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DOB might nix renovation permits for Samy Mahfar building
Tenant coalition claims living conditions are deplorable at LES building undergoing conversion
A coalition of tenants has stepped up its battle with controversial developer Samy Mahfar — and has reportedly convinced the Department of Buildings to audit two work permits currently in place at one of his properties.
Residents hosted a press conference last week, complaining about alleged deplorable conditions at 102 Norfolk Street as well as another Mahfar building on the Lower East Side, 210 Rivington Street, according to Bowery Boogie. Both buildings are undergoing luxury conversions.
One permit application for 102 Norfolk — to repair existing hallways — was allegedly “fraudulently completed,” the website reported. The DOB is also investigating another permit for the building, this one to renovate eleven apartments. A tenant protection plan was purportedly not included in the application. Such a plan is intended to shield residents from asbestos and lead abatement.
In 2013, Mahfar faced a lawsuit from his tenants, alleging that he was trying to force residents out by having them live in bad conditions.
The DOB issued Mahfar an “intent to revoke” notice. If the problems persist past two weeks, the developer will have to halt the renovations on the building. [Bowery Boogie] — Claire Moses