FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`SUPREME
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`COUNTY
`OF SUFFOLK
`________________________________..________--
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`. --- X
`
`TERWILLIGER
`
`BARTONE
`
`PROPERTIES
`
`LLC,
`
`-against-
`
`FAT
`
`FISH MARINA
`
`LLC,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant.
`
`-------------
`
`--------------------------------------X
`
`To:
`
`The Above-Defendants
`
`(addresses
`
`below)
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`SUMMONS
`
`YOU ARE HEREBY
`to serve
`of your
`and
`a copy
`of
`service
`this
`Summons,
`if
`service
`is complete
`of
`and
`in case
`for
`the
`relief
`
`SUMMONED
`Answer
`on the
`exclusive
`of
`the
`is not
`the Summons
`your
`failure
`to appear
`demanded
`herein.
`
`York);
`default
`
`Complaint
`
`to answer
`the Verified
`Plaintiffs'
`within
`attorneys
`twenty
`(or within
`of service
`thirty
`(30)
`to you within
`delivered
`will
`be taken
`judgment
`
`day
`personally
`or answer,
`
`the
`
`in this
`days
`(20)
`after
`days
`the State
`against
`
`action
`after
`the
`of New
`you
`
`by
`
`location
`
`Dated:
`
`Plaintiffs
`of
`the
`
`Melville,
`August
`
`designate
`
`property
`
`Suffolk
`in dispute
`
`County
`the
`and
`
`as the
`principal
`
`of
`
`place
`place
`
`The
`trial.
`of business
`
`basis
`of
`
`venue
`of
`the Defendant.
`
`is the
`
`New York
`, 2020
`
`WEBER L
`
`GROUP
`
`LLP
`
`Suite
`
`200E
`
`for
`
`LLC,
`
`ason A. Stern
`roadhollow
`Road,
`NY 11747
`549-2000
`(631)
`TERWILLIGER
`Plaintiff
`PROPERTIES
`
`29
`
`ville,
`T
`ephone:
`Attorneys
`BARTONE
`
`1 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`Defendants'
`
`Addresses:
`
`LLC
`
`Fat Fish Marina
`Avenue
`264 West
`New York,
`
`Patchogue,
`
`11772
`
`- 2 -
`
`2 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`SUPIŒME
`COUNTY
`OF SUFFOLK
`--------------------------
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`-------X
`
`TERWILLIGER
`
`BARTONE
`
`PROPERTIES
`
`LLC,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`-against-
`
`FAT
`
`FISH
`
`MARINA
`
`LLC,
`
`Defendant.
`
`-----------
`
`X
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Terwilliger
`
`Bartone
`
`Properties
`
`LLC ("Plaintiff")
`
`and
`
`through
`
`by
`
`its attorneys,
`
`Weber
`
`Law Group
`
`LLP,
`
`as and
`
`for
`
`its
`
`verified
`
`complaint
`
`against
`
`defendant
`
`Fat Fish Marina
`
`LLC
`
`("Defendant")
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`PRELIMINARY
`
`STATEMENT
`
`1.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`arises
`
`out
`
`of Defendant's
`
`efforts
`
`to avoid
`
`a $3 million-plus
`
`contract
`
`of
`
`sale
`
`that
`
`obligated
`
`Defendant
`
`to convey
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`certain
`
`real
`
`property
`
`("Property")
`
`located
`
`in
`
`of Patchogue
`
`based
`
`contractual
`
`deadline
`
`that
`
`the COVID-
`
`the Village
`
`("Village"),
`
`on a purported
`
`19 pandemic
`
`rendered
`
`impossible
`
`to comply
`
`with.
`
`2.
`
`The
`
`contract
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`- a February
`
`7, 2018
`
`Agreement
`
`of Purchase
`
`and Sale
`
`("Agreement")
`
`provided
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`must
`
`obtain
`
`certain
`
`Village
`
`approvals
`
`for
`
`its
`
`intended
`
`50-
`
`unit
`
`apartment
`
`complex
`
`("Project"),
`
`on or before
`
`July
`
`7, 2020;
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`scheduled
`
`to
`
`obtain
`
`such
`
`approvals
`
`at an April
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`scheduled
`
`before
`
`the Village
`
`of
`
`Patchogue
`
`Planning
`
`Board
`
`("Planning
`
`Board").
`
`3.
`
`However,
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`the
`
`related
`
`Executive
`
`Orders
`
`issued
`
`by Governor
`
`Cuomo,
`
`and the Village's
`
`decision
`
`to suspend
`
`all public
`
`meetings,
`
`beginning
`
`3 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`in early March
`
`2020
`
`-
`
`such
`
`April
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`was
`
`indefinitely
`
`suspended
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Village,
`
`and
`
`the Village
`
`has
`
`since
`
`indicated
`
`that
`
`the
`
`earliest
`
`such
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`would
`
`be re-
`
`scheduled
`
`is at some
`
`point
`
`in the Fall
`
`of 2020.
