FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`STATE
`SUPREME
`
`OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF SARATOGA
`
`SANDRA
`
`COULTER
`
`AND STEPHEN
`
`COULTER,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`-against-
`
`TOWN OF MOREAU,
`AND WOODSCAPE
`ASSOCIATION
`COMPANY,
`LLC,
`ENVIRONMENTAL
`
`11,
`
`L.L.C.
`
`THE MICHAELS
`GROUP,
`NORTH HOMEOWNERS'
`COMMERCIAL
`PAVING
`INC.,
`GARRY
`P.E. AND THE
`ROBINSON,
`DESIGN
`PARTNERSHIP
`
`LLP,
`
`AFFIRMATION
`SUPPORT
`SUMMARY
`
`IN
`OF MOTION
`JUDGMENT
`
`FOR
`
`Index
`No.:
`RJI No.:
`
`20178
`45-1
`
`7112
`
`p
`
`q
`
`Defendants.
`
`>
`
`a
`
`Stephanie
`
`S. McDermott,
`
`an attorney
`
`duly
`
`admitted
`
`to practice
`
`law before
`
`thifCo
`
`ts of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`affirms
`
`the
`
`following
`
`under
`
`penalty
`
`of perjury
`
`and
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`2106:
`
`1.
`
`Your
`
`affirmant
`
`is associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`law
`
`firm
`
`of FitzGerald
`
`Morris
`
`Baker
`
`Firth,
`
`P.C.,
`
`attorneys
`
`for
`
`Defcñdant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`herein
`
`and
`
`is
`
`fully
`
`familiar
`
`with
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`and
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`a review
`
`of
`
`the
`
`file m -inuined
`
`this
`
`office.
`
`circumstances
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein,
`
`by
`
`2.
`
`This
`
`Affirmation
`
`is submitted
`
`in support
`
`of Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau's
`
`Motion
`
`for Summary
`
`Judgment
`
`pursuant
`
`to Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law and Rules
`
`§3212.
`
`PRELIMINARY
`
`STATEMENT
`
`3.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`and
`
`Stephen
`
`Coulter
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Plaintiffs")
`
`allege
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`that Mrs.
`
`Coulter
`
`sustained
`
`after
`
`allegedly
`
`tripping
`
`and
`
`falling
`
`on November
`
`2015
`
`on
`
`the
`
`road
`
`in
`
`front
`
`of
`
`35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828.
`
`Specifically,
`
`25,
`
`in
`
`their
`
`Complaint,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`allege
`
`that
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`fell
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau's
`
`negligent
`
`maintenance
`
`of
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`so that
`
`a dangerous,
`
`defective,
`
`and/or
`
`unsafe
`
`condition
`
`1
`
`1 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`allowed
`
`to
`
`exist.
`
`Stephen
`
`Coulter
`
`has
`
`a derivative
`
`claim
`
`stemming
`
`from
`
`his
`
`wife's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries.
`
`4.
`
`As will
`
`be demonstrated
`
`further
`
`below,
`
`the Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`is entitled
`
`to summary
`
`judgment
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`a lack
`
`of prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`of any
`
`defective
`
`condition
`
`of
`
`the
`
`road.
`
`Additionally,
`
`the Town
`
`is entitled
`
`to
`
`summary
`
`judgment
`
`due
`
`to
`
`the
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`a recognized
`
`exception
`
`to
`
`its
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`law.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`must
`
`be
`
`dismissed
`
`and
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`motion
`
`granted.
`
`PROCEDURAL
`
`HISTORY
`
`5.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`2, 2015,
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`served
`
`a Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"A."
`
`6.
`
`On January
`
`4,
`
`2017,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`filed
`
`a Summons
`
`and
`
`Complaint.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`scrved
`
`Complaint
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"B".
`
`The
`
`Summons
`
`and Complaint
`
`was
`
`actually
`
`on
`
`the Moreau
`
`Town
`
`Clerk
`
`on
`
`January
`
`19,
`
`2017.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`filed
`
`a total
`
`of
`
`three
`
`(3)
`
`Amended
`
`Complaints.
`
`7.
`
`On
`
`February
`
`28,
`
`2017,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`interposed
`
`an Answer
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the Answer
`
`is anached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"C".
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`first
`
`Amended
`
`filed
`
`November
`
`adds
`
`additional
`
`8.
`
`Complaint,
`
`2,
`
`2017,
`
`information
`
`and
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`created
`
`and
`
`paved
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`first
`
`Ameñded
`
`Complaint
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as
`
`Exhibit
`
`"D".
`
`9.
`
`On November
`
`28,
`
`2017,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`interposed
`
`an Answer
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`first
`
`Ameñded
`
`Complaiñt.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the Answer
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"E".
`
`2
`
`2 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`10.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`second
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`filed
`
`April
`
`6,
`
`2018,
`
`did
`
`not
`
`assert
`
`additional
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau.
`
`11.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`filed
`
`October
`
`2,
`
`2018,
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`Defêñdant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`designed,
`
`constructed,
`
`and
`
`inspected
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`at
`
`35
`
`Woodscape
`
`Drive.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`Town
`
`an
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`12.
`
`On October
`
`23,
`
`2018,
`
`Defendant
`
`of Moreau
`
`interposed
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the Answer
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"G".
`
`13.
`
`On
`
`January
`
`13,
`
`2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`appeared
`
`for
`
`an
`
`Examination
`
`Before
`
`Trial
`
`("EBT").
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the EBT
`
`transcript
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"H".
`
`14.
`
`On January
`
`14,
`
`2020,
`
`Christopher
`
`Williams,
`
`an employee
`
`of Commercial
`
`Paving
`
`for
`
`an EBT.
`
`of
`
`the EBT
`
`transcript
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"I".
