As previously reported, two tenants at 309 E. Eighth St. are suing their landlord, Steve Croman of 9300 Realty, claiming that he has has engaged in a "campaign of harassment, abuse and neglect" since taking over the property between Avenue B and Avenue C in December 2012.
Now five tenants have filed suit seeking a halt to construction at No. 309, as The Real Deal reported.
According to the suit, filed Aug. 7, the five tenants claim that the landlord has engaged in gut renovations of multiple vacant apartments at the building since 2013, causing the ceilings to collapse in several occupied apartments.
The renovations at the 17-unit building also caused a gas leak that resulted in a month-long gas suspension, according to lawyers for the tenants.
"I would say that this case is symptomatic of what is going on in the Lower East Side today," said attorney Sadia Rahman, who represents the five tenants. "Violations like the broken front door and broken cornices have been in place for years, but owners instead are investing considerable sums of money into vacant apartments so that they can be deregulated and rented at market value."
As the Daily News reported on July 26, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has launched a probe into Croman's potentially illegal tactics. On July 25, the Daily News reported that Schneiderman slapped a cease-and-desist order on Falconite, who "tenants say has engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation to force them out."
Meanwhile, Croman and his wife Harriet, an official with 9300 Realty, have been enjoying another August in the Hamptons. On Tuesday, Page Six reported that the Cromans "created a Playboy-themed bash ... complete with a replica of Hugh Hefner’s famed grotto in the center of a tent. Completing the theme, pale pink carpeting surrounded a dance floor."
In her Gimme Shelter column at the Post yesterday, Jennifer Gould Keil noted that the Cromans paid $650,000 this month to rent a Water Mill home "while their own beach mansion, in Sagaponack, is being built."
As for the Playboy bash, "some of Croman's guests told Gimme Shelter they wondered what the couple is celebrating."
Man, this shit is writng itself now.
ReplyDeleteBetween this post, and the one on Shakespeare&Co having their rent tripled, gotta say it.....
CAPITALIST PIGS!!!
STEVE & HARRIET CROMANS ARE A CANCER IN THIS CITY
ReplyDeleteIs that's what the Cromans do with their money ??? - renting a house inthe Hamptons for $650,000.00 for only one month? A Hideous Playboy themed bash with a replica of Hugh Hefner's grotto in the center surrounded by pink carpeting- How tacky can any one be ? People like that don't deserve money. Well, party-up Mr.& Mrs.Croman because your Karma's about to come to you.
ReplyDeleteDinally the truth is out. Thank you EV Grieve
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if the Cromans paid their city fines which now run in the millions of dollars. Perhaps that would be incentive for them to keep their buildings clean and well maintained for a change!
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you EV Grieve !
ReplyDeleteThey are my landlords and they are criminals in my mind. Karma is a bitch, and it's going to bite them big time very soon !
ReplyDelete