premises at the conclusion of the work. You have failed and refused
to do so, preventing the work that needs to be done at the subject
premises from proceeding as is necessary and required. This violates
the laws of the State of New York and your lease dated February 15,
2005, paragraphs 8 and 11.
Ashley Williams, a managing member of petitioner's LLC, testified that upon
purchasing the building, he was informed that he had to give respondent a two year lease, and
after that period [*2]he could request that she relocate, renovate
the building and raise the rent. Mr. Williams had several conversations with respondent about the
work, and he tried to negotiate respondent's relocation with her. Respondent informed him that
she looked for an apartment in the area, but the rents were around $1000.00 per month, and she
could only afford $600.00 for rent. Subsequently, he wrote to respondent offering to relocate her,
but there was no response. The letter dated May 5, 2008 provides no specifics about the location
of the apartment to which petitioner would relocate respondent. Mr. Williams testified that the
apartment was located in a building in Harlem in which he had an interest. Mr. Williams added
that he also spoke with respondent's grandson about the offers he made to relocate respondent.
Mr. Williams testified that he was concerned for respondent's safety because of the
condition of the building. The floors sag, the roof leaks, the ceilings on the second and third
floors have begun to collapse and the bathrooms in the vacant units are crumbling. Petitioner
hired an architect and has had renovation plans drawn and filed with the Buildings Department.
In addition, Mr. Williams expressed safety concerns for respondent if she were to remain in the