Opposing Variances at 515 East 5th Street

On September 16, I submitted testimony to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) opposing landlord Ben Shaoul’s request for variances to the requirements of New York State’s Multiple Dwelling Law at 515 East 5th Street. I noted that Mr. Shaoul’s financial hardship claim, which is completely of his own making, rings hollow since for eight years he has been receiving market rate rents on units in the building’s illegally constructed sixth and seventh floor additions. I further noted Mr. Shaoul’s pattern of flouting Department of Buildings’ rules, and the multiple occupancy and building code violations levied on the property, put tenants at risk. Please see my testimony below.