`
`4.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`as a result
`
`of all
`
`such
`
`unforeseen
`
`and
`
`unforesecabic
`
`circumstances,
`
`it became
`
`impossible
`
`for Plaintiff
`
`to meet
`
`the
`
`July
`
`7, 2020
`
`deadline.
`
`that
`
`pandemic
`
`5.
`
`Nevertheless,
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`taken
`
`the
`
`position
`
`the COVID-19
`
`is
`
`irrelevant,
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`failure
`
`to meet
`
`the
`
`July
`
`7, 2020
`
`deadline
`
`is fatal,
`
`and
`
`the Agreement
`
`is
`
`no longer
`
`enforceable.
`
`6.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`commenced
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`action
`
`based
`
`on the
`
`equitable
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`impossibility
`
`of performance,
`
`seeking
`
`a declaratory
`
`judgment
`
`declaring
`
`the Agreement
`
`enforceable,
`
`parties'
`
`the
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`continuing
`
`and
`
`ongoing,
`
`and
`
`extending
`
`the
`
`deadlines
`
`thereunder
`
`until
`
`such
`
`time
`
`as the Village
`
`may
`
`reasonably
`
`re-schedule,
`
`publicly
`
`hear,
`
`and
`
`decide
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`applications.
`
`7.
`
`By
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`directing
`
`Defendant
`
`to specifically
`
`perform
`
`under
`
`the
`
`terms
`
`of
`
`the Agreement
`
`by
`
`selling
`
`the Property
`
`to Paintiff
`
`as agreed-to,
`
`enjoining
`
`Defendant
`
`from
`
`selling
`
`the Property
`
`to any
`
`other
`
`party,
`
`and
`
`awarding
`
`Plaintiff
`
`its
`
`attorneys'
`
`as provided
`
`for
`
`in the Agreement.
`
`reasonable
`
`fees
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`__JURISDICTION
`
`AND VENUE
`
`8.
`
`Jurisdiction
`
`is proper
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York
`
`as Defendant
`
`does
`
`business
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York
`
`and
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of occurred,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`property
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`is
`
`located,
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`9.
`
`Venue
`
`is proper
`
`is Suffolk
`
`County
`
`because
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of occulTed,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`property
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`is located,
`
`within
`
`Suffolk
`
`County.
`
`2
`
`4 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`PARTIES
`
`10.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Terwilliger
`
`Bartone
`
`Properties
`
`LLC is one
`
`of
`
`the top
`
`real
`
`estate
`
`development
`
`companies
`
`in the
`
`region,
`
`focusing
`
`on luxury
`
`real
`
`estate
`
`development,
`
`with
`
`numerous
`
`successful
`
`and
`
`award-winning
`
`residential
`
`development
`
`projects
`
`throughout
`
`Suffolk
`
`County
`
`and
`
`Long
`
`Taland
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is a limited
`
`liability
`
`company
`
`duly
`
`organized
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of Delaware
`
`and
`
`authorized
`
`to do business
`
`under
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`with
`
`its principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`located
`
`at 141 Merritts
`
`Road,
`
`Farmingdale,
`
`New York
`
`11735.
`
`11.
`
`Upon
`
`infonnation
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Fat Fish Marina
`
`LLC is the
`
`owner
`
`of
`
`the Property,
`
`and
`
`is a limited
`
`liability
`
`company
`
`duly
`
`organized
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`with
`
`its principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`located
`
`at 264 West
`
`Avenue,
`
`Patchogue,
`
`New York,
`
`11772.
`
`Parties'
`
`The
`
`Agreement
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`FACTS
`
`12.
`
`By Agreement
`
`dated
`
`February
`
`7, 2018,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`as buyer,
`
`and Defendant,
`
`as
`
`seller,
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`an Agreement
`
`of Purchase
`
`and Sale
`
`of
`
`the
`
`approximately
`
`2.15
`
`acre
`
`(or
`
`93,621
`
`square
`
`foot)
`
`Property,
`
`located
`
`in the Village
`
`of Patchogue,
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of developing
`
`a 50-
`
`unit
`
`luxury
`
`waterfront
`
`apartment
`
`complex.
`
`13.
