Chapter Twenty-Three
Rochester, New York
Summaries of Recently Released Decisions to Be Included In the Next Issue of the Digest (uncorrected)
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW/EDUCATION-SCHOOL LAW
Principal's Failure to Follow the Performance-Rating Procedures Required by the School District and Collective Bargaining Agreement Deprived a School Social Worker of a Fair Review Process---Unsatisfatory Rating (U-Rating) Annulled
The First Department determined the principal's failure to comply with the relevant performance-rating procedures deprived petitioner, a school social worker, of a fair review process. Petitioner's unsatisfactory rating (U-rating) was annulled:
Petitioner establishes that in evaluating her performance, respondents did not adhere to their procedures or those provided in the parties' collective bargaining agreement. Special Circular No. 45, a memorandum issued by respondents in response to the mandate set forth in the Commissioner of Education Regulations (8 NYCRR) § 100.2(o), outlines the procedures for rating professional personnel, as does the related manual produced by the New York City Public Schools, entitled Rating Pedagogical Staff Members. Specifically, as a pedagogical employee, petitioner was to be given at least one full period of review during the school year by her principal, followed by a meeting with the principal to discuss her strengths and any areas in need of improvement. Additionally, as a social worker employed at a school, she should have been evaluated by the school principal in consultation with the in-discipline supervisor, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. * * *
...[T]he complete absence of constructive criticism and warnings during the entire school year, compounded by the lack of a formal observation and accompanying feedback during the school year, "undermined the integrity and fairness of the process" ... . Accordingly, the judgment should be reversed, and the petition granted to the extent of annulling the U-rating. Matter of Murray v Board of Educ. of the City School Dist. of the City of N.Y., 2015 NY Slip Op 06866, 1st Dept 9-22-15
CIVIL PROCEDURE
Plaintiff Is a Retired Judge---Change of Venue Appropriate to Avoid Appearance of Impropriety
The Second Department determined defendants' motion to change venue in a wrongful death action should have been granted. Plaintiff is a retired Supreme Court justice in the county where the action was brought. Change of venue was appropriate to avoid the appearance of impropriety:
A court, upon motion, may change the place of trial of an action where there is reason to believe that an impartial trial cannot be had in the proper county (see CPLR 510[2]). Generally, a motion for a change of venue is committed to the sound discretion of the trial court ..., and the resolution of such an application will not be disturbed absent an improvident exercise of that discretion ... .
To succeed on a motion to change venue pursuant to CPLR 510(2), the movant is required to produce admissible factual evidence demonstrating a strong possibility that an impartial trial cannot be obtained in the county where venue was properly placed ... .
Under the circumstances of this case, the Supreme Court improvidently denied the defendants' motion to change venue. Although he is now retired, the plaintiff's tenure as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, supports a change of venue of the action from Queens County to Nassau County to "protect[ ] the court from even a possible appearance of impropriety" ... . Lisa v Parikh, 2015 NY Slip Op 06897, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
CIVIL PROCEDURE/FORECLOSURE/REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS LAW
Loan Secured by Shares in a Cooperative Apartment Was Not a "Home Loan" Subject to the Pre-Foreclosure Settlement Conference Required by CPLR 3408
The Second Department determined defendant was not entitled to a pre-foreclosure settlement conference under CPLR 3408. The underlying loan was secured by shares in the cooperative apartment where defendant resided. Such a loan was not a "home loan" within the meaning of Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) 1304, and therefore was not subject to the mandatory settlement conference under the CPLR:
CPLR 3408 requires, in relevant part, that a court hold a mandatory settlement conference in "any residential foreclosure action involving a home loan as such term is defined in section thirteen hundred four of the real property actions and proceeding law" (CPLR 3408[a]). RPAPL 1304 does not include, in its definition of "home loan," a loan secured by shares of stock and a proprietary lease from a corporation formed for the purpose of cooperative ownership in real estate (RPAPL 1304[5][a][iii]; cf. Banking Law §§ 6-l[1][e][iv]; 6-m[1][d][iv]). Accordingly, because the subject loan is not a home loan within the meaning of RPAPL 1304, the plaintiff is not entitled to a mandatory settlement conference pursuant to CPLR 3408. DaCosta-Harris v Aurora Bank, FSB, 2015 NY Slip Op 06879, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
CIVIL PROCEDURE/ATTORNEYS
Defense Counsel's Conduct Did Not Warrant Setting Aside the Verdict
The Second Department determined Supreme Court abused its discretion when it set aside the verdict in a personal injury trial based upon the conduct of the defense attorney:
The plaintiffs moved to set aside the verdict pursuant to CPLR 4404(a): (1) in the interest of justice, contending that defense counsel's improper and inflammatory remarks during summation deprived them of a fair trial; and (2) contending that the verdict as to damages was contrary to the weight of the evidence. The Supreme Court granted the motion on the first ground, and the defendants appeal.
