Judge Steven Park has been assigned to the Bronx Housing Court, while Judge George Gardner III will be presiding in the Manhattan Housing Court. Both were appointed to the high-volume New York City Civil Court by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas on Thursday. The jurists will fill vacancies from the upcoming retirements of New York City Housing Court Judges Bernadette Black and Miriam Breier; both are expected to depart on Oct. 30.
In announcing the new appointments, Zayas praised both Judges Park and Gardner for bringing “exceptional skill, deep dedication and a strong commitment to equal justice.” All three qualities are essential to resolving the high-stakes and often sensitive landlord-tenant disputes and housing violation cases that come before the Housing Court.
“Both have worked extensively in housing matters and will serve the people of New York City with fairness, diligence, and integrity,” Zayas said.
Park’s appointment is historic, as he is the first Korean American judge ever to be appointed to the city’s Housing Court. He has spent more than three decades in public service, including 20 years as a housing court attorney in the Bronx, Manhattan and Harlem. He also had stints with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the state Attorney General’s office.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the people of New York City with fairness and integrity,” Judge Park said. “I want to thank the court leadership for their trust and for this opportunity.”
Park is a graduate of SUNY Albany and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Manhattan Housing Court cases are heard out of the Manhattan Civil Court, at 111 Centre St.
Gardner III, meanwhile, previously served as deputy director at Legal Services NYC, where he led an eviction-defense unit focused on litigation, appeals and client advocacy. He previously served with the firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges, working on commercial litigation, and had a racial justice fellowship with the Center for Constitutional Rights.”
“Thank you to the judicial leadership team for entrusting me with the solemn responsibility of serving the people of New York City as a judge of the Housing Court,” Judge Gardner stated. “ I look forward to filling this role with fairness, rigor, and vim.”
Gardner III received his judicial degree from the Howard University School of Law; he received a B.A. from the University of Michigan.
The appointments also received praise from other leading jurists in New York State, including First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George.
“These appointees have demonstrated the temperament, judgment, and work ethic necessary to serve effectively on the Housing Court bench,” said Judge St. George. “I am confident they will uphold the highest standards of judicial service.”
“Steven Park and George Gardner understand the complexities of Housing Court and the profound impact of its decisions on New Yorkers,” added New York City Civil Court Administrative Judge Shahabuddeen Ally. “Their professionalism and compassion will be invaluable to the New York City Civil Court’s busy Housing Part.”
Citywide Housing Court Supervising Judge Jack Stoller stated that both Park and Gardner III “have excelled in their work with litigants and counsel, consistently exhibiting sound judgment and deep knowledge of housing law.”
“They will be tremendous assets to the court,” Judge Stoller said.