Owner of Dilapidated Landmarked Harlem Home Sued in Rare Move by City
(DNAINFO) James Fanelli — The city is suing the owner of a dilapidated landmarked rowhouse in order to hammer home a message — fix it.
In a rare move, the city Landmarks Preservation Commission filed a lawsuit earlier this month against Nina Justiniano to compel her to rehab her red-bricked home on historic Astor Row in Central Harlem.
The interior floors and walls of the 133-year-old three-story home have collapsed and most of the roof is missing after years of neglect.
The commission, which has only filed 13 lawsuits like this in the past 12 years, took the unusual step after repeatedly requesting the work since 2012. City law requires landmarked homes to remain in good repair.