`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
`COUNTY OF QUEENS
`----------------------------------------------------------------------X
`GILBERT VARGAS and SHIRLEY VARGAS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`Index No.
`
`
`-against-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SUMMONS
`
`
`COURTVIEW OWNERS CORP. and
`JOHN B. LOVETT & ASSOCIATES, LTD.,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Defendant.
`------------------------------------------------------------------X Date of filing with clerk:
`
`To the above-named defendants:
`
`
`YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a
`
`copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of
`
`appearance, on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons,
`
`exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this summons is
`
`not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to answer,
`
`judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
`
`The basis of the venue designated is the location of the subject property..
`
`The Price Law Firm, LLC
`
`
`
`
`Joshua C. Price, Esq.
`1115 Broadway - suite 1053
`New York, New York 10010
`212-675-1125
`
`
`
`Dated:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`New York, New York
`May 16, 2023
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Defendant’s Addresses:
`COURTVIEW OWNERS CORP.
`C/O JOHN B. LOVETT & ASSOCIATES, LTD.
`109-15 14TH AVENUE
`COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356
`
`JOHN B. LOVETT & ASSOCIATES, LTD.
`109-15 14TH AVENUE
`COLLEGE POINT, NY11356
`
`1 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`OF QUEENS
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`GILBERT
`
`VARGAS
`
`and SHIRLEY
`
`VARGAS
`
`X
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`-against-
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`OWNERS
`COURTVIEW
`CORP.
`& ASSOCIATES,
`JOHN B. LOVETT
`
`and
`
`LTD.,
`
`---------------------------------
`
`Defendant.
`
`x
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`GILBERT
`
`VARGAS
`
`and SHIRLEY
`
`VARGAS
`
`by and
`
`through
`
`their
`
`attorneys,
`
`THE PRICE
`
`LAW FIRM LLC,
`
`as and
`
`for
`
`their
`
`complaint
`
`herein,
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`1. GILBERT
`
`VARGAS
`
`and
`
`SHIRLEY
`
`VARGAS
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Plaintiffs")
`
`are
`
`the
`
`shareholders
`
`of Apartment
`
`2C
`
`at
`
`123-35
`
`82 Road,
`
`Kew
`
`Gardens,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`11415
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Subject
`
`Unit").
`
`2.
`
`Defendant,
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`is a cooperative
`
`housing
`
`corporation
`
`organized
`
`and existing
`
`pursuant
`
`to the laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`ofNew
`
`York,
`
`with
`
`a principal
`
`place
`
`ofbusiness
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`County
`
`of Queens.
`
`3.
`
`Defendant,
`
`JOHN
`
`B. LOVETT
`
`& ASSOCIATES,
`
`LTD.,
`
`is a corporation
`
`organized
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`with
`
`a principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`County
`
`of Queens.
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`AND VENUE
`
`4.
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`has jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`this
`
`action
`
`pursuant
`
`to C. P. L. R. § 301
`
`because
`
`all of
`
`the
`
`Defendants
`
`either
`
`reside
`
`or conduct
`
`business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`has jurisdiction
`
`pursuant
`
`to C. P. L. R. § 302 because
`
`all Defendants
`
`transact
`
`business
`
`in New York.
`
`2 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`5.
`
`Venue
`
`is proper
`
`in this Court
`
`under
`
`C. P. L. R. § 503(a).
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`FACTS
`
`6.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`are
`
`and
`
`were
`
`at
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`prior
`
`to
`
`the
`
`date
`
`hereof
`
`and
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`referred
`
`to,
`
`the
`
`proprietary
`
`lessee
`
`and
`
`owner
`
`and
`
`shareholder
`
`of
`
`record
`
`of
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.,
`
`appurtenant
`
`to andallocated
`
`to Apartment
`
`2C at 123-35
`
`82 Road,
`
`Kew Gardens,
`
`New York
`
`11415.
`
`7.
`
`That,
`
`Defendant,
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS CORP.,
`
`is and was
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`prior
`
`to
`
`the date
`
`hereof
`
`and at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`referred
`
`to,
`
`the proprietarylessorandownerofthe
`
`cooperative
`
`building
`
`located
`
`at Apartment
`
`2C at 123-35
`
`82 Road,
`
`Kew Gardens,
`
`New York
`
`11415.