`
`The Property
`
`is described
`
`in the Agreement
`
`as "certain
`
`improved
`
`real
`
`property
`
`located
`
`at West
`
`Avenue
`
`and Mulford
`
`Street,
`
`in the Village
`
`of Patchogue,
`
`County
`
`of Suffolk,
`
`State
`
`of New York,
`
`bearing
`
`Suffolk
`
`County
`
`Tax Map
`
`lot numbers
`
`204-16-3-7
`
`and
`
`204-16-6-1.2,
`
`1.3,
`
`1.5, & 2.1",
`
`together
`
`with
`
`Defendant's
`
`interest
`
`in the westerly
`
`portion
`
`of Mulford
`
`Street,
`
`and
`
`3
`
`5 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`collectively
`
`consists
`
`of
`
`the
`
`"Land,"
`
`"Improvements,"
`
`"Tangible
`
`Personalty,"
`
`and
`
`"Other
`
`Infangible
`
`Property"
`
`as defined
`
`in the Agreement.
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 2.01.
`
`14.
`
`The
`
`"Land"
`
`is defined
`
`as the
`
`"land
`
`described
`
`in Exhibit
`
`'A';"
`
`the
`
`"Improvements"
`
`is defined
`
`as "any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`buildings,
`
`structures,
`
`driveways,
`
`parking
`
`areas,
`
`hardscaped
`
`areas,
`
`landscaped
`
`areas
`
`(including
`
`clearing,
`
`grading,
`
`excavation,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`site work
`
`associated
`
`paved
`
`other
`
`improvements
`
`from
`
`time
`
`therewith),
`
`areas,
`
`fences,
`
`signs,
`
`site
`
`fixtures
`
`and
`
`physical
`
`to
`
`time,
`
`both
`
`now and
`
`hereafter,
`
`located,
`
`constructed,
`
`installed
`
`or placed
`
`on,
`
`or attached
`
`or affixed
`
`Land;"
`
`to,
`
`the
`
`the
`
`"Tangible
`
`Personalty"
`
`is defined
`
`as "all
`
`tangible
`
`property
`
`relating
`
`to the
`
`Land
`
`other
`
`than
`
`the
`
`Improvements;"
`
`and
`
`"Other
`
`Intangible
`
`Property"
`
`is defined
`
`as "all
`
`property
`
`relating
`
`to the
`
`Land
`
`other
`
`than
`
`the
`
`Land,
`
`Improvements
`
`and Tangible
`
`Personalty."
`
`Agreemeñt,
`
`A to the Agreement
`
`Article
`
`22;
`
`see also Exhibit
`
`containing
`
`the metes
`
`and
`
`bounds
`
`description,
`
`copy
`
`of which
`
`is annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`1.
`
`15.
`
`As
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`below,
`
`the Agreement
`
`was
`
`subsequently
`
`amended
`
`to include
`
`additional
`
`property
`
`owned
`
`by Defendant
`
`within
`
`the
`
`definition
`
`of
`
`"Property"
`
`in the Agreement
`
`specifically
`
`that
`
`certain
`
`property
`
`located
`
`at 230 West
`
`Avenue,
`
`in the Village
`
`of Patchogue,
`
`a
`
`-
`
`bearing
`
`Suffolk
`
`County
`
`lot
`
`number
`
`204-16-6-1.6;
`
`and which
`
`is more
`
`fully
`
`described
`
`in
`
`Tax Map
`
`the metes
`
`and
`
`bounds
`
`description
`
`annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`2.
`
`16.
`
`The Agreement
`
`further
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`the
`
`purchase
`
`price
`
`of
`
`the Property
`
`is
`
`dependent
`
`on the
`
`number
`
`of units
`
`that
`
`are approved
`
`for
`
`development,
`
`but
`
`has
`
`an agreed-to
`
`minimum
`
`of
`
`"THREE
`
`MILLION
`
`DOLLARS
`
`($3,000,000.00),"
`
`based
`
`on a minimum
`
`number
`
`of
`
`"FIFTY
`
`(50)
`
`UNITS,"
`
`at a price
`
`of
`
`"SIXTY
`
`THOUSAND
`
`DOLALRS
`
`($60,000)"
`
`per
`
`unit.
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 3.01.
`
`4
`
`6 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`deposit
`
`17.
`
`fifty
`
`18.
`
`On Plaintiff's
`
`execution
`
`of
`
`the Agreement,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`required
`
`to,
`
`and
`
`did,
`
`thousand
`
`dollars
`
`($50,000.00)
`
`with
`
`Defendant.
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 3.01.
`
`As
`
`is relevant
`
`to this
`
`dispute,
`
`the Agreement
`
`provides
`
`that with
`
`respect
`
`to
`
`"zoning",
`
`Plaintiff
`
`shall
`
`use "reasonable,
`
`good
`
`faith
`
`efforts
`
`to obtain
`
`the Approvals
`
`that will
`
`permit
`
`the
`
`construction
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Project."