`
`Company
`
`appeared
`
`A copy
`
`EBT
`
`TESTIMONY
`
`OF SANDRA
`
`COULTER
`
`15.
`
`On
`
`the
`
`night
`
`of November
`
`25,
`
`2015,
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`was
`
`at
`
`her
`
`sister-in-law
`
`Shirley
`
`Long's
`
`house
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive
`
`in the Town
`
`of Moreau.
`
`S_ee, Exhibit
`
`H at 36.
`
`16.
`
`Prior
`
`to
`
`this
`
`incident,
`
`Sandra
`
`and
`
`her
`
`husband
`
`Stepheñ
`
`had
`
`been
`
`to
`
`the
`
`house
`
`every
`
`other
`
`week
`
`to play
`
`cards.
`
`h,
`
`Exhibit
`
`H at 36-37.
`
`parked
`
`her
`
`car
`
`on the
`
`street
`
`in front
`
`of
`
`17.
`
`On the
`
`night
`
`of November
`
`25,
`
`2015
`
`Sandra
`
`the house.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`H at 40.
`
`18.
`
`Sandra
`
`returned
`
`to
`
`her
`
`car
`
`to
`
`get
`
`snmaing
`
`for
`
`one
`
`of
`
`her
`
`daughters,
`
`who
`
`was
`
`also
`
`present
`
`at
`
`the
`
`house
`
`that
`
`night.
`
`h,
`
`Exhibit
`
`H at 44.
`
`19.
`
`Leaving
`
`the
`
`house,
`
`Mrs.
`
`Coulter
`
`could
`
`see what
`
`was
`
`in
`
`front
`
`of
`
`her
`
`as
`
`she was
`
`walking
`
`to her
`
`car. h,
`
`Exhibit
`
`H at 45.
`
`3
`
`3 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`•
`•
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`20.
`
`As
`
`Sandra
`
`made
`
`her way
`
`across
`
`the
`
`grass,
`
`from
`
`her
`
`own
`
`car
`
`to her
`
`daughter's
`
`car,
`
`she tripped
`
`and
`
`fell. h,
`
`Exhibit
`
`H at 47-48.
`
`21.
`
`Sandra
`
`was
`
`asked
`
`about
`
`the medanics
`
`of
`
`her
`
`fall
`
`but was
`
`not
`
`able
`
`to
`
`articulate
`
`exactly
`
`what
`
`caused
`
`her
`
`to fall.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`H at 50.
`
`22.
`
`Q: Now,
`
`did
`
`you
`
`come
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`something
`
`that
`
`caused
`
`you
`
`to fall?
`
`A:
`
`I
`
`felt my
`
`foot, my
`
`one
`
`foot,
`
`and
`
`I don't
`
`know
`
`which
`
`foot
`
`that
`
`was,
`
`like,
`
`catch
`
`something.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`H at 50,
`
`lines
`
`8-13.
`
`23.
`
`Q: Did
`
`you
`
`see what
`
`caused
`
`you
`
`to fall
`
`prior
`
`to it happening?
`
`A: No.
`
`Q: Did
`
`it
`
`happened
`
`you
`
`you
`
`see what
`
`caused
`
`you
`
`to
`
`fall
`
`after
`
`or what
`
`believe
`
`caused
`
`you
`
`to fall?
`
`A:
`
`I didn't
`
`see it.
`
`h,
`
`Exhibit
`
`H at 50,
`
`lines
`
`20-24;
`
`51,
`
`lines
`
`1-5.
`
`24.
`
`Mrs.
`
`Coulter
`
`is only
`
`able
`
`to articulate
`
`what
`
`she believed
`
`happened
`
`after
`
`the
`
`fact.
`
`Q: As we sit here
`
`today
`
`do you
`
`have
`
`any
`
`idea what might
`
`have
`
`caused
`
`you
`
`to fall?
`
`A:
`
`I would
`
`say
`
`pavement
`
`that
`
`came
`
`up
`
`from
`
`the
`
`road,
`
`came
`
`up
`
`like
`
`this,
`
`and
`
`I
`
`believe
`
`I cut my toe
`
`on the
`
`pavement.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`H at 51,
`
`lines
`
`10-15.
`
`25.
`
`Prior
`
`to November
`
`25,
`
`2015,
`
`Mrs.
`
`Coulter
`
`had
`
`never
`
`made
`
`any
`
`complaints
`
`to the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`regarding
`
`the
`
`curb.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`H at 54.
`
`4
`
`4 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`•
`•
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`EBT
`
`TESTIMONY
`
`OF CHRISTOPHER
`
`WILLIAMS
`
`26.
`
`In
`
`2015,
`
`Christopher
`
`Williams
`
`was
`
`a project
`
`1uan=3er
`
`for
`
`Canunercial
`
`Paving
`
`Company,
`
`hereafter
`
`"CPC".
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`I at 6.
`
`27.
`
`He presented
`
`the
`
`initial
`
`project
`
`bid
`
`to Luke
`
`Michaels
`
`of
`
`the Michaels
`
`Group.
`
`See,
`
`Exhibit
`
`I at 10.
`
`28.
`
`Mr. Williams
`
`managed
`
`the
`
`project
`
`that CPC had
`
`undertaken
`
`at Woodscape
`
`Drive
`
`in 2015.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`I at 9.
`
`Drive
`
`and
`
`8th.
`
`I at 17.
`
`29.
`
`30.
`
`CPC paved Woodscape
`
`on July
`
`6th,
`
`7th,
`
`S_ee, Evhlbit
`
`During
`
`his
`
`time
`
`as project
`
`manager,
`
`he
`
`never
`
`had
`
`any
`
`commuñication
`
`regarding
`
`the paying
`
`of Weedscape
`
`Drive
`
`with
`
`anybody
`
`from
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`I at 21.
`
`31.
