Woods Lonergan Managing Partner James F. Woods, Quoted in the New York Times Article, When Construction Debris Becomes a Nuisance: Rights and Remedies for Co-op Shareholders

When Construction Debris Becomes a Nuisance: Rights and Remedies for Co-op Shareholders

August 31, 2024 – Media Mention in The New York Times

Woods Lonergan’s managing partner, James F. Woods, was quoted in The New York Times “Ask Real Estate” column discussing the rights of co-op shareholders when faced with prolonged construction debris issues.

The article, written by reporter Jill Terreri Ramos addressed a situation where a Queens co-op had been storing construction garbage for an extended period, attracting rats and creating a public health hazard. Woods emphasized that maintaining clean and safe common areas is the responsibility of the cooperative board of directors.

“Clearly this falls on the board of directors,” said James F. Woods. “It’s their responsibility to keep the common areas, the public areas, safe and clean.”

Woods advised that city codes govern the removal of construction debris and require tenant protection plans for construction sites where tenants are present. He suggested that affected shareholders should write to the board, citing relevant bylaws and demanding prompt removal of the trash.

As a last resort, Woods noted that shareholders could file a complaint through 311, though this action might strain relations with the board and neighbors.

Read the full article in The New York Times here. Access may require a subscription.

About Woods Lonergan PLLC:

For over 30 years, Woods Lonergan has been a leader in providing legal guidance and dispute resolution services throughout New York. We focus on Real Estate and Construction law, Cooperative and Condominium Board Governance, and complex commercial and property owner disputes. Our deep knowledge of New York’s property laws and corporate regulations allows us to deliver robust, cost-effective solutions.

We serve clients throughout the New York metropolitan area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties. Woods Lonergan is your trusted partner in navigating real estate disputes and corporate governance challenges.

About the Author

James F. Woods is Founder and Managing Partner of Woods Lonergan. He has tried more than 60 jury cases to verdict as first-chair trial counsel, beginning his career as a prosecutor, and resolves complex commercial and real estate disputes valued at $1M to $100M+ for business owners, principals, and middle-market enterprises across the New York metro area. He appears regularly in the New York Commercial Division and in the federal district courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and has argued appeals in the Appellate Division and the Second Circuit.

His practice covers complex commercial litigation, real estate and asset litigation, partnership and shareholder disputes, fiduciary breach and corporate fraud, and cooperative and condominium governance. He counsels corporate and cooperative boards throughout New York.

The Legal 500 United States ranks James in its New York Elite rankings for Commercial Disputes, and his peers have recognized him with Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating. Woods Lonergan is ranked in Chambers USA: Spotlight New York for Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate. James serves on the Commercial & Business Litigation Committee and the Business Torts & Unfair Competition Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation, and on the Cooperative & Condominium Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. His commentary on New York commercial and real estate disputes has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bloomberg Law, Law360, and Forbes.

View Full Article