Keith McNally’s attorney David A. Kaminsky tells us he doesn’t plan to let 68–74 Thompson Realty evict the restaurateur’s son from his rent-stabilized apartment. “It’s troubling to me because I believe we did demonstrate [that the apartment was Harry’s primary residence] with ample evidence. We had the testimony of Harry’s mother, Harry’s father, Harry’s neighbors, and the decision was a bit surprising to me.” Kaminsky says Harry (a “it” kid who has appeared in Uniqlo ads along with his sister, Isabelle) is currently paying a “fair rent” (he didn’t say how much) and says of Thompson Realty’s motives for evicting young McNally: “I’m sure it’s the standard reason that they’d like to collect higher rents — nothing personal or negative about Harry.”
It’s uncertain which building McNally’s apartment is in, but according to tax assessments, 68–74 Thompson Realty owns two adjacent buildings on Thompson Street — a 42-unit building valued at $3.49 million in 2009 and a 36-unit building valued at $3.11 million. The owners, says Kaminksy, “didn’t present any evidence or a witness” in the case — in these proceedings, the burden of proof is on the tenant.
Kaminsky says he’ll next ask the Appellate Division to reconsider their verdict. “If they refused we would ask for permission to appeal to the court of appeals,” along with a stay that would allow Harry to keep his current digs while the already years-long case carries on.
Earlier: Court Ruling: Keith McNally Must Give Up Rent-Stabilized Pad
