPROPERLY
`
`SEEKS
`
`LATE
`
`FEES
`
`49.
`
`The
`
`Notice
`
`seeks,
`
`inter
`
`alia,
`
`late
`
`fees
`
`in
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`$3121.98
`
`against
`
`the
`
`purported
`
`rent
`
`amounts
`
`owed
`
`by Plaintiff.
`
`720087.001
`
`11 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`50.
`
`Executive
`
`Order
`
`No.
`
`202.28
`
`expressly
`
`precludes
`
`the
`
`collection
`
`of
`
`late
`
`fees
`
`for
`
`the
`
`late
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`rent
`
`during
`
`the
`
`time
`
`period
`
`from
`
`March
`
`20,
`
`2020,
`
`through
`
`August
`
`20,
`
`2020.
`
`51.
`
`Even
`
`if
`
`this
`
`Plaintiff
`
`did
`
`owe
`
`rental
`
`payments
`
`for
`
`the months
`
`at
`
`issue,
`
`which
`
`it
`
`violate
`
`the
`
`law.
`
`disputes,
`
`the
`
`amounts
`
`claimed
`
`by
`
`this Defendant
`
`existing
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Declaratory
`
`Judgment
`
`- No Default)
`
`52.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"1"
`
`through
`
`"51"
`
`above
`
`as if
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`53.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the Notice
`
`is a predicate
`
`to
`
`the Defendant's
`
`rights
`
`upon
`
`default
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`including
`
`termination
`
`thereof.
`
`under
`
`54.
`
`55.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`disputes
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is in default
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Notice.
`
`The
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`as well
`
`as the
`
`government
`
`orders
`
`issued
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`the
`
`pandemic
`
`triggered
`
`the
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`provision
`
`under
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Lease
`
`and
`
`excused
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`performance
`
`of
`
`its
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`for
`
`the
`
`duration
`
`of
`
`time
`
`the
`
`events
`
`lasted.
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is excused
`
`56.
`
`By
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`provision,
`
`from
`
`its
`
`rental
`
`obligations
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`57.
`
`On or about
`
`March
`
`16,
`
`2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incurred
`
`a casualty
`
`triggering
`
`the
`
`casualty
`
`clause
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`and
`
`abating
`
`rent
`
`until
`
`such
`
`casualty
`
`is remediated
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`can
`
`resume
`
`business
`
`operations
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`restrictive
`
`covenants
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`720087.001
`
`12 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`58.
`
`By
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`casualty
`
`clause
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the
`
`Lease,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`required
`
`to pay
`
`rent
`
`during
`
`the
`
`time
`
`the Premises
`
`is affected
`
`by
`
`the
`
`casualty.
`
`59.
`
`By
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`force
`
`majeure
`
`provision
`
`and
`
`the
`
`casualty
`
`clause,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`rent
`
`obligation
`
`is
`
`suspended
`
`and/or
`
`abated
`
`for
`
`the
`
`duration
`
`of
`
`an
`
`event
`
`of
`
`force
`
`not
`
`an event
`
`of
`
`majeure
`
`and/or
`
`casualty,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`nonpayment
`
`of
`
`rent
`
`is therefore
`
`default
`
`as defined
`
`in the
`
`Lease.
`
`60.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`and
`
`as described
`
`in
`
`the Notice,
`
`Defendant
`
`disputes
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is prohibited
`
`from
`
`terminating
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`for
`
`a purported
`
`default.
`
`61.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is ready,
`
`willing,
`
`and
`
`able
`
`to cure
`
`any
`
`default
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Notice,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`this Court
`
`finds
`
`any
`
`existing
`
`default.
`
`information
`
`belief
`
`62.
`
`Upon
`
`and
`
`and
`
`as described
`
`in the Notice,
`
`Defendant
`
`intends
`
`to
`
`63.
`
`64.
`
`terminate
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Lease
`
`as of August
`
`5, 2020.
`
`There
`
`is a justiciable
`
`controversy
`
`between
`
`the
`
`parties.
`
`A judicial
`
`determination
`
`of
`
`the
`
`rights
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`of
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`is necessary
`
`in
`
`order
`
`that
`
`such
`
`rights
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`may
`
`be
`
`determined
`
`and
`
`adjudged
`
`without
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incurring
`
`the
`
`danger
`
`of
`
`losing
`
`its
`
`valuable
`
`leasehold
`
`interest
`
`and
`
`business
`
`assets
`
`by Defendant
`
`taking
`
`action
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`terminating
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`65.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`the Court
`
`should
`
`declare
`
`the
`
`rights
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`of
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`the
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the
`
`relief
`
`to which
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`may
`
`be entitled.
`
`66.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has no adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Declaratory
`
`Judgment
`
`- Rent
`
`Credit)
`
`720087.001
`
`13 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`67.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"1"
`
`through
`
`"65"
`
`above
`
`as if
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`68.