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 11.01.
`
`also
`
`that
`
`received
`
`such
`
`"Approvals"
`
`19.
`
`The Agreement
`
`provides
`
`if Plaintiff
`
`has not
`
`before
`
`the
`
`"Approvals
`
`Deadline"
`
`(defined
`
`as one
`
`year
`
`from
`
`the
`
`"Due
`
`Diligence
`
`Date"),
`
`Plaintiff
`
`"may
`
`extend
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`for
`
`three
`
`months"
`
`(3)
`
`by notice
`
`to Defendant;
`
`and
`
`if such
`
`"Approvals"
`
`are not
`
`received
`
`by
`
`such
`
`extended
`
`deadline,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`"may
`
`extend
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`for
`
`a further
`
`three
`
`months"
`
`(3)
`
`by notice
`
`to Defendant.
`
`Agreement,
`
`§§ 11.06;
`
`11.08.
`
`The
`
`"Due
`
`Diligence
`
`Date"
`
`20.
`
`is defined
`
`as the
`
`"sixtieth
`
`(6002)
`
`day...after
`
`the
`
`Agreement
`
`Date;"
`
`and
`
`the
`
`"Agreement
`
`Date"
`
`is defined
`
`as February
`
`7, 2018.
`
`Agreement,
`
`§
`
`10.01.1
`
`and
`
`p. 33.
`
`21.
`
`Thus,
`
`according
`
`to the Agreement,
`
`the Due
`
`Diligence
`
`Date
`
`is April
`
`7, 2018
`
`(i e.,
`
`the
`
`sixtieth
`
`day
`
`after
`
`the Agreement
`
`Date
`
`of February
`
`7, 2018),
`
`and
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`was
`
`April
`
`7, 2019
`
`(iA,
`
`one
`
`year
`
`from
`
`the Due
`
`Diligence
`
`Date).
`
`As
`
`set
`
`the Approval
`
`extended
`
`22.
`
`forth
`
`below,
`
`Date
`
`was
`
`subsequently
`
`by written
`
`amendment
`
`to the Agreement
`
`agreed-to
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`and Defendant,
`
`to July
`
`7, 2020.
`
`23.
`
`The Agreement
`
`also
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`if
`
`"any
`
`dispute"
`
`arises
`
`between
`
`the
`
`parties,
`
`the
`
`"substantially
`
`prevailing
`
`party"
`
`shall
`
`be reimbursed
`
`for
`
`"all
`
`reasonable
`
`costs
`
`incurred
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`such
`
`dispute,
`
`including
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`at both
`
`the
`
`trial
`
`and
`
`appellate
`
`levels."
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 20.04.
`
`5
`
`7 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Applications
`
`To The Village
`
`24.
`
`Pursuant
`
`to the Agreement,
`
`beginning
`
`in September
`
`2018,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`timely
`
`filed
`
`all
`
`appropriate
`
`zoning-related
`
`applications
`
`with
`
`the Village,
`
`including,
`
`specifically,
`
`applications
`
`for
`
`site
`
`plan
`
`approval
`
`and
`
`architectural
`
`review.
`
`25.
`
`Since
`
`such
`
`time,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`diligently
`
`and
`
`continuously
`
`worked
`
`with
`
`the Village
`
`in
`
`good
`
`faith
`
`and
`
`refine
`
`such
`
`applications
`
`and
`
`plans
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`to modify
`
`attendance
`
`at numerous
`
`meetings,
`
`work
`
`sessions,
`
`public
`
`meetings,
`
`scoping
`
`sessions,
`
`and
`
`discussions
`
`by and
`
`between
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`its professionals,
`
`and Village
`
`mgesentatives
`
`and
`
`officials,
`
`all
`
`to address
`
`and
`
`resolve
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`concerns
`
`or questions
`
`raised
`
`by
`
`the Village.
`
`26,
`
`During
`
`this
`
`process,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`timely
`
`notified
`
`Defendant
`
`that
`
`all Approvals
`
`had
`
`not
`
`been
`
`received
`
`by April
`
`7, 2019,
`
`and
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`was
`
`extended
`
`three
`
`(3) months
`
`to
`
`July
`
`7, 2019,
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`terms
`
`of
`
`the Agreement;
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`again
`
`timely
`
`notified
`
`Defendant
`
`that
`
`all Approvals
`
`had
`
`not
`
`been
`
`received
`
`by
`
`July
`
`7, 2019,
`
`and
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`was
`
`extended
`
`an additional
`
`three
`
`(3) months
`
`to October
`
`7, 2019,
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`terms
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Agreement.