`
`8.
`
`That,
`
`Defendant,
`
`JOHN B. LOVETT
`
`& ASSOCIATES,
`
`LTD.,
`
`is and was
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`prior
`
`hereof
`
`at all
`
`hereinafter
`
`referred
`
`the management
`
`times
`
`to
`
`the
`
`date
`
`and
`
`times
`
`to,
`
`company
`
`for COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.,
`
`and responsible
`
`for
`
`the management
`
`of
`
`the
`
`cooperative
`
`building
`
`located
`
`at 123-35
`
`82 Road,Kew
`
`Gardens,
`
`New York
`
`11415.
`
`9.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`purchased
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`in October
`
`of 2001.
`
`10. Plaintiffshavelived
`
`in the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`for more
`
`than
`
`20 years.
`
`11. Plaintiffs
`
`do not
`
`have
`
`a mortgage
`
`on the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`12. 123-35
`
`82nd
`
`Road,
`
`Kew Gardens,
`
`New York
`
`11415
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Subject
`
`Building")was
`
`built
`
`in
`
`1948.
`
`13. There
`
`are
`
`129 residential
`
`units
`
`and
`
`5 commercial
`
`units
`
`in the Subject
`
`Building.
`
`14. On or
`
`about
`
`September
`
`1, 2021,
`
`approximately
`
`1/4
`
`of
`
`the
`
`ceiling
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`primary
`
`bedroomcame
`
`down
`
`with
`
`all of
`
`the ceilingdebris
`
`on
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`bedroom
`
`furniture,
`
`causing
`
`damage
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`bedroom,
`
`bed,
`
`television,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`chattel.
`
`3 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`.
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`15. The
`
`collapsing
`
`of
`
`the
`
`ceiling
`
`on September
`
`1, 2021
`
`also
`
`caused
`
`damage
`
`to an adjacent
`
`bathroom.
`
`16. Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`fortunate
`
`not
`
`to be home
`
`when
`
`the ceiling
`
`collapse
`
`happened,
`
`or else it would
`
`have
`
`fallen
`
`on top
`
`of
`
`them and
`
`caused
`
`them
`
`serious
`
`physical
`
`injury.
`
`17. The
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`response
`
`and accountability
`
`on behalf
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and the managing
`
`agent
`
`has
`
`significantly
`
`compromised
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`quality
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`18. An engineer's
`
`report
`
`(dated
`
`November
`
`13, 2021)
`
`recommended
`
`that Plaintiffs
`
`move
`
`from the
`
`Subject
`
`Unit
`
`until
`
`it was
`
`repaired.
`
`19. COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`and
`
`JOHN
`
`B.
`
`LOVETT
`
`& ASSOCIATES,
`
`LTD.
`
`(collectively
`
`referred
`
`to as the
`
`"Defendants")
`
`performed
`
`no work
`
`in the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`and
`
`have
`
`taken
`
`no
`
`steps
`
`to remediate
`
`the damage
`
`that was
`
`caused
`
`to the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`the
`
`fact
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`was
`
`20. Plaintiffs
`
`paid maintenance,
`
`notwithstanding
`
`occupying
`
`impossible,
`
`through
`
`November
`
`of 2021.
`
`21. The Defendants
`
`continues
`
`to bill
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`for maintenance
`
`even
`
`though
`
`it
`
`is impossible
`
`to
`
`occupy
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`22. The
`
`occupants
`
`of Unit
`
`3C performed
`
`renovations
`
`in the beginning
`
`of 2020
`
`and beginning
`
`COVID-19
`
`to
`
`their
`
`primary
`
`bedroom
`
`when
`
`the
`
`former
`
`super
`
`and
`
`handyman
`
`of
`
`of
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`were
`
`working
`
`in Unit
`
`3C. At
`
`this
`
`time
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`saw a
`
`crack
`
`from the bedroom
`
`ceiling
`
`plus
`
`some
`
`slight
`
`debris
`
`coming
`
`out
`
`of
`
`the top
`
`of
`
`the ceiling
`
`radiator
`
`in the bathroom.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`voiced
`
`their
`
`concern
`
`to Frank
`
`Gonzalez,
`
`the handyman,
`
`at
`
`the time
`
`and who
`
`was
`
`covering
`
`for Miguel
`
`Chacon
`
`(super)
`
`who was
`
`out with
`
`COVID.
`
`Frank
`
`told
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`that
`
`crack
`
`in the ceiling
`
`was
`
`the
`
`building
`
`settling,
`
`and
`
`he cleaned
`
`the debris
`
`4 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`.
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`from the
`
`bathroom.
`
`He
`
`also
`
`told
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`that while
`
`no renovations
`
`were
`
`allowed
`
`during
`
`COVID,
`
`residents
`
`who
`
`had
`
`already
`
`started
`
`on renovations
`
`were
`
`allowed
`
`to fmish.
`
`23. When
`
`the
`
`occupants
`
`of Unit
`
`3C performed
`
`the
`
`renovations
`
`there
`
`was
`
`a lot
`
`of banging
`
`and
`
`vibrating
`
`noise
`
`in and
`
`above
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`ceiling
`
`in their
`
`primary
`
`bedroom.
`
`24. COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`was
`
`also
`
`extensive
`
`renovations
`
`to the balconies
`
`and
`
`CORP.
`
`doing
`
`for
`
`considerable
`
`time,
`
`loud
`
`noises
`
`and
`
`vibrations
`
`were
`
`heard
`
`and experienced
`
`by Plaintiffs.
`
`25.
`
`In August
`
`of 2021,
`
`a larger
`
`crack
`
`appeared
`
`in the
`
`ceiling.
`
`26. Defendants
`
`came
`
`and
`
`inspected
`
`the
`
`larger
`
`crack
`
`that
`
`appeared
`
`in August
`
`of 2021.
`
`Defendants'
`
`27.
`
`superintendent
`
`agreed
`
`that
`
`the larger
`
`crack was
`
`a serious
`
`problem
`
`that needed
`
`to
`
`be remedied
`
`but
`
`the
`
`Defendants'
`
`superintendent
`
`did not possess
`
`the knowledge
`
`or expertise
`
`damage
`
`or
`
`to adequately
`
`and
`
`properly
`
`assess
`
`the
`
`the cause
`
`thereof.
`
`28. The work
`
`performed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`occupants
`
`of Unit
`
`3C and COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`caused
`
`a fracture
`
`in
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`ceiling
`
`above
`
`their
`
`primary
`
`bedroom.
`
`29. Plaintiffs
`
`complained
`
`repeatedly
`
`to Defendant
`
`about
`
`the noise,
`
`vibrations,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`damage
`
`done
`
`to the
`
`ceiling.
`
`30. Defendants
`
`refused
`
`to send
`
`an engineer
`
`to inspect
`
`the larger
`
`crack.
`
`on the part
`
`of Defendants
`
`to have
`
`a professional
`
`or other
`
`such
`
`expert
`
`inspect
`
`31. After
`
`the refusal
`
`the larger
`
`crack,
`
`the ceiling
`
`collapsed.
`
`32. On September
`
`7, 2021,
`
`Defendants
`
`(through
`
`Brian
`
`Rappaport)
`
`emailed
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`to let
`
`them
`
`know
`
`that Defendants
`
`were
`
`investigating
`
`the
`
`ceiling
`
`collapse
`
`and
`
`that
`
`it was
`
`Defendants'
`
`belief
`
`that
`
`the
`
`occupants
`
`in Unit
`
`3C would
`
`be responsible
`
`for
`
`the
`
`damage.
`
`33. On September
`
`8, 2021,
`
`Defendants
`
`(through
`
`Brian
`
`Rappaport)
`
`informed
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`that
`
`a
`
`worker
`
`would
`
`visit
`
`Unit
`
`3C.
`
`5 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`34. The
`
`visit
`
`to Unit
`
`3C ended
`
`Defendants'
`
`investigation.
`
`35. On September
`
`10, 2021,
`
`Defendants
`
`(through
`
`Brian
`
`Rappaport)
`
`informed
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`that
`
`their
`
`investigation
`
`resulted
`
`in a determination
`
`that Unit
`
`3C was
`
`not
`
`the cause
`
`of
`
`the collapse.