Under CPLR 4404(a), a trial court has the discretion to order a new trial "in the interest of justice" (CPLR 4404[a]...). In considering whether to exercise its discretionary power to order a new trial based on errors at trial, the court "must decide whether substantial justice has been done, whether it is likely that the verdict has been affected . . . and must look to [its] own common sense, experience and sense of fairness rather than to precedents in arriving at a decision' ... . On appeal, however, this Court is invested with the power to decide whether the trial court providently exercised its discretion ... .
Here, we conclude that the Supreme Court improvidently exercised its discretion in ordering a new trial. The plaintiffs' claims regarding defense counsel's conduct center on remarks made by defense counsel during her summation, although they also challenge her cross-examination of certain witnesses. Some of the challenged conduct was certainly improper, and we do not condone it ... . Nonetheless, viewing defense counsel's conduct in the context of the entire trial, we conclude that it was not pervasive or prejudicial, or so inflammatory as to deprive the plaintiffs of a fair trial ... . Lariviere v New York City Tr. Auth., 2015 NY Slip Op 06894, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
CONTRACT LAW/CIVIL PROCEDURE
Forum Selection Clause in a "Release of Liability" Form Is Enforceable
The Second Department determined the forum selection clause in an "Equipment Rental Form and Release of Liability" signed by plaintiff prior to taking snowboarding lessons at defendant ski resort was enforceable. Plaintiff alleged injury caused by improper instruction and argued the form was an invalid contract of adhesion:
Contrary to the plaintiff's contentions, the "Equipment Rental Form and Release of Liability" was not an unenforceable contract of adhesion, and enforcement of the forum selection clause contained therein does not contravene public policy ... . Karlsberg v Hunter Mtn. Ski Bowl, Inc., 2015 NY Slip Op 06890, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
CRIMINAL LAW/EVIDENCE
Under the Facts, the Prosecutor Was Not Obligated to Present Exculpatory Evidence to the Grand Jury---Defendant Did Not Exercise His Right to Testify Before the Grand Jury
The First Department determined defendant's motion to set aside the verdict on the ground the prosecutor did not charge the grand jury on the justification defense was properly denied. The indictment alleged the defendant attacked the victim, Valdez, with a machete. At trial, the defendant testified that Valdez attacked him with a baton and he used a knife in self-defense. It was revealed at trial that Valdez did in fact have a baton at the time of incident, that Valdez had not told the police about the baton, and that, months later, he told the prosecutor about the baton before the matter was presented to the grand jury. The defendant chose not to testify before the grand jury. No mention of the baton, or that the defendant made a statement claiming he acted in self-defense, was made in the grand jury proceedings and the grand jury was not instructed on the justification defense. The First Department held that the prosecutor's failure, in the grand jury proceedings, to present evidence the victim had a baton, or that defendant stated he acted in self-defense, did not amount to misconduct justifying the dismissal of the indictment. The court emphasized the defendant's failure to exercise his right to testify before the grand jury to present exculpatory evidence, and explained the nature of the prosecutor's duty to present exculpatory evidence to the grand jury:
It is axiomatic that a prosecutor, in presenting evidence and potential charges to a grand jury, is " charged with the duty not only to secure indictments but also to see that justice is done'" ... . The role of the grand jury is not only to investigate criminal activity to see whether criminal charges are warranted but also to protect individuals from needless and unfounded charges ... . For that reason, justification, as an exculpatory defense that if accepted eliminates any grounds for prosecution, should be presented to the grand jury when warranted by the evidence ... . However, a prosecutor, in presenting a case to a grand jury, is "not obligated to search for evidence favorable to the defense or to present all evidence in [the People's] possession that is favorable to the accused . . . In the ordinary case, it is the defendant who, through the exercise of his own right to testify . . . , brings exculpatory evidence to the attention of the Grand Jury" ... . Thus, a prosecutor is not obligated to present to the grand jury a defendant's exculpatory statement made to the police upon arrest ... . Where, however, a prosecutor introduces a defendant's inculpatory statement to the grand jury, he is obligated to introduce an exculpatory statement given during the course of the same interrogation which amplifies the inculpatory statement if it supports a justification defense ... . * * *
Assuming arguendo that, as claimed by defendant and denied by the People, the ADA did know about the ... baton at the time of the grand jury proceedings, dismissal of the indictment based on the failure to charge the grand jury on justification still would not be warranted. "[A] Grand Jury proceeding is not a mini trial . . . The prosecutor . . . need not disclose certain forms of exculpatory evidence . . . [Nor is] the prosecutor . . . obligated to present the evidence or make statements to the grand jurors in the manner most favorable to the defense" ... . As previously noted, a prosecutor is "not obligated to search for evidence favorable to the defense or to present all evidence in [the People's] possession that is favorable to the accused . . . In the ordinary case, it is the defendant who, through the exercise of his own right to testify . . . , brings exculpatory evidence to the attention of the Grand Jury"... . People v Morel, 2015 NY Slip Op 06865, 1st Dept 9-22-15
EMPLOYMENT LAW/HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
Unlike a "State Human Rights Law" Cause of Action, a "New York City Human Rights Law" Cause of Action Is Supported If Racial Bias Played "Any Role" (As Opposed to a "Motivating and Substantial Role") In the Discriminatory Action
The plaintiff alleged he was terminated from employment due to racial bias and sued under the Executive Law (New York State Human Rights Law) and under New York City Human Rights Law. Plaintiff acknowledged that he was sleeping on the job, a legitimate reason for termination. Plaintiff's New York State Human Rights Law cause of action was dismissed because plaintiff could not show that racial bias played a "motivating or substantial role" in the termination. But, because the criteria for a cause of action under the New York City Human Rights Law are broader, the New York City Human Rights Law cause of action survived summary judgment. Under the New York City Human Rights Law, if termination was motivated "in part" by racial bias, even though there was a legitimate reason for termination, the termination is actionable:
The Court of Appeals has recognized that the New York City Human Rights Law must be construed "broadly in favor of discrimination plaintiffs, to the extent that such a construction is reasonably possible" ... . Thus, the New York City Human Rights Law is to be more broadly interpreted than similarly worded federal or State antidiscrimination provisions ... . The Appellate Division, First Department, has interpreted the New York City Human Rights Law as requiring that unlawful discrimination play " no role'" in an employment decision ... . Our Court has expressed general agreement with the First Department's interpretation of the New York City Human Rights Law ... . Thus, under the broadly worded and broadly interpreted New York City Human Rights Law, if the supervisor's decision to report the plaintiff was motivated by racial or ethnic animus, even in part, the defendant may be held liable.
The evidence undisputedly established that the plaintiff's employment was terminated by the defendant because the plaintiff was found to be asleep while on duty, in violation of its rules. Additionally, there was evidence that the defendant had a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violations of that rule. Further, it is also not disputed that the defendant's no-tolerance policy regarding the termination of the employment of employees found sleeping while on duty is a legitimate policy. Nevertheless, the plaintiff presented evidence that his supervisor reported him to the defendant's management in part out of racial animus, and did not report other, non-Indian employees who were found sleeping while on duty. Thus, the plaintiff raised a triable issue of fact as to whether his supervisor's unlawful discrimination, which is to be imputed to the defendant, played a role in the termination of the plaintiff's employment. Accordingly, the Supreme Court erred in granting that branch of the defendant's motion which was for summary judgment dismissing the cause of action alleging a violation of the New York City Human Rights Law ... . Singh v Covenant Aviation Sec., LLC, 2015 NY Slip Op 06911, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
PRIMA FACIE TORT/TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACT
Rare Example of Sufficiently Pled Cause of Action for Prima Facie Tort---Elements of Tortious Interference with a Contract Outlined
The Second Department determined plaintiff had stated a cause of action for prima facie tort and tortious interference with a contract. The complaint alleged the defendant set up websites and organized public protests accusing plaintiff of child abuse and had communicated with plaintiff's employer, causing plaintiff to be terminated without cause. The decision is noteworthy because it demonstrates the extreme nature of allegations deemed sufficient to support a prima facie tort cause of action. With respect to the tortious interference with contract cause of action, the court explained:
The elements of tortious interference with a contract are: "(1) the existence of a contract between plaintiff and a third party; (2) defendant's knowledge of the contract; (3) defendant's intentional inducement of the third party to breach or otherwise render performance impossible; and (4) damages to plaintiff" ... . The amended complaint sufficiently sets forth a cause of action based on tortious interference with a contract, alleging, in pertinent part, that [defendant's] intentional interference with the subject employment contract rendered performance impossible. Hersh v Cohen, 2015 NY Slip Op 06888, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
LANDLORD-TENANT/MUNICIPAL LAW
Question of Fact Whether Former Tenants Entitled to Pass Apartment to Their Son Under the Rent Stabilization Law
The First Department determined there was a question of fact whether former tenants had stopped using their apartment as a primary residence, or whether they had permanently vacated the apartment. Under the terms of an agreement (Settlement Agreement), if the former tenants had permanently vacated the apartment, they were entitled to pass the apartment to their son, who had been living there most of his life. If, on the other hand, the former tenants merely stopped using the apartment as their primary residence, they could not pass the apartment to their son. The former tenants had moved to Uganda, where they had a home. They returned to New York every year to visit and used the apartment during the visits:
Although the parents no longer have rights to the apartment, there are still disputed issues of fact regarding whether at the time the parents moved to Uganda, they permanently vacated the apartment or continued to use the apartment as nonprimary residents. This issue and disputed facts directly affect the son's right (if any) to a successor tenancy. If the parents permanently vacated, then the son would have rights as a successor. If, however, the parents continued to use the apartment as non-primary residents, the son's claim would fail This issue precludes the grant of summary judgment to either side on the issue of whether the son has successor rights. Waterside Plaza Ground Lessee, LLC v Rwambuya, 2015 NY Slip Op 06867, 1st Dept 9-22-15
MUNICIPAL LAW/EMPLOYMENT LAW
Town Has Duty to Defend Former Town Clerk Accused of Sexual Harassment Within the Scope of Employment
The Second Department determined the Town Law required the town to pay for the defense of the former town clerk accused of sexual harassment within the scope of his employment:
The duty to defend is broader than the duty to indemnify ..., and it is triggered if the civil complaint includes allegations that the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the alleged wrongdoing ... . Here, the underlying federal complaint specifically alleges, among other things, that the petitioner committed sexual harassment while acting in the scope of his employment as the Town Clerk, the Town facilitated a hostile work environment, and the Town failed to prevent workplace harassment. Contrary to the Town's contention, the Supreme Court correctly determined that the allegations in the federal complaint were sufficient to trigger the Town's broad duty to defend the petitioner ... . Matter of Bonilla v Town of Hempstead, 2015 NY Slip Op 06916, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
MUNICIPAL LAW
Trustees Were Not Required by Town Law to Turn Over to the Town Board Trust Revenues Generated by Water Management in the Town of Southampton
In a detailed decision which traces the history of a trust and statutes governing town finances in the Town of Southampton from pre-colonial times to the present, the Second Department determined that the "Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonality of the Town of Southampton" (Trustees) were not obligated by Town Law to turn over trust revenues from water management to the Town Board:
For nearly 400 years, the Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of Southampton (hereinafter the Trustees or the Trust) have had the right, derived from royal land grants and patents, to control and manage the waters of the town. In the present day, the Trustees raise revenue from issuing licenses for activities including commercial fishing, charging permit fees for seasonal boat docking, dock and bulkhead construction, and dredging, and selling sand excavated from Mecox Bay. The Trustees deposit their revenues into several bank accounts, which, at the time this action was commenced, had an aggregate balance of close to $1 million. On this appeal, we are called upon to determine whether Town Law § 64(1) requires the Trustees to turn over control of their revenues to the Town Board of the Town of Southampton (hereinafter the Town Board) and whether the expenditure of such revenues must therefore comply with the same statutes which govern town finances and expenditures. We conclude that Town Law § 64(1) does not require the Trustees to turn over control of their revenues to the Town Board, and that the statutes governing town finances and expenditures relied upon by the plaintiffs are inapplicable to the Trust. Gessin v Throne-Holst, 2015 NY Slip Op 06885, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
NEGLIGENCE/MEDICAL MALPRACTICE/CIVIL PROCEDURE
Relation Back Doctrine Did Not Apply to Causes of Action in Amended Complaint---Amendment Should Not Have Been Allowed
The Second Department determined Supreme Court should not have allowed the amendment of a medical malpractice complaint to add causes of action for negligent hiring and supervision. The negligent hiring and supervision allegations were time barred and were different from the medical malpractice allegations such that the relation back doctrine did not apply:
Pursuant to CPLR 203(f), claims asserted in an amended complaint are "deemed to have been interposed at the time the claims in the original pleading were interposed, unless the original pleading does not give notice of the transactions, occurrences, or series of transactions or occurrences, to be proved pursuant to the amended pleading" (CPLR 203[f]). Thus, when the nature of a newly asserted cause of action is distinct from the causes of action asserted in the original complaint, and requires different factual allegations as to the underlying conduct than were contained in the original complaint, the new claims will not "relate back" in time to the interposition of the causes of action in the original complaint ... . Here, the Supreme Court erred in determining that the allegations in the original complaint in support of the causes of action alleging medical malpractice and lack of informed consent gave [defendant] notice of the "transactions, occurrences, or series of transactions or occurrences, to be proved" with respect to the claims of negligent hiring and supervision ... . The causes of action alleging medical malpractice and lack of informed consent are distinct not only as to the conduct alleged, but also as to the dates on which the conduct occurred and who engaged in it ... . The mere reference to "negligence" in the original complaint did not give [defendant] notice of the transactions, occurrences, or series of transactions or occurrences, to be proved with respect to the proposed causes of action alleging negligent hiring and negligent supervision. Thus, those proposed causes of action could not be deemed to relate back to the interposition of the causes of action in the original complaint ... . Calamari v Panos, 2015 NY Slip Op 06875, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
NEGLIGENCE/MUNICIPAL LAW/EMPLOYMENT LAW
Question of Fact Whether City Liable for Shooting by an Off-Duty Police Officer Under Negligent Hiring, Retention and Supervision Theory---Akin to Negligently Entrusting a Dangerous Instrumentality (Weapon) to Another
The First Department, in a full-fledged opinion by Justice Renwick, determined plaintiff had raised a question of fact whether the city was liable for the death of the police officer's girlfriend (plaintiff's decedent) under a negligent hiring/retention/supervision theory. The shooting occurred when the officer, Maselli, was off duty in his home. Plaintiff alleged the city had notice of Maselli's violent propensities:
In this case, the alleged duty owed to plaintiff stems from New York's long recognized tort of negligent hiring and retention ... . This tort applies equally to municipalities and private employers ... . This theory of employer liability should be distinguished from the established legal doctrine of "respondeat superior," where an employer is held liable for the wrongs or negligence of an employee acting within the scope of the employee's duties or in furtherance of the employer's interests ... . In contrast, under the theory of negligent hiring and retention, an employer may be liable for the acts of an employee acting outside the scope of his or her employment ... .