`
`Given
`
`the
`
`casualty
`
`event
`
`of March
`
`16, 2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to a refund
`
`or
`
`rent
`
`credit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`overpayment
`
`of
`
`rent
`
`in the month
`
`of March
`
`2020.
`
`Defendant
`
`Plaintiff
`
`the
`
`rent
`
`credit
`
`to which
`
`it
`
`is entitled.
`
`69.
`
`70.
`
`71.
`
`72.
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to give
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`disputes
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`entitlement
`
`to
`
`this
`
`rent
`
`credit.
`
`There
`
`is a justiciable
`
`controversy
`
`between
`
`the
`
`parties.
`
`A judicial
`
`determination
`
`is necessary
`
`as to whether
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to
`
`a rent
`
`credit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`from
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`to March
`
`31,
`
`2020.
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`whether
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`73.
`
`By
`
`the
`
`forgoing,
`
`the Court
`
`should
`
`declare
`
`is entitled
`
`a rent
`
`credit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`from
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`to March
`
`31,
`
`2020.
`
`74.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has no adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Declaratory
`
`Judgment
`
`- Frustration
`
`of Purpose)
`
`75.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"1"
`
`through
`
`"73"
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`above
`
`as if
`
`76.
`
`77.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Lease
`
`requires
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to operate
`
`as an event
`
`space
`
`and
`
`lounge.
`
`The
`
`state
`
`and
`
`local
`
`governmental
`
`orders
`
`pertaining
`
`to
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`have
`
`wholly
`
`frustrated
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`78.
`
`Both
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`the
`
`responsive
`
`governmental
`
`measures
`
`are
`
`totally
`
`unprecedented
`
`and were
`
`not
`
`foreseeable
`
`events.
`
`720087.001
`
`14 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`79.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`could
`
`not
`
`have
`
`legally
`
`operated
`
`its
`
`event
`
`space
`
`and
`
`lounge
`
`on
`
`or
`
`after
`
`March
`
`16, 2020
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`state
`
`and
`
`local
`
`restrictions.
`
`80.
`
`At
`
`the
`
`present
`
`moment
`
`and
`
`for
`
`the
`
`foreseeable
`
`future,
`
`governmental
`
`restrictions
`
`still
`
`preclude
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`business,
`
`as social
`
`gatherings
`
`and
`
`events
`
`are still
`
`subject
`
`to reduced
`
`capacity
`
`mandates.
`
`of
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`81.
`
`The
`
`law has
`
`frustrated
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`to such
`
`it has
`
`rendered
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`void
`
`and
`
`terminable
`
`at Plaintiff's
`
`option.
`
`As
`
`a result,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`can
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`at
`
`its
`
`option
`
`without
`
`penalty
`
`or
`
`forfeiture
`
`of
`
`any
`
`of
`
`its
`
`rights,
`
`such
`
`as the
`
`surrender
`
`of
`
`the
`
`security
`
`deposit.
`
`82.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`the
`
`law's
`
`frustration
`
`of
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`excuses
`
`Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`the
`
`non-performance
`
`of
`
`its
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder,
`
`namely,
`
`the
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`rent.
`
`83.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`disputes
`
`that
`
`the
`
`governmental
`
`measures
`
`have
`
`frustrated
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`as
`
`excused
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`such
`
`frustration,
`
`and/or
`
`that
`
`the
`
`total
`
`frustration
`
`renders
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`void
`
`and
`
`terminable
`
`at
`
`the
`
`option
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff.
`
`between
`
`84.
`
`85.
`
`There
`
`is a justiciable
`
`controversy
`
`the
`
`parties.
`
`A judicial
`
`determination
`
`is necessary
`
`as to whether
`
`such
`
`frustration
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`purpose
`
`renders
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`void
`
`and
`
`terminable
`
`at
`
`the
`
`option
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`and/or
`
`as to whether
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to
`
`a rent
`
`abatement
`
`for
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`it
`
`is
`
`subject
`
`to
`
`governmental
`
`prohibitions
`
`that
`
`frustrate
`
`the
`
`underlying
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`720087.001
`
`15 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`86.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`forgoing,
`
`the Court
`
`should
`
`declare
`
`whether
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`and/or
`
`a rent
`
`abatement
`
`for
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`it
`
`is subject
`
`to
`
`to
`
`governmental
`
`prohibitions
`
`that
`
`frustrate
`
`the
`
`underlying
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Breach
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Implied
`
`Covenant
`
`of Good
`
`faith
`
`and Fair
`
`Dealing)
`
`Plaintiff
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"1"
`
`through
`
`87.
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`"85"
`
`above
`
`as if
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`88.
`
`The
`
`Lease
`
`imposes
`
`on Defendant
`
`an
`
`implied
`
`obligation
`
`to
`
`act
`
`in
`
`good
`
`faith
`
`and
`
`deal
`
`fairly
`
`with
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`in connection
`
`with
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`and
`
`the
`
`performance
`
`of
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder.
`
`89.
