Loft Board Announces New Legalization Initiative at February Meeting

According to Director Lanny Alexander, there are now 286 buildings in the Loft Board's jurisdiction that do not yet have residential Certificates of Occupancy. The Loft Board will be asking each of these 286 owners to come to a meeting to discuss their legalization plans and progress. Owners who are not taking "necessary and reasonable" steps toward legalization will have proceedings seeking the imposition of penalties brought against them.

Now is the time to prepare for this meeting. If you demonstrate that you have been diligent, and are proceeding in good faith, the chances are that a proceeding for civil penalties will not be brought against you. You need help preparing for the meeting, and you also need representation at the meeting. Do no hesitate to call me (646-861-5757). My web site is www.landlordtenantlaw.net.

Although the Loft Law does not expire until May 31, 2010, the Loft Board and the New York City Corporation Counsel are already having discussions about what should be included in the renewal statute. There's talk of drastically increasing fines for owners who are not taking steps to legalize their buildings. That's another reason why it's so important to get your residential Certificate of Occupancy by the May 31, 2010 deadline. In order to meet that deadline, you must start now.

So, now is the time to legalize your IMD building. I have heard so many owners complain about how their architects are "dragging their feet." I recommend architect Steven Kratchman (212-944-9204). He delivers quickly and performs quality work. His web site is www.kratchmanarchitect.com.