Tenants sue over museum construction

While local politicians and art enthusiasts alike have celebrated the construction of Museum for African Art, which is set to open April 11 at 1280 Fifth Avenue on the corner of 110th Street, the tenants next door are none to pleased about the ensuing ruckus, according to the Village Voice. The 19 residents living in 8-18 East 110th Street have filed a suit in Housing Court, claiming that the museum’s construction has caused a five-story crack to develop in their building’s wall. Residents also allege the the project caused the foundation of their building to literally shake, causing tenants to fear for their safety. But the complaintants might have an uphill battle in court — the $80 million museum has extensive political connections, with former city comptroller Bill Thompson’s wife Elsie on board as president of the museum and Mayor Michael Bloomberg funneling millions into the project. [Village Voice]

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