State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is investigating allegedly illegal tactics used by Manhattan landlord Steven Croman to force out rent stabilized tenants.
Croman owns 100 mostly residential buildings across Manhattan, and has become somewhat of a noted philanthropist, raising money for institutions like the 92nd Street Y, according to the New York Daily News.
But this week Schneiderman slapped a “cease and desist” order on one of Croman’s ex-cop employees, Anthony Falconite. Tenants say Falconite is using harassment and intimidation techniques to try and drive them out of their homes.
Meanwhile, tenants say that Croman regularly files frivolous lawsuits against residents and refuses to make repairs. In one recent July 4th incident, the heat was turned to max in a rent stabilized apartment causing steam to pour out of the apartment and damaging the resident’s personal belongings.
“While we cannot comment on potential or ongoing investigations, the attorney general is committed to ensuring that no one — no matter how rich or well connected — is above the law,” Schneiderman’s spokeswoman, Melissa Grace said. “We are prepared to take action against landlords who use illegal tactics to force rent-regulated tenants out of their homes to raise rents.” [NYDN] – Christopher Cameron