We’re proud to share a significant legal victory in a case involving serious construction and design defects at a Harlem condominium development.
L&M Development Partners—a prominent builder of affordable condominiums in minority communities—marketed the property as a luxury conversion project. However, after closing, the residents discovered a host of issues that compromised both the safety and integrity of the building. These included cracked masonry, deteriorating terracotta, unventilated mechanical rooms, interior leaks, skylight failures, and other defects that deviated significantly from the representations made in the Offering Plan and related documents.
On March 20, 2025, the New York County Supreme Court (Commercial Division) issued a decision finding that L&M breached its contractual obligations. The Court granted summary judgment on liability, holding L&M and its affiliates responsible for delivering a building that failed to comply with the Offering Plan, applicable laws, and agreed-upon specifications. The matter will now proceed to trial to determine the extent of damages.
Joshua S. Bauchner, Partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC represents the plaintiffs in this matter.
This result marks a critical step forward in securing justice for homeowners—many of whom are first-time buyers—and sends a clear message to developers that they will be held accountable when they cut corners or misrepresent their product.
We look forward to continuing the fight as the case moves into the damages phase of trial.
Read the decision here.