`
`27.
`
`Because
`
`all
`
`approvals
`
`had
`
`not
`
`been
`
`received
`
`by October
`
`7, 2019,
`
`on or about
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`a Second
`
`Amendment
`
`to Agreement
`
`of Purchase
`
`September
`
`20,
`
`2019,
`
`and Sale
`
`("Second
`
`Amendment"),
`
`which,
`
`among
`
`other
`
`things,
`
`extended
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`to July
`
`7,
`
`2020.1
`
`28.
`
`Further,
`
`in October
`
`2019,
`
`the parties
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`a Third
`
`Amendment
`
`to
`
`Agreement
`
`of Purchase
`
`and Sale
`
`("Third
`
`Amendment"),
`
`which,
`
`among
`
`other
`
`things,
`
`ratified
`
`the
`
`Second
`
`Amendment,
`
`and
`
`in consideration
`
`for Plaintiff's
`
`agreement
`
`to build
`
`a "Marina
`
`Building"
`
`1 The parties
`also entered
`concern
`the instate
`dispute
`
`into a First Amendment
`the Approvals
`over
`
`(dated May 2018)
`Deadline.
`
`of
`
`the Agreement,
`
`but
`
`this arsendméñt
`
`did not
`
`6
`
`8 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`defined
`
`in the Agreement,
`
`expanded
`
`the
`
`definition
`
`of
`
`"Property"
`
`in the Agreement
`
`to include
`
`that
`
`certain
`
`property
`
`owned
`
`by Defendant,
`
`located
`
`at 230 West
`
`Avenue,
`
`in the Village
`
`of Patchogue,
`
`known
`
`and
`
`designated
`
`on the Suffolk
`
`County
`
`Tax Map
`
`as lot
`
`number
`
`204-16-6-1.6,
`
`and
`
`as more
`
`fully
`
`described
`
`as Exhibit
`
`A-1
`
`to the Third
`
`Amendment,
`
`a copy
`
`of which
`
`is annexed
`
`hereto
`
`as
`
`Exhibit
`
`2.
`
`29.
`
`Thus,
`
`the Property
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`includes
`
`the Property
`
`as originally
`
`described
`
`in the
`
`Agreement
`
`and
`
`the Property
`
`described
`
`in the Third
`
`Amendment.
`
`See Exhibits
`
`1 and
`
`2.
`
`The Village
`
`Schedules
`
`A Special
`
`Meeting
`
`and Public
`
`Hearing
`
`For April
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`30.
`
`After
`
`extensive
`
`discussions
`
`and meetings
`
`with
`
`the Village,
`
`and
`
`several
`
`plan
`
`revisions
`
`- all
`
`culminating
`
`with
`
`a plan
`
`acceptable
`
`to both
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`the Village
`
`-- on or about
`
`a special
`
`February
`
`1, 2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`notified
`
`that
`
`the Planning
`
`Board
`
`would
`
`hold
`
`meeting
`
`and
`
`public
`
`hearing
`
`in order
`
`to issue
`
`its decision
`
`on Plaintiff's
`
`applications.
`
`31.
`
`Such
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`and
`
`public
`
`hearing
`
`was
`
`scheduled
`
`to be held
`
`on April
`
`23,
`
`2020.
`
`32.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`reasonably
`
`expected
`
`that
`
`at such
`
`April
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`special
`
`meeting,
`
`the
`
`applications
`
`would
`
`be granted
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`obtain
`
`the Approvals
`
`as required
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Agreement,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`the Agreement's
`
`Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`would
`
`be satisfied.
`
`The COVID-19
`
`Pandemic
`
`Causes
`
`An Indefinite
`
`Suspension
`
`33.
`
`Beginning
`
`in March
`
`2020,
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`began
`
`to seriously
`
`iiñpact
`
`New York
`
`and
`
`Long
`
`Island.
`
`34.
`
`On or about March
`
`7, 2020,
`
`the Governor
`
`declared
`
`a "State
`
`disaster
`
`emergency"
`
`in New York,
`
`pursuant
`
`to Executive
`
`Order
`
`202.
`
`7
`
`9 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`35.
`
`On or about
`
`April
`
`9, 2020,
`
`the Governor
`
`declared
`
`that
`
`any
`
`"public
`
`hearing
`
`to take
`
`place
`
`in "April
`
`or May
`
`of 2020
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`postponed,"
`
`pursuant
`
`to Executive
`
`scheduled"
`
`Order
`
`202.15.
`
`36.
`
`At
`
`or around
`
`this
`
`time,
`
`the Village
`
`of Patchogue
`
`suspended
`
`all public
`
`meetings
`
`including
`
`Planning
`
`Board
`
`public
`
`meetings
`
`and
`
`hearings.