`
`36. The
`
`Subject
`
`Unit
`
`remains
`
`unrepaired
`
`and
`
`remains
`
`uninhabitable.
`
`37. The
`
`ceiling
`
`collapse
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by the construction
`
`in Unit
`
`3C,
`
`the construction
`
`performed
`
`by and COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`and
`
`the
`
`nonfeasance
`
`of Defendants.
`
`38. COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`has breached
`
`the proprietary
`
`lease
`
`by failing
`
`to repair
`
`the
`
`damage
`
`to the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`39. The
`
`Subject
`
`Unit
`
`are and remain
`
`uninhabitable.
`
`have
`
`suffered
`
`damages
`
`$84,000.00
`
`in total
`
`to date which
`
`but are
`
`40. Plaintiffs
`
`exceeding
`
`include,
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`the
`
`following:
`
`Engineer's
`
`Attorney's
`
`fees;
`
`fees;
`
`Ongoing
`
`Maintenance
`
`for
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit;
`
`Rent
`
`for
`
`alternative
`
`living
`
`arrangements
`
`due the uninhabitability
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit;
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`d.
`
`and
`
`e.
`
`Utilities
`
`for
`
`alternative
`
`living
`
`arrangements
`
`due the uninhabitability
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`CAUSE
`of Contract)
`(Breach
`
`OF ACTION
`
`41. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`42. COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`and Plaintiffs
`
`are parties
`
`to a proprietary
`
`lease.
`
`6 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`43. The
`
`proprietary
`
`lease
`
`imposes
`
`on COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`the
`
`affirmative
`
`obligation
`
`to repair
`
`matters
`
`in the common
`
`areas
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Building.
`
`44. The
`
`proprietary
`
`lease
`
`also
`
`imposes
`
`on COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`the
`
`affmnative
`
`obligation
`
`to repair
`
`damage
`
`to the individual
`
`apartments
`
`of shareholders
`
`when
`
`the damage
`
`is
`
`caused
`
`by matters
`
`outside
`
`of
`
`those
`
`apartments.
`
`45. A crack
`
`formed
`
`in the
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`of
`
`the
`
`bedroom.
`
`ceiling
`
`primary
`
`46. The
`
`crack
`
`resulted
`
`in a ceiling
`
`collapse.
`
`47. The
`
`ceiling
`
`collapse
`
`was
`
`the fault
`
`of Defendants
`
`because
`
`Defendants
`
`permitting
`
`work
`
`to be
`
`performed
`
`in Unit
`
`3C and COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`performed
`
`construction
`
`all of
`
`which
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`damage
`
`to the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`48. Plaintiffs
`
`are
`
`entitled
`
`to damages
`
`in an amount
`
`to be determined
`
`by
`
`the Court
`
`but
`
`in an
`
`amount
`
`that
`
`exceeds
`
`the jurisdictional
`
`limit
`
`of
`
`the Supreme
`
`Court.
`
`OF ACTION
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`(Negligence)
`
`49. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein..
`
`50. That
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`Defendants
`
`intentionally
`
`or negligently
`
`disregarded
`
`their
`
`obligations
`
`to investigate
`
`conditions
`
`and make
`
`repairs
`
`to the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`supervise
`
`and
`
`51. That
`
`belief,
`
`negligently
`
`to inspect,
`
`oversee
`
`construction
`
`in Unit
`
`3C.
`
`52. The Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`not
`
`able
`
`to reside
`
`in the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`since
`
`the collapse
`
`of
`
`the ceiling
`
`and
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`was
`
`and remains
`
`unfit
`
`for
`
`human
`
`habitation,
`
`was
`
`and remains
`
`unfit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`use intended,
`
`to wit
`
`residential
`
`occupancy,
`
`and Subject
`
`Unit
`
`had and still
`
`has conditions
`
`that
`
`were
`
`hazardous
`
`to the
`
`life,
`
`health,
`
`safety
`
`and welfare
`
`of Plaintiffs.
`
`7 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`.