Thus, in this case, plaintiffs' negligence claims do not depend on whether Maselli acted within the scope of his employment or whether the City participated in, authorized, or ratified Maselli's tortious conduct. Rather, the alleged breach of duty stems from the claim that during Maselli's employment with the City, the City became aware or should have become aware of problems with Maselli that indicated he was unfit (i.e. possessed violent propensities), that the City failed to take further action such as an investigation, discharge, or reassignment, and that plaintiff's damages were caused by the City's negligent retention, or supervision of Maselli.
The negligent retention or supervision of a police officer, which results in the employee having possession of a dangerous instrumentality, is similar to if not indistinguishable from the tort of entrusting a dangerous instrumentality to another. The duty analysis should be the same. "One who supplies directly or through a third person a chattel for the use of another whom the supplier knows or has reason to know to be likely because of his youth, inexperience, or otherwise, to use it in a manner involving unreasonable risk of physical harm to himself and others whom the supplier should expect to share in or be endangered by its use, is subject to liability for physical harm resulting to them" ... . The duty not to entrust a gun to a dangerous or incompetent police officer thus extends to any person injured as a result of the negligent entrustment. Gonzalez v City of the New York, 2015 NY Slip Op 06869, 1st Dept 9-22-15
NEGLIGENCE
Slip and Fall on a Sloped, Grassy Area Not Actionable
The Second Department determined summary judgment was properly granted to the defendant in a slip and fall case. The plaintiff alleged she slipped and fell on a sloped, grassy area on defendant's property. The court held that the condition was "open and obvious and not inherently dangerous." Correnti v Chinchilla, 2015 NY Slip Op 06878, 2nd Dept 9--23-15
REAL PROPERTY
Requirements of Adverse Possession by "Tacking" Explained (Not Met Here)
In affirming the grant of defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint claiming adverse possession of a strip of land, the Second Department explained the requirements for adverse possession by "tacking" the possession of prior owners:
A party claiming adverse possession may establish possession for the statutory period by "tacking" the time that the party possessed the property onto the time that the party's predecessor adversely possessed the property ... . Tacking is permitted where there is an "unbroken chain of privity between the adverse possessors" ... . For tacking to apply, a party must show that the party's predecessor "intended to and actually turned over possession of the undescribed part with the portion of the land included in the deed" ... . In order to succeed on a claim of adverse possession, a party must provide clear and convincing evidence that the possession was "hostile and under a claim of right"; (2) actual; (3) open and notorious; (4) exclusive; and (5) "continuous for the statutory period of 10 years" ... . The party must also show that the disputed property was "usually cultivated or improved" or "protected by a substantial inclosure" (RPAPL former § 522 ...). Munroe v Cheyenne Realty, LLC, 2015 NY Slip Op 06902, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
REAL PROPERTY
Deed-Escrow Conditions Never Satisfied---Transfer Never Took Place
The Second Department explained that property is not transferred until the escrow conditions (re: a deed held in escrow) are satisfied:
"When a deed is delivered to be held in escrow, the actual transfer of the property does not occur until the condition of the escrow is satisfied and the deed is subsequently delivered to the grantee by the escrow agent" ... . Here, in support of their motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint, the defendants established their prima facie entitlement to judgment as a matter of law ... by submitting, inter alia, an escrow agreement ... entered into by the plaintiff and the defendant ... . Pursuant to the agreement, an escrow agent was required to hold the deed to the subject property until the plaintiff paid certain sums due on a purchase money mortgage. The evidence proffered by the defendants established, prima facie, that the plaintiff failed to satisfy the aforementioned condition of the escrow agreement and, thus, actual transfer of the subject property to the plaintiff never took place. Xui v Iron City Properties, Inc., 2015 NY Slip Op 06898, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
ASSOCIATIONS/CIVIL PROCEDURE/EMPLOYMENT LAW
The Martin Rule, Which Prohibits Actions Against Unincorporated Associations Unless the Actions Complained of Were Authorized or Ratified, Does Not Prohibit Actions Against Individual Association Members
The Second Department, over a dissent, determined that, although the Martin rule prohibited the "defamation/tortious interference with business relations" actions against the union, the actions against individual union members were not prohibited. The Martin rule bars suit against unincorporated voluntary membership associations (here the union) unless the actions complained of were authorized or ratified by the union. But the Martin rule does not bar suit against union members in their individual capacities:
... [T]he Martin rule (see Martin v Curran, 303 NY 276...) ... bars all actions against an unincorporated voluntary membership association, and bars claims against the officers of such an association in their representative capacities where there is no allegation that the members of the association authorized or ratified the wrongful conduct complained of.