`
`The work
`
`that Mr. Williams
`
`performed
`
`as project
`
`manager
`
`of Commercial
`
`Paving
`
`Compañcy
`
`at Woodscape
`
`Drive
`
`was
`
`not
`
`directed
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau.
`
`by
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`I at 23.
`
`paid
`
`the Michaels
`
`for
`
`the
`
`of Woodscape
`
`Drive.
`
`32.
`
`CPC was
`
`by
`
`Group
`
`paying
`
`See,
`
`Exhibit
`
`I at 28.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`JUDGMENT
`
`STANDARD
`
`33.
`
`Generally,
`
`summary
`
`judgment
`
`is
`
`a drastic
`
`remedy
`
`that
`
`should
`
`not
`
`be
`
`granted
`
`when
`
`there
`
`is
`
`any
`
`doubt
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`existence
`
`of
`
`a triable
`
`issue
`
`of
`
`fact.
`
`e, O'Brien
`
`v. Port
`
`Authority
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`and New
`
`Jersey,
`
`29 NY3d
`
`27
`
`(2017).
`
`However,
`
`summary
`
`judgmeñt
`
`of action
`
`or defense
`
`shall
`
`"shall
`
`be granted
`
`if,
`
`upon
`
`all
`
`the
`
`papers
`
`and
`
`proof
`
`submitted,
`
`the
`
`cause
`
`be established
`
`sufficiently
`
`to warrañt
`
`the
`
`court
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law
`
`in directing
`
`judgment
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`party."
`
`of any
`
`See, CPLR
`
`§3212(b).
`
`34.
`
`"[W]here
`
`the
`
`moving
`
`party
`
`has
`
`demonstrated
`
`its
`
`entit1cmeñt
`
`to
`
`summary
`
`judgment,
`
`the
`
`party
`
`opposing
`
`the motion
`
`must
`
`demonstrate
`
`by
`
`adreissible
`
`evidence
`
`the
`
`existence
`
`5
`
`5 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`•
`•
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`of a factual
`
`issue
`
`requiring
`
`a trial
`
`of
`
`the
`
`action
`
`or
`
`tender
`
`an acceptable
`
`excuse
`
`for
`
`his
`
`failure
`
`so to
`
`do."
`
`Zuckerman
`
`v. City
`
`of New York,
`
`49 NY2d
`
`557,
`
`560
`
`(1980).
`
`"[O]nly
`
`the
`
`existence
`
`of a bona
`
`fide
`
`issue
`
`raised
`
`by
`
`evidentimy
`
`facts
`
`and
`
`not
`
`one
`
`based
`
`on
`
`conclusory
`
`or
`
`irrelevant
`
`allegations
`
`will
`
`suffice
`
`to defeat
`
`summary
`
`judgment."
`
`Rotuba
`
`Extruders,
`
`Inc.
`
`v. Ceppos,
`
`46 NY2d
`
`223,
`
`231,
`
`(1978).
`
`a motion
`
`for
`
`judgment
`
`proffers
`
`proof
`
`35.
`
`Where
`
`the
`
`proponent
`
`of
`
`summary
`
`demonstrate
`
`the
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`evidence
`
`in
`
`support
`
`of
`
`a non-movant's
`
`allegations,
`
`the
`
`burden
`
`shifts
`
`the
`
`non-movant
`
`to
`
`tender
`
`sufficient
`
`proof
`
`in
`
`support
`
`of
`
`their
`
`allegations
`
`to
`
`raise
`
`a question
`
`fact.
`
`Kendall
`
`v. Amica
`
`Mut.
`
`Ins. Co.,
`
`135 AD3d
`
`1202,
`
`1208,
`
`(3d Dept.
`
`2016).
`
`to
`
`to
`
`of
`
`ARGUMENT
`
`I. THE DEFENDANT,
`WRITTEN
`NOTICE
`
`NEW YORK,
`TOWN OF MOREAU,
`DID NOT RECEIVE
`OF THE ALLEGED
`DEFECTIVE
`CONDITION.
`
`PRIOR
`
`36.
`
`Where
`
`has
`
`eñacted
`
`its
`
`own
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`statute
`
`it cannot
`
`be
`
`a municipality
`
`held
`
`liable
`
`unless
`
`such
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`was
`
`actually
`
`provided.
`
`Actual
`
`or
`
`constructive
`
`notice
`
`will
`
`not
`
`suffice
`
`if not
`
`provided
`
`for
`
`in the
`
`local
`
`notice
`
`law.
`
`See, Palo
`
`v. Town
`
`of Fallsburg,
`
`101 AD3d
`
`1400
`
`(3d Dept
`
`2012).
`
`See
`
`also,
`
`Gagnon
`
`v. City
`
`of Saratoga
`
`Springs,
`
`51 AD3d
`
`1096
`
`(3d Dept
`
`2008).
`
`Furthermore,
`
`the Third
`
`Department
`
`has
`
`also
`
`held
`
`that
`
`an action
`
`may
`
`only
`
`proceed
`
`if prior
`
`defect
`
`filed
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`local
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`was
`
`in
`
`law.
`
`Cook
`
`v. City
`
`of Amsterdam,
`
`173 AD3d
`
`1420,
`
`1421
`
`(3d Dept
`
`2019).
`
`Here,
`
`the Town
`
`Moreau
`
`has
`
`enacted
`
`a
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`statute,
`
`which
`
`does
`
`not
`
`provide
`
`for
`
`actual
`
`constructive
`
`notice
`
`when
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`defect
`
`was
`
`not
`
`provided
`
`of
`
`or
`
`in
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`the Town's
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`law.
`
`Town
`
`Code
`
`Section
`
`121-11
`
`provides:
`
`6
`
`6 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`action
`
`No
`civil
`Superintendent
`against
`to person
`sustained
`
`shoulder,
`
`being
`notice
`
`highway,
`path,
`
`actually
`reassmable
`danger
`
`or
`
`lot,
`to
`
`against
`improvement
`in such
`from
`
`street,
`
`or
`
`capacity,
`the
`
`the
`
`Town
`district
`for
`operation
`
`or
`
`the
`
`the
`
`Town
`Town
`or
`injuries
`
`or
`
`of
`damages
`of
`
`snowmobiles,
`crosswalk,
`footpath,
`sidewalk,
`or
`signs
`or
`lights
`structure,
`or
`obstructed
`unless
`written
`obstructed
`condition
`of
`such
`bike
`was
`
`crosswalk,
`structure,
`and
`such
`of.
`
`of
`
`signs
`there
`notice
`
`footpath,
`or
`lights
`a failure
`was
`to repair
`
`shoulder,
`culvert,
`defective
`being
`neglect
`or
`remove
`
`or
`
`within
`
`a
`
`the
`
`defect,
`
`including
`arising
`highway,
`bridge,
`any
`path,
`lot,
`parking
`building
`unsafe,
`repair,
`dangerous,
`dangerous
`unsafe,
`sidewalk,
`or
`Clerk
`
`shall
`be
`of Highways,
`employees
`or officials
`any
`or property,
`reason
`by
`culvert,
`defective,
`of
`such
`
`maintained
`nor
`
`any
`acting
`those
`
`of
`bike
`out
`of
`
`defective,
`street,
`bridge,
`building
`parking
`Town
`the
`given
`after
`the
`time
`giving
`obstruction
`complained
`
`38.
`
`In
`
`Cook
`
`v. City
`
`of
`
`Amsterdam,
`
`173
`
`AD3d
`
`1420
`
`(3d
`
`Dept
`
`2019),
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Department
`
`affirmed
`
`the
`
`decision
`
`of
`
`Supreme
`
`that
`
`a
`
`the Montgomery
`
`County
`
`Court,
`
`holding
`
`defendant
`
`met
`
`its
`
`initial
`
`burden
`
`of
`
`showing
`
`the
`
`absence
`
`of
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`by
`
`submining
`
`affidavits
`
`from
`
`the
`
`custodian
`
`of
`
`records
`
`who
`
`averred
`
`that
`
`a review
`
`of
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`records
`
`maintained
`
`by
`
`their
`
`office
`
`revealed
`
`that
`
`no written
`
`notice
`
`of any
`
`defect
`
`had
`
`been
`
`received
`
`for
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`area.
`
`Additionally,
`
`CPLR
`
`§4521
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`the
`
`lack
`
`of a record
`
`may
`
`be established
`
`by
`
`of
`
`having
`
`the
`
`custodian
`
`of
`
`such
`
`record
`
`sign
`
`a statement
`
`stating
`
`that
`
`he has made
`
`a diligent
`
`search
`
`and has
`
`found
`
`no record
`
`or entry
`
`of a specified
`
`nature.
`
`39.
`
`Leann
`
`McCabe,
`
`Town
`
`Clerk
`
`and
`
`Receiver
`
`of
`
`Taxes
`
`for
`
`the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`submitted
`
`an Affidavit
`
`in Support
`
`of
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`Motion
`
`for
`
`Summary
`
`Judgment.
`
`A copy
`
`of Ms.
`
`McCabe's
`
`Affidavit
`
`in Support
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`"J".
`
`40.
`
`Ms. McCabe
`
`avers
`
`that
`
`she is the Town
`
`Clerk
`
`and Receiver
`
`of Taxes
`
`for
`
`the Town
`
`all
`
`of Moreau.
`
`Her
`
`job
`
`duties
`
`melude
`
`maintaiñiñg
`
`an
`
`indexed
`
`record,
`
`in
`
`a separate
`
`book,
`
`of
`
`written
`
`notices
`
`that
`
`her
`
`office
`
`receives
`
`regarding
`
`the
`
`existence
`
`of
`
`a defective,
`
`unsafe,
`
`dangerous
`
`or
`
`obstructed
`
`condition
`
`in
`
`or
`
`upon,
`
`or
`
`of
`
`an
`
`accumulation
`
`of
`
`ice
`
`and
`
`snow
`
`upon,
`
`any
`
`town
`
`highway,
`
`bridge,
`
`culvert
`
`or
`
`a sidewalk
`
`or
`
`any
`
`other
`
`property
`
`owned
`
`by
`
`the
`
`town
`
`or
`
`by
`
`an
`
`7
`
`7 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`improvement
`
`district,
`
`which
`
`record
`
`shall
`
`state
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`the
`
`receipt
`
`of
`
`the
`
`notice,
`
`the
`
`nature
`
`and
`
`location
`
`and
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the
`
`condition
`
`stated
`
`to exist
`
`and
`
`the
`
`name
`
`and
`
`address
`
`of
`
`those
`
`from
`
`whom
`
`the
`
`notice
`
`is received.
`
`S_ee, Exhibit
`
`J at ¶ 4.
`
`41.
`
`Ms.
`
`McCabe
`
`states
`
`in her
`
`Affidavit
`
`that
`
`she
`
`has
`
`reviewed
`
`the Complaint
`
`in
`
`this
`
`matter
`
`and
`
`it alleges
`
`that
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`after
`
`tripping
`
`and
`
`falling
`
`on
`
`a
`
`defective
`
`condition
`
`while
`
`lawfully
`
`using
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`located
`
`in front
`
`of 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`Moreau,
`
`New York.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`J at ¶ 5.
`
`42.
`
`According
`
`to Ms. McCabe,
`
`a diligent
`
`search
`
`of
`
`the
`
`files maintained
`
`the Town
`
`by
`
`Clerk's
`
`Office
`
`this
`
`location
`
`reveals
`
`there
`
`are
`
`no
`
`records
`
`of
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`of Moreau
`
`regarding
`
`notice
`
`concerning
`
`any
`
`defects
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive.
