Suit: co-op board president sabotaged $27.5M deal, after own offer was turned down

The penthouse's wrap-around terrace (credit: Brown Harris Stevens)
The penthouse's wrap-around terrace (credit: Brown Harris Stevens)

A  new lawsuit is alleging that a co-op board president sabotaged a $27.5 million penthouse deal, after her own offer was rejected by the owner.

Maureen Klinsky, 1107 Fifth Avenue‘s  board president, is being sued after she allegedly made co-op board approval contingent on the would-be buyer agreeing to open up the apartment’s private wrap-around terrace and roof — a major selling point — to the entire building.

The estate of Monique Uzielli, the Swiss art collector who lived in the penthouse apartment until she died last year, says the apartment’s lease clearly states that the terrace and roof are private. The suit says the 4,870-square-foot terrace and roof are larger than the 4,180-square-foot apartment and one of the largest private outdoor spaces in the city. According to the New York Post, Klinsky’s $21 million offer for the apartment directly above hers was rejected by Uzielli’s estate.

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“The timing is no mere coincidence,” court papers said, alleging Klinsky’s attempt to either purchase the apartment below market value or simply injure the estate. The lawsuit is asking for $5 million in damages and a court order affirming that the outdoor space is private.

Lawyers for the co-op board and the estate did not return the Post’s calls seeking comment. [NYP] Jane C. Timm