DISTRICT OFFICE: CHAIR

101 LAFAYETTE ST., 103 AGING

NEW YORK, NY 10013
212-587-3159 COMMITTEES
FAX: (212) 587-3158 HOUSING AND BUILDINGS
THE COUNCIL OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
CITY HALL OFFICE: THE CITY OF NEW YORK RULES, PRIVILEGES, AND ELECTIONS
250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1882 STANDARDS AND ETHICS
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7259
MARGARET S. CHIN YOUTH SERVICES

COUNCIL MEMBER, 1 DISTRICT, MANHATTAN

ST

June 18, 2018

Laura Anglin
Deputy Mayor for Operations
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Dear Deputy Mayor Anglin,

I am writing today regarding my concerns about the lack of a clear timeline for the
return of displaced tenants of 85 Bowery. As I’m sure you are aware, the tenants of
85 Bowery have been grappling with the severe disruptions caused by the long-
term removal from their homes due to severe neglect of their building by their
landlord, Joseph Betesh. While a scheduled date for completion of kitchen,
bathroom and floor joist work has been communicated by the Mayor’s Community
Affairs Unit to tenants, a deadline for the completion of all remaining work is
unclear.

After five months of displacement, the lack of a clear deadline for all necessary
repairs to 85 Bowery is unacceptable. In order to provide the clarity that the
families of 85 Bowery deserve, I request that a firm deadline for the completion of
all work at the building be set.

In addition, I ask that your office ensure that the necessary after-hours variances,
inspections and other necessary actions are expeditiously approved in order to
advance the work schedule to allow for tenants to move back as soon as it is safely
possible.

Lastly, I request that the Administration make a commitment to proceed with the
process of granting either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy on an emergency basis to allow for tenants to move back into their
homes at the earliest opportunity.
While I understand the necessary measures that the City is taking to ensure that
tenants return to a building that is structurally secure and free of hazardous
materials, we must hold the landlord accountable by setting firm deadlines for the
completion of work.

I appreciate your prompt attention to these requests. If you have any questions or
concerns, do not hesitate to contact me directly at (212) 788-7259 or
mchin@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Margaret S. Chin
Council Member, District 1
New York City Council

Cc: Maria Torres-Springer, NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development

Rick Chandler, NYC Dept. of Buildings
Marco Carrion, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit