Maspeth man sues state over lost property funds

Sass Sheena, a Queens businessman, has filed a lawsuit against the state for money it allegedly owes him after it took control of a 43rd Street lot and commercial building he owned in the borough via eminent domain last year, the New York Daily News reported.

The Department of Transport purchased the property for $2.8 million in 2011 to make way for the new Kosciuszko Bridge, the Daily News said, but red tape has held up the payment so far.

“At this point, I have no income,” Sheena said. “It’s just one big mess that I got into.”

Sheena filed the suit last month claiming that he’s due 9 percent interest on the payment, which the state is required to expedite in these circumstances.

“They’re making the landlord do [the state’s] job,” said Michael Rikon, Sheena’s attorney in the case. [NYDN]