`
`See, Exhibit
`
`J at 8.
`
`43.
`
`Consequently,
`
`the Affidavit
`
`of Leanne
`
`McCabe
`
`establishes
`
`that
`
`she
`
`is responsible
`
`for maintaining
`
`any written
`
`notices
`
`of defects
`
`that
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`may
`
`receive.
`
`Moreover,
`
`she
`
`has
`
`personally
`
`conducted
`
`a thorough
`
`search
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`records
`
`and
`
`has
`
`averred
`
`that
`
`she
`
`can
`
`find
`
`no prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`defects
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`the
`
`location
`
`concerning
`
`complained
`
`of. Accordingly,
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`has met
`
`its burden
`
`of demonstrating
`
`a lack
`
`of
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`regarding
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`defect
`
`in front
`
`of 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive.
`
`44.
`
`New
`
`York's
`
`Town
`
`Law
`
`also
`
`contains
`
`a prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`statute.
`
`Town
`
`Law
`
`§65-a
`
`provides:
`
`No
`civil
`highways
`
`defective,
`the
`that
`
`unsafe,
`same
`
`be maintained
`shall
`action
`or
`injuries
`for
`damages
`culvert
`bridge
`or
`highway,
`written
`obstructed
`unless
`of
`condition
`such
`superintendent
`town
`or
`a reasonable
`time
`or obstruction
`danger
`
`of
`
`after
`
`being
`notice
`bridge
`highway,
`of highways,
`the
`giving
`complained
`dangerous
`should
`have
`
`town
`or
`sustained
`
`by
`
`of
`of any
`or
`
`against
`to person
`
`town
`any
`or property
`out
`of
`
`of
`
`superintendent
`reason
`dangerous
`unsafe,
`repair,
`defective,
`or obstructed
`dangerous
`such
`unsafe,
`defective,
`clerk
`town
`given
`to the
`or
`culvert
`was
`actually
`a failure
`or neglect
`within
`was
`and
`that
`there
`to repair
`the
`notice
`or
`remove
`such
`defect,
`such
`unless
`absence
`of
`such
`in the
`notice,
`a period
`for
`condition
`existed
`so long
`exercise
`in
`remedied
`the
`and
`
`of
`
`8
`
`8 of 283
`
`or,
`of,
`or obstructed
`been
`discovered
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`but
`
`reasonable
`or
`injuries
`of
`snow
`
`or
`
`specifying
`superintendent
`or
`ice
`to
`reasonable
`
`be
`removed,
`time
`after
`
`the
`
`care
`and
`diligence;
`or property
`to person
`ice
`upon
`highway,
`any
`the
`particular
`of highways
`or
`
`no
`such
`sustained
`bridge
`was
`place,
`there
`and
`to make
`the
`of
`such
`receipt
`
`action
`
`or
`
`damages
`existence
`
`of
`
`thereof,
`town
`or
`snow
`such
`within
`
`a
`
`reasonably
`
`shall
`be maintained
`for
`in
`consequence
`the
`solely
`written
`notice
`unless
`culvert,
`the
`to
`town
`given
`clerk
`actually
`to cause
`was
`a failure
`or neglect
`place
`otherwise
`safe
`notice.
`
`45.
`
`Town
`
`Law
`
`§65-a
`
`provides
`
`for
`
`constructive
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`a
`
`defect.
`
`However,
`
`as
`
`articulated
`
`in
`
`Horan
`
`v.
`
`Town
`
`of
`
`Tonawanda,
`
`"[blecause
`
`the
`
`Legislature
`
`has
`
`not
`
`expressly
`
`prohibited
`
`defendant
`
`from
`
`enactiñg
`
`a more
`
`restrictive
`
`notice
`
`requirement
`
`than
`
`that
`
`coñtained
`
`in
`
`so."
`
`Horan
`
`Town
`
`Law
`
`§65-a(1),
`
`defendant
`
`was
`
`entitled
`
`to do
`
`v. Town
`
`of Toñawañda,
`
`83 AD3d
`
`1565,
`
`1566
`
`(4th
`
`Dept.
`
`2011).
`
`Thus,
`
`the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`was
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`enact
`
`a more
`
`restrictive
`
`notice
`
`requirement,
`
`the Town
`
`did
`
`enact
`
`such
`
`a law,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`requirement
`
`that
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`must
`
`be
`
`given
`
`is
`
`applicable
`
`in
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`case.
`
`Because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Town's
`
`more
`
`will
`
`be
`
`unable
`
`to
`
`let
`
`alone
`
`restrictive
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`demonstrate,
`
`prove,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`theory
`
`of
`
`constructive
`
`notice
`
`applies
`
`to the
`
`instant
`
`case.
`
`46.
`
`Affording
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`every
`
`favorable
`
`inference,
`
`and
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`Affidavit
`
`of
`
`Leann
`
`McCabe,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`will
`
`be unable
`
`to prove
`
`that
`
`the Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`received
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice,
`
`as required
`
`the Town
`
`by
`
`of Moreau
`
`town
`
`code,
`
`and
`
`therefore
`
`the Motion
`
`for
`
`Summary
`
`Judgment
`
`should
`
`be granted.
`
`MEET
`
`THAT
`NOTICE
`
`CANNOT
`PLAINTIFFS
`IL
`OF THE RECOGNIZED
`EITHER
`APPLY.
`STATUTE
`
`THEIR
`EXCEPTIONS
`
`TO DEMONSTRATE
`BURDEN
`TO THE PRIOR WRITTEN
`
`47.
