Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Achieves Large Financial Settlement Allowing 16-Unit Brooklyn Condominium to Repair Faulty Newly Constructed Building
Units were marketed as modern luxury condominium units in the heart of Williamsburg. Purchasers began closing on 15 of the 16 units in the two adjoining buildings beginning at the end of 2007. Shortly after closings began, unit owners began to realize that despite the fancy marketing, the building was rampant with construction defects.
Unlike many other condominium sponsors facing this situation, this sponsor did return phone calls and did agree to repair the work. However, the board quickly learned that all of the sponsor repairs were just as shoddy, no more than a band-aid on the original work. The sponsor was merely caulking and even using duct tape to keep the rain from pouring into the units. The sponsor was using these tactics to prevent the board and unit owners from realizing how bad the construction truly was – in order to delay any law suit beyond the statute of limitations. When the board became wise to sponsor’s tricks, the board turned to Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. for help.
The firm’s first order of business was to hire a team of engineers and architects to find out what was really wrong with the buildings and units. Unfortunately, there was a lot wrong – serious health and safety issues and leaks galore.
The firm contacted local politicians and submitted a complaint on behalf of the board to the New York State office of the attorney general.
Finally, after months of negotiation and mediation before the office of the attorney general, Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. reached a large all-cash settlement. No more band-aid repairs for this condominium. The board is now using the settlement proceeds to make the repairs in order to put the buildings and units in the condition promised in the offering plan and marketing materials.
Adam Leitman Bailey and John M. Desiderio were on the legal team at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. representing the board.