`
`37.
`
`Indeed,
`
`the
`
`last Planning
`
`Board
`
`meeting
`
`held
`
`prior
`
`to the COVID-19
`
`pandeinic
`
`was
`
`Februa1y
`
`25,
`
`2020.
`
`38.
`
`The
`
`following
`
`Planning
`
`Board
`
`meeting,
`
`which
`
`was
`
`scheduled
`
`for March
`
`24,
`
`2020,
`
`was
`
`canceled,
`
`as were
`
`all
`
`subsequent
`
`Planning
`
`Board
`
`meetings,
`
`including,
`
`specifically,
`
`the April
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`on Plaintiff's
`
`applications.
`
`to re-schedule
`
`some
`
`of
`
`the matters
`
`39.
`
`Since
`
`that
`
`time,
`
`the Planning
`
`Board
`
`has begun
`
`that
`
`had
`
`been
`
`scheduled
`
`for
`
`public
`
`hearings
`
`prior
`
`to the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`for
`
`virtual
`
`public
`
`hearings.
`
`scheduled.
`
`40.
`
`However,
`
`the
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`on Plaintiff's
`
`applications
`
`has
`
`not
`
`been
`
`re-
`
`41.
`
`Indeed,
`
`the Village
`
`advised
`
`Plaintiff
`
`that
`
`such
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`would
`
`not
`
`be held
`
`before
`
`the Fall
`
`of 2020.
`
`42.
`
`Thus,
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`the
`
`subsequent
`
`Executive
`
`Orders,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`decision
`
`of
`
`the Village
`
`to indefinitely
`
`suspend
`
`public
`
`meetings,
`
`including
`
`the
`
`scheduled
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`on Phintiff's
`
`applications,
`
`it was
`
`inipossible
`
`for Plaintiff
`
`to comply
`
`with
`
`the
`
`July
`
`7, 2020
`
`Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Agreement.
`
`8
`
`10 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Requests
`
`Defendant
`
`To Extend
`
`The
`
`Acorovals
`
`Deadline
`
`43.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`attempted
`
`to contact
`
`Defendant
`
`on several
`
`occasions
`
`to discuss
`
`this
`
`issue
`
`and
`
`obtain
`
`a written
`
`extension
`
`of
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline.
`
`44.
`
`Indeed,
`
`on or about
`
`June
`
`22,
`
`2020,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`wrote
`
`to Defendant
`
`stating:
`
`are aware
`
`we were
`you
`"As
`Board
`Patchogue
`Planning
`of
`the
`approvals
`quest
`for
`Due
`of Patchogue.
`Village
`all public
`the Governor
`by
`wake
`of
`the COIVD-19
`communication
`with
`village
`is that
`the
`will
`Board
`public
`hearings
`are beyond
`our
`control
`
`calendar
`on the
`2020
`for April
`23,
`proposal
`rental
`luxury
`to the NYS
`Executive
`ordered
`hearings
`were
`We have
`been
`pandemic.
`the Mayor
`of Patchogue
`and
`to re-commence
`be positioned
`in the Fall
`of 2020.
`have
`and
`created
`
`the Village
`with
`in continuance
`we made
`
`Order(s)
`canceled
`in
`his
`
`best
`
`of
`of our
`the
`with
`issued
`in the
`
`estimate
`
`Planning
`these
`
`events
`
`Obviously,
`hardship."
`global
`
`45.
`
`46.
`
`However,
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`and
`
`refused
`
`to respond
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`requests.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`taken
`
`the position
`
`that Plaintiff's
`
`failure
`
`to meet
`
`the
`
`July
`
`7, 2020
`
`Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`is fatal
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the Agreement
`
`is no longer
`
`enforceable.
`
`47.
`
`For
`
`all
`
`the
`
`reasons
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`above,
`
`it was
`
`impossible
`
`for Plaintiff
`
`to satisfy
`
`the
`
`July
`
`7, 2020
`
`Approvals
`
`Deadline
`
`and,
`
`accordingly,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`a declaratory
`
`judgment
`
`declaring
`
`the Agreement
`
`enforceable,
`
`parties'
`
`the
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`continuing
`
`and
`
`ongoing,
`
`and
`
`extending
`
`the
`
`deadlines
`
`thereunder
`
`until
`
`such
`
`time
`
`as the Village
`
`may
`
`reasonably
`
`re-
`
`schedule,
`
`publicly
`
`hear,
`
`and
`
`decide
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`applications
`
`and
`
`other
`
`related
`
`relief.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`(DECLARATORY
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`JUDGMENT)
`
`48.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`through
`
`47 as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`9
`
`11 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`49.