`
`There
`
`are
`
`only
`
`two
`
`recognized
`
`exceptions
`
`to the
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement:
`
`(a)
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defective
`
`condition
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`constituted
`
`a special
`
`use by
`
`conferring
`
`a special
`
`benefit
`
`to
`
`the municipality
`
`or
`
`(b)
`
`proof
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defect
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`was
`
`affirmatively,
`
`and
`
`immediately,
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the municipality's
`
`actions.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`the
`
`burden
`
`to plead
`
`and
`
`prove
`
`the
`
`exception.
`
`See,
`
`9
`
`9 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`•
`•
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`Harvish
`
`v. City
`
`of Saratoga
`
`Springs,
`
`172 AD3d
`
`1503
`
`(3d Dept
`
`2019).
`
`See
`
`also,
`
`Amabile
`
`v. City
`
`of Buffalo,
`
`93 NY2d
`
`471
`
`(1999).
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`did
`
`not
`
`plead
`
`the
`
`first
`
`exception
`
`to
`
`the
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement
`
`in their
`
`original
`
`Complaint
`
`or
`
`in
`
`any
`
`of
`
`their
`
`Amended
`
`Complaints.
`
`In their
`
`Amended
`
`Corñplaiñts,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`did
`
`plead
`
`the
`
`second
`
`exception
`
`to
`
`the
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement.
`
`48.
`
`In Amabile
`
`v. City
`
`of Buffalo,
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`when
`
`she tripped
`
`on a piece
`
`of
`
`what
`
`was
`
`sign.
`
`for
`
`formerly
`
`a stop
`
`Plaintiff
`
`argued
`
`a constructive
`
`notice
`
`exception
`
`to the
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`rule,
`
`when
`
`the
`
`defect
`
`was
`
`not
`
`known
`
`by
`
`the
`
`city
`
`but
`
`could
`
`have
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`been
`
`known
`
`by
`
`the
`
`exercise
`
`of ordinary
`
`diligence
`
`and
`
`care
`
`on its part.
`
`Amabile,
`
`93 NY2d
`
`at 474.
`
`The
`
`Court
`
`of Appeals
`
`rejected
`
`plaintiff's
`
`argument
`
`and maiñtained
`
`that
`
`the
`
`city must
`
`have
`
`prior
`
`notice
`
`that must
`
`be in writing,
`
`unless
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`two
`
`established
`
`exceptions
`
`applied.
`
`Id.
`
`at 476.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`assert
`
`that
`
`the Town
`
`case,
`
`of Moreau
`
`had
`
`actual
`
`and
`
`constinctive
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defect
`
`in front
`
`of 35 Woodseâpe
`
`Drive.
`
`In light
`
`of
`
`the
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement
`
`in the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`Code,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`Amabile
`
`Court's
`
`rejection
`
`of
`
`a constructive
`
`notice
`
`exception,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`assertion
`
`that
`
`the Town
`
`had
`
`constructive
`
`notice
`
`is
`
`insufficient
`
`to
`
`hold
`
`the Town
`
`of
`
`Moreau
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`injuries.
`
`49.
`
`In
`
`any
`
`event,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`will
`
`be unable
`
`to raise
`
`and
`
`argue
`
`the
`
`first
`
`exception
`
`to the
`
`because
`
`failed
`
`to allege
`
`it
`
`in
`
`either
`
`or
`
`prior
`
`written
`
`notice
`
`requirement
`
`they
`
`the Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`the Complaint.
`
`Pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`General
`
`Municipal
`
`Law §50-e,
`
`a plaintiff
`
`is
`
`required
`
`to
`
`submit
`
`a Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`within
`
`90 days
`
`after
`
`the
`
`claim
`
`arises.
`
`In order
`
`to give
`
`sufficient
`
`notice
`
`to the municipality,
`
`the Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`must
`
`contain
`
`the
`
`time
`
`when,
`
`the
`
`place
`
`where,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`manner
`
`in which
`
`the
`
`claim
`
`arose.
`
`Id.
`
`"The
`
`test
`
`of
`
`the
`
`notice
`
`[of
`
`claim]'s
`
`sufficiency
`
`is whether
`
`includes
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to enable
`
`the
`
`[municipality]
`
`to investigate
`
`the
`
`claim."
`
`Fontaine
`
`it
`
`v.
`
`10
`
`10 of 283
`
`

`

`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`
`'
`”DEX NO- 20178
`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY ”CLERK 041E2021 09:59 A
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`.
`. R«.c«.1v«.D NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`a
`
`11 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`OF CLAIM
`NOTICE
`OF THE GENERAL
`
`PURSUANT
`MUNICIPAL
`
`TO §50-e
`LAW
`
`.
`
`TÒ:
`
`THE TOWN OF MOREAU,
`
`NEW YORK
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`of Clairnant
`name
`address
`and post-office
`The
`- 81 Spring
`Sandra
`Coulter
`Claimant
`Street,
`for Cleimant:
`H. Wayne
`Esq.
`Judge,
`Attomey
`Falls, New York
`12801-6850
`
`and of her.attorney:
`12803
`Falls, New York
`South Glens
`- One Broad
`Plaza, P.O. Box 2850, Glens
`Street
`
`the claim:
`of
`Nature
`Its
`against
`claim
`makes
`The
`Town
`the
`servants,
`respective
`of Moreau,
`Claimant.
`.agents,
`dMsionsandfor
`andfor
`personnel
`staff
`contractors,
`employees,
`agencies,
`departments,
`officers,
`been
`for substantial
`the personal
`Injuries
`and damages
`for
`having
`darhages
`others,
`monetary
`of Moreau.