However, neither the Martin rule nor any other authority precludes causes of action from being asserted against individual members of the union defendants in their individual capacities ... . In Martin, only the claims asserted against union members in their representative capacities as officers of the union were dismissed. Notably, the Court of Appeals specifically allowed the libel claims in that action to proceed against the same defendant union members, in their individual capacities ... . Cablevision Sys. Corp. v Communications Workers of Am. Dist. 1, 2015 NY Slip Op 06873, 2nd Dept 9-23-15
ZONING/MUNICIPAL LAW/REAL PROPERTY LAW
A Town's Zoning Powers Include the Creation of a Zoning District for Senior Citizens---Residents of a Retirement Community Had the Power to Enforce the Zoning Ordinance Limiting the Use of the Community Portion of a Building to Community Residents---Agreement to Pay Social Membership Fees Re: a Community Golf Course Constituted a Covenant Which Ran with the Land
The Second Department, in a detailed decision dealing with many issues, resolved a dispute concerning the use of the community portion of a building within a retirement community, which included a golf course. The plaintiffs (residents) alleged the community portion of the building was to be used solely by the community residents and should not be used for special events involving non-residents. The Second Department determined (1) the plaintiffs had the power to enforce the zoning ordinance requiring that the community portion of the building be for the exclusive use of the retirement-community (over 55) residents, (2) the residents were benefitted by easements over the common areas held by the defendants and therefore were obligated to share in the cost of maintenance of those areas, and (3) the requirement that the residents pay social membership fees (re: the golf course) was a covenant which ran with the land, binding subsequent purchasers. The Second Department specifically held that zoning ordinances may properly create a zoning district for senior citizens:
... Town Law § 268(2) permits the individual plaintiffs to enforce the Town Code § 198-21.2(F)(1)(b) to the extent it gives them exclusive use of the community building portion of the combined building. The defendants contend, however, that even if the individual plaintiffs may use Town Law § 268(2) to seek enforcement of this portion of Town Code § 198-21.2(F)(1)(b), it, in fact, may not be enforced because the Town lacked the authority to regulate who owns or occupies land ... . A town does not act in excess of its authority when it creates a zoning district for senior citizens ..., or when it limits the occupancy of dwelling units within a planned retirement community to persons aged 55 or over ... . Since these are valid exercises of a town's zoning power, it must follow that a town may also limit the use of a recreational facility within a senior residential community to those seniors living there. * * *
The defendants were given an easement over the common areas and common elements, including roadways, walkways, and landscaped areas, for ingress, egress, and the retrieval of golf balls. ... Generally, absent an express agreement, all persons benefitted by an easement must share ratably in the cost of its maintenance and repair ... . * * *
...[T]the defendants established that the covenant to pay social membership fees runs with the land, as the record demonstrates that the "grantor and grantee intended that the covenant should run with the land," "the covenant is one touching or concerning the land with which it runs," and "there is privity of estate between the . . . party claiming the benefit of the covenant and the right to enforce it, and the . . . party who rests under the burden of the covenant" ... . Greens at Half Hollow Home Owners Assn., Inc. v Greens Golf Club, LLC, 2015 NY Slip Op 06887, 2nd Dept 9-23-15