Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration has secured a $2.1 million settlement from A&E Real Estate, one of New York City's largest landlords, to resolve over 4,000 code violations and allegations of tenant harassment at 14 buildings across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
The agreement brings an end to a year-and-a-half-long legal battle initiated by Mayor Eric Adams' administration. According to Mayor Mamdani, the city will not tolerate neglect and mistreatment of tenants, stating "City Hall will not sit idly by and accept this illegality, nor will we allow bad actors to continue to harass tenants with impunity."
The settlement affects approximately 750 tenants living in A&E buildings, and is considered the largest settlement in the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's Anti-Harassment Unit's history. Incoming Housing Commissioner Dina Levy attributed the resolution to "sustained" enforcement efforts by the unit.
Despite the agreement, tenants continue to face substandard conditions. The Jackson Heights apartment building where Mayor Mamdani held a press conference has 220 open violations, including issues such as roach infestations and water leaks. A&E Real Estate's CEO, Donald Hastings, framed the settlement as a partnership with the city, stating that his company is committed to improving its buildings.
However, the company's history of violations remains a concern. Dozens of tenants at La Mesa Verde apartments in Jackson Heights are collectively suing A&E to force repairs after years of alleged systemic neglect.
The settlement also comes amid concerns over A&E's financial dealings. The company's Executive Chair, Douglas Eisenberg, recently gave $125,000 to a super PAC supporting former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the recent mayoral election.
Housing officials warned that if A&E fails to comply with the terms of the new settlement, they may seek additional court orders and penalties.
The agreement brings an end to a year-and-a-half-long legal battle initiated by Mayor Eric Adams' administration. According to Mayor Mamdani, the city will not tolerate neglect and mistreatment of tenants, stating "City Hall will not sit idly by and accept this illegality, nor will we allow bad actors to continue to harass tenants with impunity."
The settlement affects approximately 750 tenants living in A&E buildings, and is considered the largest settlement in the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's Anti-Harassment Unit's history. Incoming Housing Commissioner Dina Levy attributed the resolution to "sustained" enforcement efforts by the unit.
Despite the agreement, tenants continue to face substandard conditions. The Jackson Heights apartment building where Mayor Mamdani held a press conference has 220 open violations, including issues such as roach infestations and water leaks. A&E Real Estate's CEO, Donald Hastings, framed the settlement as a partnership with the city, stating that his company is committed to improving its buildings.
However, the company's history of violations remains a concern. Dozens of tenants at La Mesa Verde apartments in Jackson Heights are collectively suing A&E to force repairs after years of alleged systemic neglect.
The settlement also comes amid concerns over A&E's financial dealings. The company's Executive Chair, Douglas Eisenberg, recently gave $125,000 to a super PAC supporting former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the recent mayoral election.
Housing officials warned that if A&E fails to comply with the terms of the new settlement, they may seek additional court orders and penalties.
yooo, have you seen the latest news about Mayor Mamdani's admin? They just got a major settlement from A&E Real Estate for like $2.1 million! That's huge 
. It means they're finally making progress on getting tenants in those 14 buildings fixed up and safe to live in.
. There are still tons of open issues at that Jackson Heights building where Mamdani held a press conference, like roaches and water leaks 
. And get this - A&E is saying they're committed to improving their buildings? 
it's all about appearances.
.
Still, I guess some action's gotta be taken. Just hope A&E actually follows through on their promises, or else we'll just have more problems down the line 
, like finally! 
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's admin is doing something right for once 
. I mean, $2.1 million is a huge chunk of change for 4,000+ code violations and tenant harassment cases 
. My question tho, what took them this long to take action? 
like, that's crazy. And let's talk about the $2.1 million settlement - that's like, a lot of cash 
we need to see some real change happen ASAP! 
️ and btw did you know 75% of renters in NYC are paying over 50% of their income towards rent? 
. I mean, it's crazy how neglect like this goes on for so long. The fact that 14 buildings have been affected is pretty shocking. And yeah, the company trying to spin it as a partnership with the city is weird... they're basically paying off the city to stop getting sued 
.
I heard they're going to have some amazing Korean BBQ options... anyway, back to this A&E thing... $2.1 million is a pretty penny, but like 750 tenants getting substandard conditions? Not cool at all 
I'm literally so happy about this settlement! $2.1 million is a huge win for tenants who've been suffering in those substandard conditions 
. And let's be real, $125k donation by Doug Eisenberg? 
that's some serious bad PR for the company!
. And A&E's CEO, Donald Hastings, trying to spin it as a partnership with the city? Please, save it, dude 
.
. 220 open violations at one building alone? That's just crazy 
. I'm glad Mayor Mamdani is on their side, but it's about time the city started taking action 
. And what about all those other tenants who aren't getting addressed? Like, what's going on with La Mesa Verde apartments? Systemic neglect, anyone? 
.