`
`The Agreement,
`
`as amended,
`
`provides
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`must
`
`obtain
`
`all
`
`approvals
`
`from
`
`the Village,
`
`on or before
`
`July
`
`7, 2020.
`
`50.
`
`A special
`
`meeting
`
`and
`
`public
`
`hearing
`
`had
`
`been
`
`scheduled
`
`before
`
`the Planning
`
`Board
`
`for April
`
`23,
`
`2020,
`
`at which
`
`time
`
`such
`
`approvals
`
`were
`
`expected
`
`to be given.
`
`51.
`
`However,
`
`such
`
`special
`
`meeting
`
`and
`
`public
`
`hearing
`
`was
`
`suspended
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`the
`
`related
`
`Executive
`
`Orders,
`
`and
`
`suspension
`
`the Village
`
`of all
`
`by
`
`public
`
`meetings
`
`and
`
`hearings.
`
`52.
`
`Such
`
`circumstances
`
`were
`
`unforeseen,
`
`unforeseeable,
`
`and
`
`beyond
`
`all
`
`parties'
`
`control
`
`and
`
`expectations.
`
`53.
`
`Such
`
`circumstances
`
`rendered
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`deadline
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`above
`
`impossible.
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`54.
`
`By
`
`foregoing,
`
`declaring
`
`the Agreement
`
`enforceable
`
`and
`
`the
`
`parties'
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`continuing
`
`and
`
`ongoing,
`
`and
`
`extending
`
`the
`
`deadlines
`
`thereunder,
`
`including
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline,
`
`until
`
`such
`
`time
`
`as the
`
`Village
`
`may
`
`reasonably
`
`re-schedule,
`
`publicly
`
`hear,
`
`and
`
`decide
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`applications.
`
`55.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`no adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law and
`
`cannot
`
`be fully
`
`compensated
`
`by
`
`monetary
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`(SPECIFIC
`PEFORMANCE)
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`56.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`through
`
`55 as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`57.
`
`58.
`
`There
`
`is a valid
`
`and
`
`enforceable
`
`contract
`
`between
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Defendant.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`substantially
`
`performed
`
`under
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`and
`
`is willing
`
`and
`
`able
`
`to
`
`perform
`
`its
`
`remaining
`
`obligations.
`
`10
`
`12 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`59.
`
`Defendant
`
`is able
`
`to perform
`
`its obligations,
`
`but
`
`has
`
`elected
`
`not
`
`to perform
`
`based
`
`on the
`
`claim
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`failed
`
`to meet
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline.
`
`60.
`
`However,
`
`such
`
`claim
`
`is unfounded
`
`because
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic
`
`and
`
`related
`
`circumstances
`
`rendered
`
`it
`
`impossible
`
`for Plaintiff
`
`to satisfy
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline.
`
`61.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`an order
`
`requiring
`
`Defendant
`
`to
`
`specifically
`
`perform
`
`its obligations
`
`under
`
`the Agreement,
`
`and
`
`close
`
`on the
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`the Property
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff
`
`on the
`
`terms
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`in the Agreement.
`
`62.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has no
`
`adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law and
`
`cannot
`
`be fully
`
`compensated
`
`by
`
`monetary
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTIO_N
`
`(INJUNCTION)
`
`and
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`63.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`tbrough
`
`62 as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`64.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Defendant
`
`should
`
`be enjoined
`
`from
`
`selling
`
`the
`
`Property
`
`to any
`
`other
`
`party.
`
`65.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has no adequate
`
`remedy
`
`at
`
`law
`
`and
`
`cannot
`
`be fully
`
`compensated
`
`by
`
`monetary
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`(ATTORNEYS'
`
`66.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`through
`
`65 as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`FEES)
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`67.
`
`The Agreement
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`if
`
`"any
`
`dispute"
`
`arises
`
`between
`
`the
`
`parties,
`
`the
`
`"substantially
`
`prevailing
`
`party"
`
`shall
`
`be reimbursed
`
`for
`
`"all
`
`reasonable
`
`costs
`
`incurred
`
`as a result
`
`11
`
`13 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`of
`
`such
`
`dispute,
`
`including
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`at both
`
`the
`
`trial
`
`and
`
`appellate
`
`levels."
`
`Agreement,
`
`§ 20.04.