`of
`the Town
`conduct
`and/or
`sustained
`by the careless
`and negligent
`omissions,
`acts,
`negligent
`and employees
`were
`contractors
`The
`of Moreau,
`Town
`its officers,
`servants,
`agents,
`and workmaniIke
`in falIlng
`in a careful
`to (1) install
`Drive
`pavement
`on the surface
`of Woodscape
`of a
`to the paying
`fellow accepted
`professional
`practices
`procedures
`and
`manner,
`relating
`(2)
`the
`of
`(4) wam the public
`public
`install
`a proper
`paved
`shoulder
`on the
`roadway;
`(3)
`roadway;
`road
`from the
`of a read
`created
`absence
`and
`the
`precipitous
`dangers
`by the
`shoulder
`drop
`actión
`to
`appropr'4te
`to the
`surface
`land
`otherwise
`take
`adjacent
`to the
`road
`surfacing;
`(6)
`result
`As a direct
`and proximate
`the occurrence
`of
`to the Claitnant.
`prevent
`and infilction
`injury
`of which
`of such
`physical
`Irijuries
`failures
`the Claimant
`sustairled
`and
`emotional
`sofne
`serious
`will be permanent.
`
`and the manner
`the place where
`Time when.
`the
`in which
`arose:
`clairn
`8:30 p.m.
`Novemb.er
`Date/Time:
`at approximately
`25, 2015
`Wednesday,
`Place:
`New York
`35 Woodscape
`Saratoga
`Drive, Moreau,
`County,
`on the
`walked
`Manner
`from the residence
`parked
`to her
`which was
`Claimant
`vehicle
`legally
`of
`over
`the rough margin
`paved
`Upon
`the roadway
`Claimant
`tripped
`roadway.
`entering
`recently
`result
`and proximate
`as a direct
`the
`injuries
`road
`and fell onto the pavement
`serious
`sustaining
`of
`the
`carelessness
`and
`negligence
`its officers,
`of
`the Town
`of Moreau,
`servants,
`agents,
`contractors
`and employees.
`
`or
`to have
`of damage
`Items
`The
`sustained:
`claimed
`injuries
`been
`a facture
`Ciáiment
`cuts
`several
`and abrastons
`to the left side
`sufferiod
`of herface,
`a concussion,
`7
`to her
`squir9d
`IIp which
`left eye
`fractures
`to her
`3 spiral
`to her
`feft hand
`a cut
`and
`bone,
`and is also left
`to close.
`she sustained
`to drive
`Claimant
`stitches
`Injuries
`is unable
`due to the
`just
`fair and
`and
`handed
`as damages
`lost
`has
`enjoyment
`of
`therefore
`life.
`claims
`Claimant
`and suffered
`compensa8on
`sustained
`for
`injuries
`the serious
`mentaland
`emotional
`physical,
`by
`the Claimant,
`if any, as
`medicalexpenses
`be lawfully
`to which
`she
`is and may
`entitled,
`including
`a result
`of the
`incident
`and injuries
`she sustained
`therein.
`
`Dated:
`
`December
`
`_Â_,
`
`2015
`
`.
`
`H. Wayne
`Judge,
`for Claimant
`Attomey
`One Broad
`PI
`Street
`P.O. Box 2850
`Glens
`Falls, NY 12801-6850
`wavnaltilwfudaelaw.com
`745-5030
`(518)
`
`12 of 283
`
`

`

`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`
`”DEX NO- 20178
`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 041E2021 09:59 A
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`.
`. R«.c«.1v«.D NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`EXHIBIT
`
`B
`
`13 of 283
`
`
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`•
`•
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`OF NEW YORK
`STATE
`SUPREME
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF SARATOGA
`
`-
`
`I
`
`..
`
`..
`
`,
`
`SANDRA
`
`COULTER
`
`AND STEPHEN
`
`COULTER,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`-against-
`
`OF
`TOWN
`MOREAU,
`AND WOODSCAPE
`L.L.C.,
`ASSOCIATION
`II,
`INC.,
`
`MICHAELS
`THE
`GROUP,
`HOMEOWNERS'
`NORTH
`
`2017212sasca3
`
`SUMMONS
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`FILED
`17 1034:50 AM
`
`1 4
`
`INDEXNUMBERS
`SaratogaCountyClerk
`
`To the
`
`above-named
`
`Defendants:
`
`You
`
`are
`
`summoned
`
`and
`
`required
`
`to serve
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`attameys,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`-
`
`address
`
`stated
`
`below,
`
`a Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to the
`
`attached
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint.
`
`if
`
`this Summons
`
`was
`
`personally
`
`served
`
`upon
`
`you
`
`in the State
`
`of New York,
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`must
`
`days
`
`after
`
`such
`
`service
`
`of
`
`the
`
`be served
`
`within
`
`twenty
`
`(20)
`
`Summons,
`
`excluding
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of service.
`
`If
`
`the Summons
`
`was
`
`not
`
`personally
`
`dslivered
`
`to you within
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`the Verified
`
`Answer
`
`must
`
`be served
`
`within
`
`thirty
`
`(30)
`
`days
`
`after
`
`the
`
`service
`
`of
`
`the Summons
`
`is carñplete
`
`as providsd
`
`by law.
`
`If you
`
`do not
`
`serve
`
`a Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to the
`
`attached
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`within
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`time
`
`ilmitatiGñ
`
`stated
`
`above,
`
`a judgment
`
`may
`
`be entered
`
`against
`
`you,
`
`by
`
`default,
`
`for
`
`the
`
`relief
`
`demanded
`
`in the Verifisd
`
`Complaint,
`
`without
`
`further
`
`notice
`
`to you.
`
`LaFave, Wein & Frament, PLLC, 2400 Western Ave . Guilderland. NY 120B4-977D,518-B69-9D94
`
`14 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`The
`
`action
`
`will
`
`be heard
`
`in the Supreme
`
`Coud
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`in and
`
`for
`
`the County
`
`of SARATOGA.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`is brought
`
`in the County
`
`of SARATOGA
`
`because
`
`the
`
`incident
`
`occurred
`
`in the County
`
`of SARATOGA,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`Dated:
`
`December
`
`15, 2016
`
`Pl
`
`eof
`
`T. Fahrenkopf,
`Matthew
`& Frament,
`Wein
`LaFave,
`for PlaintlWs
`Attomeys
`2400 Westem
`Avenue
`New York
`Guilderland,
`518-869-9094
`
`Esq.
