The owners of 334 Hudson St. are suing the City of Hoboken and their rent leveling and stabilization board for denying a hardship rental increase at the June 26th meeting of the governing body.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The lawsuit, filed in Hudson County Superior Court today, is just seven pages and only four of them contain background information and/or allegations against the rent leveling board.
“Pursuant to Section 155-14 of the RCO [Hoboken municipal code], in the ‘the event that a landlord cannot meet his operating expenses or does not make a fair return on his investment, he may appeal to the Rent Leveling and Stabilization Board for a hardship rental increase,'” the court filing says.
“Consistent with the RCO, in December 2023, plaintiff filed an application pursuant to the RCO with the Board seeking a hardship rental increase for the Unit.”
The hearing was scheduled for May 22nd, then June 12th, but had to postponed until June 26th due to the lack of quorum.
“Prior to the June 12, 2024 hearing date, the Plaintiff filed additional documents to update the December 2023 application. Specifically, this additional information provided the board with updated income and expenses for the property through the the first quarter of 2024 to give a more complete financial picture for the property,” the lawsuit alleges.
“During the hearing, the Plaintiff provided the substantial evidence and testimony of property representatives to confirm that its application fully satisfied the RCO’s requirements. Despite that complying with those obligations, the Board denied Plaintiff’s application.”
Claiming that the “overwhelming proofs” that were provided were ignored, the property owners are seeking a declaration that says the decision violated both the plaintiff’s procedural and substantive due process rights and having that decision voided.
Additionally, they want their hardship application granted, raising the rent in each apartment by a total of $475.35 per month.
Their attorney in the matter is Sean Smith, of Brach Eichler LLC, and the building is owned by Dian and Mario Fini, the managing director of Meridian Properties and a battalion chief for the Hoboken Fire Department.
This is at least the third time the Hoboken rent leveling board has been sued this year: AvalonBay filed suit in January after their rent control exemption was lifted, the same reason the Bexley building owners took their case to court in June, as HCV first reported.
A city spokeswoman did not immediately return an email seeking comment on Friday evening, though the city typically does not comment on pending litigation.
475 a month is too high. maybe if they weren’t being so greedy? If they have a hardship wouldn’t their tenants?
The Board fails to meet Quroms when landlords appeal but it’s leaders have plenty of time for other things like run for city council, and protest Israel and shout INTIFADA in front of Hoboken City Hall!
Imagine living in a historic meticulously maintained rowhome 4 blocks from Ferry, Path, Parks and NYC for under $1500 a month?
Do you mean marineview, because I’m not sure that applies here but what I want to know is, why did they buy it? Did they assume they could intimidate people to leave or something? Nearly $500 a month is a big increase, maybe they need to be reasonable.
the last owner sold it. should we wish for atotal devaluation ?
Surcharges and improvements aren’t rent increases, they go away after owner is whole.
Hmmm…. FAiling to make quroms seem to be S.O.P. with this incompetent group
Perhaps they intentionally conspire to stay away from meetings to stall the landlord?
Hope Discovery reveals this potential FRAUD
Problem? Just don’t show up to do your job.