`
`68.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`should
`
`be awarded
`
`its
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`its
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`incurred
`
`in this matter.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`as follows:
`
`(a)
`
`On its
`
`first
`
`cause
`
`of action,
`
`awarding
`
`Plaintiff
`
`judgment
`
`agaimt
`
`Defendant
`
`declaring
`
`the Agreement
`
`enforceable
`
`and
`
`the
`
`parties'
`
`obligations
`
`thereunder
`
`continuing
`
`and
`
`ongoing,
`
`and
`
`extending
`
`the
`
`deadlines
`
`thereunder,
`
`including
`
`the Approvals
`
`Deadline,
`
`until
`
`such
`
`time
`
`as the Village
`
`and
`
`decide
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`may
`
`reasonably
`
`re-schedule,
`
`publicly
`
`hear,
`
`applications;
`
`(b)
`
`On its
`
`second
`
`cause
`
`of action,
`
`an order
`
`directing
`
`Defendant
`
`to specifically
`
`perform
`
`its obligations
`
`under
`
`the Agreement
`
`and
`
`close
`
`on the
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`the Property
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`on
`
`the
`
`terms
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`in the Agreement;
`
`(c)
`
`On its
`
`third
`
`cause
`
`of action,
`
`enjoining
`
`Defendant
`
`from
`
`selling
`
`the Property
`
`to any
`
`other
`
`party;
`
`(d)
`
`On its
`
`fourth
`
`cause
`
`of action,
`
`awarding
`
`Plaintiff
`
`its
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`its
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`incurred
`
`in this matter;
`
`and
`
`(e)
`
`Granting
`
`Plaintiff
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`as this Court
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`12
`
`14 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`Dated:
`
`Melville,
`August
`
`New York
`7, 2020
`
`WEBE
`
`fAW GROUP
`
`LLP
`
`: Jason
`Garrett
`290 Broadhollow
`NY
`Melville,
`631-549-2000
`Tel:
`
`A. Stern
`L. Gray
`Road,
`11747
`
`Suite
`
`200E
`
`Attorneys
`BARTONE
`
`for
`
`Plaintiff
`PROPERITES
`
`TERWILLIGER
`LLC
`
`13
`
`15 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`ss.:
`
`) )
`
`)
`
`STATE
`
`OF NBW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF SUFFOLK
`
`Anthony
`
`Bartone,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`and says:
`
`I am the managing
`the plaintiff
`of
`member
`the contcñts
`Complaint
`and know
`thereof;
`as to the matters
`therein
`to be upon
`alleged
`them to be true.
`
`Verified
`except
`believe
`
`in the within
`the same
`information
`
`the foregoing
`Ihave
`read
`action.
`luis
`to my own
`are true
`vviedge,
`and as those matters
`and belief,
`
`I
`
`Sw,orn
`
`1 day
`
`to before me this
`2020
`of August,
`
`Notary
`
`Public
`
`Anthony
`Authorized
`
`Bartone
`
`Signatory
`
`ROMANO
`DANIELLE
`NOTARY PU BLIC-STATE OF NEW YORK
`No. 01RO6380453
`In Nassau county
`Oualified
`.,,nio,s
`exoices o9-o4.2022
`
`16 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK 08/07/2020 05:08 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 610298/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/07/2020
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
`OF SUFFOLK
`
`Index No.
`
`Year
`
`RJI No.
`
`Hon.
`
`TERWILLIGER
`
`BARTONE
`
`PROPERTIES
`
`LLC,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`-against-
`
`FAT FISH MARINA
`
`LLC,
`
`Defendant.
`
`SUMMONS AND VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`LLP
`
`LAW GROUP
`WEBER
`Attorneys
`for Plaintiff
`Office and Post Office Address, Telephone
`290 BROADHOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 200E
`MELVILLE, NEW YORK 11747
`TELEPHONE:
`(631) 549-2000
`
`To
`
`Signa
`
`(Rule 13 -1 - )
`
`Attorney(s) for
`
`Service of a copy of the within
`Dated,
`
`.
`
`--..._...._...._._____
`rintnameheneath Jason A. St
`
`--
`
`......
`Esq.
`
`is hereiy admitted.
`
`........_...............---_
`Attorney(s) for
`
`__ ________........ ,...-
`
`Pleasetake notice
`a NOTICEOFENTRV
`That the within is a (certified) true copy of a
`Duty entered in the office of the clerk of the within named court on
`ONOTICEOFSETTLEMENT
`That an order
`Settismers to the HON.
`Of the within named Court, at
`On
`
`at
`
`of which the within is a true copy will be presented for
`One of the judges
`
`Dated,
`
`To
`Attomey(s)for
`
`Yours, etc.
`WBBER LAW GROUP LLP
`Attorneysfor Plaintiff
`Of ceandPostOf ceAddress
`290BROADHOLLOWROAD
`SU1TE200E
`MELVILLE.NBWYORK I 1747
`
`17 of 17
`
`