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`frivolously
`
`and
`
`improperly
`
`served
`
`the
`
`Notice
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`money
`
`and
`
`remedies
`
`to which
`
`it
`
`is not
`
`entitled.
`
`demanding
`
`90.
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`refused
`
`to
`
`consider
`
`the
`
`revision
`
`of
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`rent
`
`structure
`
`to
`
`reflect
`
`the
`
`continued
`
`effects
`
`of
`
`the
`
`global
`
`health
`
`emergency
`
`and
`
`its
`
`real
`
`and
`
`tangible
`
`impact
`
`on the
`
`viability
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`purpose
`
`under
`
`the
`
`lease.
`
`91.
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`forced
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`turn
`
`to
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`for
`
`relief,
`
`knowing
`
`full
`
`well
`
`financial
`
`as a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`that
`
`it a business
`
`already
`
`facing
`
`severe
`
`hardship
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic.
`
`92.
`
`In doing
`
`so,
`
`it has
`
`acted
`
`in bad
`
`faith
`
`and
`
`breached
`
`its obligation
`
`to deal
`
`fairly
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`a covenant
`
`to which
`
`it
`
`is implicitly
`
`subject
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`agreement.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has no adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`forgoing,
`
`Defendant
`
`should
`
`be
`
`preliminarily
`
`and
`
`permanently
`
`enjoined
`
`from
`
`engaging
`
`in such
`
`bad
`
`faith
`
`conduct.
`
`93.
`
`94.
`
`720087.001
`
`16 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`as follows:
`
`A. On the
`
`First
`
`Cause
`
`of Action:
`
`(i)
`
`declaring
`
`that
`
`(a)
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`not
`
`breached
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`and
`
`is not
`
`in default
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Notice
`
`and
`
`(b) Defendant
`
`cannot
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`the Notice
`
`or
`
`the
`
`grounds
`
`alleged
`
`therein;
`
`(ii)
`
`restraining
`
`and
`
`enjoining
`
`Defendant
`
`from
`
`(a)
`
`taking
`
`any
`
`action
`
`to draw
`
`upon
`
`or
`
`on
`
`or
`
`the
`
`security
`
`deposit
`
`possibly
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`based
`
`the Notice
`
`(b)
`
`instituting
`
`any
`
`actions
`
`or proceedings
`
`against
`
`Plaintiff
`
`based
`
`on the Notice;
`
`or
`
`in
`
`the
`
`alternative,
`
`(a)
`
`declaring
`
`that,
`
`if
`
`there
`
`has
`
`been
`
`a breach
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`should
`
`be afforded
`
`reasonable
`
`opportunity
`
`to cure
`
`said
`
`breach;
`
`and
`
`(b)
`
`extending
`
`the
`
`time
`
`by
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`may
`
`cure
`
`any
`
`breach
`
`found
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`to
`
`such
`
`Plaintiff
`
`further
`
`time
`
`as
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`may
`
`direct
`
`in
`
`order
`
`to
`
`permit
`
`to
`
`cure
`
`said
`
`breach;
`
`B. On the
`
`Second
`
`Cause
`
`of Action,
`
`declaring
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to a rent
`
`credit
`
`or
`
`refund;
`
`C. On the
`
`Third
`
`Cause
`
`of Action,
`
`(i)
`
`declaring
`
`that,
`
`because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`law's
`
`frustration
`
`of
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Lease,
`
`the
`
`Lease
`
`is void
`
`and
`
`terminable
`
`at
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`option,
`
`and/or
`
`rent
`
`obligation
`
`is
`
`suspended
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is
`
`(ii)
`
`declaring
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`a rent
`
`abatement
`
`for
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`during
`
`which
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`governmental
`
`restrictions
`
`legally
`
`prohibit
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`business
`
`as
`
`contemplated
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease;
`
`D. On the
`
`Fourth
`
`Cause
`
`of Action,
`
`enjoining
`
`the Defendant
`
`from
`
`engaging
`
`in bad
`
`faith
`
`conduct
`
`in breach
`
`of
`
`the
`
`implied
`
`covenant
`
`of good
`
`faith
`
`and
`
`fair
`
`dealing
`
`to which
`
`it
`
`is subject
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Lease;
`
`and
`
`720087.001
`
`17 of 18
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/05/2020 11:02 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 607968/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/05/2020
`
`E.
`
`Granting
`
`Plaintiff
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the Court
`
`may
`
`seem just
`
`and
`
`BRONSTER
`
`LLP
`
`proper.
`
`Dated:
`
`New York
`New York,
`August
`5, 2020
`
`By
`
`/s/ Alexandra
`Alexandra
`
`Esq.
`
`Mink
`C. Mink,
`for
`Plaintiff
`Attorney
`56th
`156 West
`street,
`New York
`New York,
`558-9300
`Tel.:
`(212)
`246-4875
`Direct:
`(347)
`amink@bronsterllp.com
`Email:
`
`902
`
`suite
`10019
`
`720087.001
`
`18 of 18
`
`