`PLLC
`
`12084
`
`2
`
`15 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`OF NEW YORK
`STATE
`SUPREME
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF SARATOGA
`
`COULTER
`
`AND
`
`STEPHEN
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`SANDRA
`COULTER,
`
`-against-
`
`2857asanesses
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`FILED
`7 1R34:50 AM
`
`INDEMNUMBERS
`8ªª¹°88°°*°''*
`
`OF MOREAU,
`TOWN
`AND
`GROUP,
`L.L.C.,
`NORTH HOMEOWNERS'
`INC.,
`II,
`
`THE
`MICHAELS
`WOODSCAPE
`ASSOCIATION
`
`Defendants.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Stephen
`
`Coulter,
`
`as and
`
`for
`
`their
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint,
`
`by
`
`and
`
`through
`
`their
`
`attomeys,
`
`LaFave,
`
`Wein
`
`& Frament,
`
`PLLC,
`
`complain
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`Defendant
`
`The
`
`Michaels
`
`Group,
`
`L.L.C.,
`
`and
`
`Defendant
`
`Woodscape
`
`North
`
`Homeowners
`
`Association
`
`II,
`
`Inc.
`
`as follows:
`
`1.
`
`Sandra
`
`Coulter
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`Stephen
`
`At all
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Coulter
`
`were
`
`and
`
`still
`
`are
`
`residents
`
`of
`
`the County
`
`of Samtege,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`2.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`was
`
`and
`
`is a
`
`municipal
`
`corporation
`
`duly
`
`organized
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`the laws
`
`of
`
`the state
`
`of New York.
`
`3.
`
`At all
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`The
`
`Michaels
`
`Group,
`
`L.L.C.
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a domestic
`
`limited
`
`liability
`
`company
`
`authorized
`
`to do
`
`LaFave. Wein & Frament PLLC. 240D Western Ave., Guilderiend. NY 12084-9770.518-889-9094
`
`1
`
`16 of 283
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`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`business
`
`in
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`with
`
`a principal
`
`place
`
`of
`
`business
`
`located
`
`at
`
`10
`
`Blacksmith
`
`Drive,
`
`Suite
`
`1, Malta,
`
`New York
`
`12020
`
`in the
`
`Town
`
`of Malta,
`
`County
`
`of
`
`Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`4.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Woodscape
`
`North
`
`Homeowners'
`
`Association
`
`II,
`
`Inc. was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is adomestic
`
`not-for-
`
`profit
`
`corporation
`
`authorized
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York with
`
`a principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`located
`
`at 790 Waterviiet
`
`Shaker
`
`Road,
`
`Latham,
`
`New York
`
`12110-2207
`
`in the
`
`Town
`
`of Colonie,
`
`County
`
`of Albany,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`5.
`
`In accordance
`
`with New York
`
`State General
`
`Municipal
`
`Law §50-e,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`was
`
`timely
`
`served
`
`with
`
`a Notice
`
`of Claim ccñtaiñing
`
`the allegations
`
`of
`
`this
`
`Jawsuit.
`
`Attached
`
`hereto
`
`as
`
`Exhibit
`
`"A"
`
`served
`
`is a copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`on
`
`Defendant.
`
`6.
`
`At
`
`least
`
`thirty
`
`days
`
`have
`
`elapsed
`
`since
`
`the
`
`service
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`upon
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the edjustment
`
`and/or
`
`payment
`
`thereof
`
`has
`
`been
`
`neglected
`
`and/or
`
`refused.
`
`7.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`comp!!ed
`
`with
`
`all conditions
`
`precedent,
`
`making
`
`a final
`
`demand
`
`for payment,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`time
`
`to pay
`
`has
`
`expired
`
`where
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`have
`
`not made
`
`a
`
`payment.
`
`8.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`limitations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in Article
`
`16 of
`
`the Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law
`
`and
`
`Rules
`
`do
`
`not
`
`apply
`
`because
`
`one
`
`or more
`
`excepticñs
`
`listed
`
`in Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law
`
`and
`
`Rules
`
`§§
`
`1601
`
`and/or
`
`1602
`
`apply.
`
`2
`
`17 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`9.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein
`
`there
`
`existed
`
`a certain
`
`premises,
`
`including
`
`a
`
`public
`
`road
`
`with
`
`a curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`in the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`10.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`owned
`
`the public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`Moreau,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`12828
`
`In the
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`11.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`maintained
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive, Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`in the Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`offlew
`
`York.
`
`12.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`upon
`
`infomation
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`of Moreau
`
`controlled
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`Drive, Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`in the Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`13.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein,upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`operated
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive,
`
`Marsau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`in the Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`14.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioñêd
`
`herein,upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`managed
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive, Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`in the Town
`
`of Moreau,County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`15.
`
`At all
`
`times mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Morsau
`
`possessed
`
`the
`
`public
`
`road
`
`and
`
`curb
`
`located
`
`at 35 Woodscape
`
`Drive, Moreau,
`
`New York
`
`12828
`
`In the Town
`
`of Moreau,
`
`County
`
`of Saratoga,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`3
`
`18 of 283
`
`

`

`FILED: SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK 04/12/2021 09:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 62
`
`INDEX NO. 20178
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/12/2021
`
`16.
`
`Defendant
`
`Town
`
`of Moreau
`
`and/or
`
`its agents,
`
`servants,
`
`and/or
`
`employees
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`of due
`
`care
`
`to