X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Respondent-appellant James Pettus appeals from final judgment of the Civil Court of the City of New York, Bronx County (Miriam M. Breier, J.), entered December 8, 2020, which, upon an order granting petitioner’s motion for summary judgment, awarded possession to petitioner in a holdover summary proceeding. PER CURIAM. Final judgment (Miriam M. Breier, J.), entered December 8, 2020, affirmed, without costs. Petitioner-landlord, a cooperative corporation, established a prima facie entitlement to summary judgment of possession under the business judgment rule. The evidentiary proof submitted established that the cooperative followed the requisite procedure set forth in Paragraph 31(f) of the proprietary lease in terminating the tenancy of respondent Charlene Thompson on the ground of objectionable conduct, namely, Thompson and her husband’s (Pettus) vexatious litigation against the cooperative and its members, as found by several courts, consisting of multiple frivolous and duplicative suits, which caused the cooperative considerable expense and resulted in the loss of insurance coverage (see generally 1050 Tenants Corp. v. Lapidus, 39 AD3d 379, 383 [2007], lv denied 9 NY3d 807 [2007]). The record shows that the cooperative board acted within the scope of its authority and in good faith to further its legitimate interests (see 40 W. 67th St. v. Pullman, 100 NY2d 147 [2003]). “[E]victing tenants who consciously and unabashedly…inflict thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal fees is in furtherance of the cooperative’s legitimate interests” (Lapidus, at 383). Civil Court’s comprehensive decision also correctly noted that “Thompson was provided with multiple opportunities to be heard, to defend and to abate the objectionable conduct. The Board listened to Thompson but found that after many chances given, the conduct continued unabated despite her promise to curb Pettus’ actions.” In opposition, respondents failed to raise any factual issue as to whether the cooperative board acted outside the scope of its authority, in a way that did not legitimately further its corporate purpose, or in bad faith, and that therefore its decision to terminate the tenancy was not protected by the business judgment rule (see Matter of Levandusky v. One Fifth Ave. Apt. Corp., 75 NY2d 530 537-538 [1990]; see also 40 W. 67th St. v. Pullman, 100 NY2d at 154-155; Chiagkouris v. 201 W. 16 Owners Corp., 160 AD3d 469, 470 [2018], lv denied 32 NY3d 911 [2018]). Appellant’s present arguments that his rights under the Federal and State Constitutions have been violated are either not properly before us on this appeal, unpreserved or without merit. THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT. Dated: June 25, 2021

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
July 11, 2024
New York, NY

The National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers recognizes U.S.-based law firms performing exemplary work on behalf of plaintiffs.


Learn More
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More

Skolnick Legal Group, P.C., a construction and commercial litigation firm with offices in New Jersey and New York is seeking a Litigation As...


Apply Now ›

Cullen and Dykman is seeking an associate attorney with a minimum of 5+ years in insurance coverage experience as well as risk transfer and ...


Apply Now ›

McCarter & English, LLP is actively seeking a midlevel insurance coverage associate for its Newark, NJ and/or Philadelphia, PA offices. ...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›