Residents of Domains Greenpoint allege gas and heat issues

[ad_1]

Matt Schwartz, CEO of Domain Companies, and 1133 Manhattan Avenue (Domain, Google Maps, Getty)

Domain Companies is struggling with gas and heating issues at its luxury multi-family apartment building in Greenpoint, where some residents are withholding rent after leaks.

Eighty-seven residents of the 210-unit building at 1133 Manhattan Avenue have withheld rent in recent weeks, Gothamist reported. Disgruntled tenants are exploring legal options for obtaining rent reductions and concessions from Domain after management told residents in October that it was not prepared to offer concessions until it understood the magnitude of the problems.

Some residents alleged that frequent gas leaks caused long-term health problems, such as damaged lungs. Many are afraid to use the heating, which was turned on earlier this month after a dormant period.

Management has loaned hot plates to some tenants for cooking, but requires them to be returned after meals. The cooking gas remains off, with Domain telling tenants that it expects work to be done very soon.

The estate benefits from the 421a tax program, which expired in June and cooled the multifamily development market. Under the terms of the program, Domain received a tax break for setting aside half of the units in the building constructed in 2014 as affordable housing. Last year, the developer paid the modest sum of $100,000 in property taxes.

The Greenpoint building was the site of an overcrowded housing lottery when it opened. Nearly 60,000 people applied for the 105 affordable housing units available. Some of those who have won the lottery are expressing apprehension about reporting the building’s problems and withholding rent, fearing losing their affordable housing.

Elsewhere in Brooklyn, Domain is busy with development. In August, the company secured a $142 million construction loan for a 270-unit home in Gowanus, which has already secured its own 421a tax abatement. The collaboration with the Vorea group will include 25% of units reserved for affordable housing.

HoldenWalter Warner

Contact Holden Walter-Warner

[ad_2]