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`53. Due
`
`to
`
`Defendants'
`
`unwillingness
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`towards
`
`a resolution
`
`or even
`
`discuss
`
`the
`
`issue
`
`in a collaborative
`
`manner
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`forced
`
`to hire
`
`an independent
`
`engineer
`
`and
`
`legal
`
`counsel.
`
`54. Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`also
`
`forced
`
`to leave
`
`their
`
`home
`
`because
`
`it was
`
`deemed
`
`uninhabitable
`
`and
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`both
`
`have
`
`compromised
`
`immune
`
`systems.
`
`55. The
`
`out
`
`of pocket
`
`expenses
`
`incurred
`
`by Plaintiffs
`
`to
`
`date
`
`has
`
`been
`
`quite
`
`significant
`
`and
`
`resulted
`
`in Plaintiffs
`
`taking
`
`money
`
`out
`
`of
`
`their
`
`retirement
`
`funds.
`
`56. Plaintiffs
`
`are
`
`entitled
`
`to damages
`
`in an amount
`
`to be
`
`determined
`
`by
`
`the Court
`
`but
`
`in an
`
`amount
`
`that
`
`exceeds
`
`the jurisdictional
`
`limit
`
`of
`
`the Supreme
`
`Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`AGAINST
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`OF ACTION
`CORP.
`of Habitability)
`
`(Warranty
`
`and
`
`each
`
`allegation
`
`57. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`re-allege
`
`and
`
`every
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`58. Plaintiffs
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`possession
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`by
`
`a written
`
`Proprietary
`
`Lease
`
`with
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`59. The Subject
`
`Unit
`
`contained
`
`conditions
`
`which
`
`were
`
`dangerous
`
`to the life,
`
`health
`
`and safety
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiffs.
`
`60. The Plaintiffs
`
`notified
`
`Defendants
`
`and/or
`
`its agents
`
`of
`
`these
`
`conditions
`
`and COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to remedy
`
`them.
`
`61. COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`has
`
`been
`
`given
`
`reasonable
`
`opportunity
`
`to correct
`
`said
`
`conditions.
`
`62. Due
`
`to these
`
`conditions
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`suffered
`
`damages,
`
`including,
`
`but not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`loss
`
`of use and
`
`occupancy
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`8 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`.
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`63. The maintenance
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`in the
`
`aforementioned
`
`condition
`
`and
`
`failure
`
`of
`
`the
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS CORP.
`
`to correct
`
`these
`
`conditions
`
`constitutes
`
`a breach
`
`of warranty
`
`of habitability
`
`for
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`and as a consequence
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`are entitled
`
`to abatement
`
`in an amount
`
`to be determined
`
`at
`
`trial.
`
`64. Plaintiffs
`
`are
`
`entitled
`
`to damages
`
`in an amount
`
`to be determined
`
`by
`
`the Court
`
`but
`
`in
`
`an
`
`amount
`
`that
`
`exceeds
`
`the jurisdictional
`
`limit
`
`of
`
`the Supreme
`
`Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`(Declaratory
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`Judgment)
`
`65. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`suffered
`
`collapse.
`
`66. Plaintiffs
`
`a ceiling
`
`67. The
`
`ceiling
`
`collapse
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the work
`
`that was
`
`performed
`
`immediately
`
`above
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`68. Defendants
`
`should
`
`not
`
`have
`
`approved
`
`the work
`
`that
`
`took
`
`place
`
`in Unit
`
`3C,
`
`the unit
`
`above
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`69. Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`supervise
`
`the work
`
`that was
`
`performed
`
`in the
`
`unit
`
`above
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`70. The
`
`repair
`
`and
`
`remediation
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`is the responsibility
`
`of Defendants.
`
`71. Plaintiffs
`
`respectfully
`
`request
`
`a declaratory
`
`judgment
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`and
`
`against
`
`Defendant,
`
`COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`that COURTVIEW
`
`OWNERS
`
`CORP.
`
`is
`
`responsible
`
`for
`
`the
`
`repair
`
`and remediation
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`(Injunctive
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`Relief)
`
`9 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`.
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`.
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`72. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`73. Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`a likelihood
`
`of success
`
`on the merits
`
`of
`
`this
`
`lawsuit.
