UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A Lexington Avenue co-op is suing its neighbor, claiming that recent construction has extended across property lines and created “hazardous” conditions, according to a new lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court.
The lawsuit, filed March 19, pits the 12-story co-op building at 957 Lexington Ave. against the owners of the four-story apartment building at 961 Lexington Ave. at the corner of East 70th Street.
According to the complaint, construction work on the 961 Lexington Ave. building extended past the property line into the courtyard of 957 Lexington Ave., without notice or an access agreement.
In the filing, the 957 Lexington Ave. co-op says it has repeatedly tried to resolve the issue and allow access for repairs — but only with a standard license agreement that includes insurance protections for the co-op.
The owners of the building at 961 Lexington Ave., however, have refused to sign such an agreement, according to the complaint.
Solil Management’s Jane Goldman owns 961 Lexington Ave. and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In October of 2025, the demolition of an exhaust pipe extended into 957 Lexington Ave.’s courtyard, and the following month, a pipe allegedly broke loose and fell into the courtyard, striking the building, according to the lawsuit.
The suit also points to ongoing issues, including a tree branch growing out of the building’s brick wall and protruding into the co-op’s courtyard.
The co-op argues the situation amounts to trespass and nuisance, saying the conditions interfere with the safe use of its property and create a risk to residents and staff.
The lawsuit seeks damages and a court order forcing the neighboring building to enter into an access agreement and promptly remove the hazardous conditions.
The defendant has not yet filed a response in court.
For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.