`
`74. Plaintiffs
`
`will
`
`suffer
`
`irreparable
`
`harm if
`
`injunctive
`
`relief
`
`is not
`
`granted.
`
`75. A balancing
`
`of
`
`the
`
`equities
`
`tips
`
`in favor
`
`of Plaintiffs.
`
`in favor
`
`76. Plaintiffs
`
`are entitled
`
`to an affinnative
`
`injunction
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`and against
`
`Defendant
`
`compelling
`
`Defendant
`
`to repair
`
`and
`
`remediate
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit.
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Declaratory
`
`Judgment)
`
`77. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`78. Plaintiffs
`
`been
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`of
`
`damage
`
`caused
`
`and
`
`have
`
`denied
`
`the use
`
`Unit
`
`because
`
`the
`
`permitted
`
`by Defendant.
`
`79. Plaintiffs
`
`cannot
`
`occupy
`
`the Subject
`
`Unit
`
`in its present
`
`condition.
`
`80. Plaintiffs
`
`request
`
`a declaratory
`
`judgment
`
`in their
`
`favor
`
`and against
`
`Defendant
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`obligation
`
`to pay
`
`rent
`
`is abated.
`
`81. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`(Legal
`and
`
`and
`
`re-allege
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`Fees)
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`preceding
`
`each
`
`paragraphs
`
`with
`
`the
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`same
`
`force
`
`fully
`
`82. Plaintiffs
`
`repeat
`
`each
`
`and every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in this
`
`complaint
`
`as though
`
`more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`83.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`there
`
`is a contract
`
`between
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`that
`
`provides
`
`for
`
`an award
`
`of
`
`legal
`
`fees
`
`to the
`
`prevailing
`
`party
`
`then
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`demand
`
`a judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`in
`
`an
`
`amount
`
`to be determined
`
`by
`
`the Court
`
`but
`
`in no event
`
`less
`
`than
`
`$25,000.
`
`10 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`on all causes
`
`of action,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`interest,
`
`punitive
`
`damages,
`
`treble
`
`damages,
`
`legal
`
`fees,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`Dated:
`
`New York
`New York,
`16, 2023
`May
`
`submitted,
`Respectfully
`LAW FIRM LLC
`THE PRICE
`the Plaintiff
`Attorneys
`12*
`-
`1115
`Broadway
`New York,
`New York
`125
`67
`(212)
`
`for
`
`-
`
`Floor
`10010
`
`By:
`
`Jos
`
`a C. Price,
`
`Esq.
`
`11 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`SHIRLEY
`
`VARGAS,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`as follows:
`
`1.
`
`I have
`
`read
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`I believe
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the matters
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`to be true.
`
`The
`
`source
`
`of my belief
`
`is my own
`
`personal
`
`knowledge.
`
`2.
`
`As
`
`to those matters
`
`stated
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`I believe
`
`those matters
`
`to
`
`be true.
`
`to before me this
`Sworn
`2023
`of May,
`
`day
`
`NOTARY
`
`PUBLIC
`
`S
`
`E
`
`R
`
`S
`
`ARTHUR
`G. FISCHER
`NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE
`OF NEW YORK
`No. 02Fl6357013
`Qualified
`in Nassau County
`My Commission
`Expires
`04-10--
`
`12 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 05/23/2023 01:02 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 710702/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/23/2023
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`GILBERT
`
`VARGAS,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`as follows:
`
`1.
`
`I have
`
`read
`
`the foregoing
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`I believe
`
`all of
`
`the matters
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`to be true.
`
`The
`
`source
`
`of my belief
`
`is my own
`
`personal
`
`knowledge.
`
`2.
`
`As
`
`to those matters
`
`stated
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`I believe
`
`those matters
`
`to
`
`be true.
`
`Sworn
`of
`
`day
`
`to before me this
`, 2023
`
`NOTARY
`
`PUBLIC
`
`GILBERT
`
`VAR
`
`S
`
`ARTHUR
`G. FISCHER
`NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE
`OF NEW YORK
`No. 02Fl6357013
`O'ualified
`in Nassau County
`My Commission
`04-10-
`Expires
`
`13 of 13
`
`