WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN: A ‘CHEAP’ CPW PAD, LAWSUITS, LAMPPOSTS AND MORE

Photo by Sarah Ackerman.

Below, we’ve compiled some stories about the Upper West Side that were written about in other news outlets in the past week or so.

A case in court could have large implications for rent-stabilized tenants who declare bankruptcy. “At a time when housing affordability and income inequality have been driving the debate in the mayoral race, the bankruptcy case could add another element of uncertainty to New York City’s efforts to preserve housing for people with low incomes.” (NY Times)

Gasp! A 21st floor apartment on Central Park West listed for under $1 million? Well, it is 600 square feet. But you’ll have some high-class neighbors: “A co-op apartment on the primo portion of Central Park West just went on the market for $748,000 — practically one-tenth of the average price for a home on the strip below the American Museum of Natural History…A few doors down, the penthouse at 50 Central Park West went on the market for $48 million, and the penthouse at 15 CPW went last year for $88 million.” (Daily News)

Upper West Side music teacher Ilya Lehman sexually assaulted at least four students, authorities say. There may be statute of limitations issues, however. “Lehman vehemently denies the sexual attack on the child he was arrested for allegedly groping, and just learned of the new allegations today, his attorney said.” (Daily News)

West 95th street will get five antique-looking lamppoles. “The Friends of West 95th Street, a collection of homeowners between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer agreed to fund the new lampposts by giving them a $50,000 grant.” Other blocks are reportedly jealous. (DNAinfo)

The City Council is suing the Bloomberg administration over plans to build market rate housing within public housing projects, including in the Douglass Houses on the UWS. (NY Times)

Paul Hurley of the now shuttered PD O’Hurley’s has been charged by the state Attorney General  with several criminal charges in relation to a midtown restaurant he opened. “Hurley and the corporation each face a felony count of Scheme to Defraud, among other criminal charges, for failing to pay proper wages to workers -shortchanging 54 workers by more than $100,000 — and for falsely promising them that they would be paid in the future to induce them to continue working without wages. In addition, the defendants face charges stemming from filing a false application for Workers’ Compensation Insurance.” (Attorney General’s Office)

A mom is suing NY Kids Club because she says they’re using her kids’ image in promotions with out her permission. Her kid went to the Kids Club on 67th street. “Debra Lindenbaum claims NY Kids Club, a children’s center with locations from the Upper West Side to Brooklyn Heights — and even China — snapped a photo of her son Liam while he was at a gymnastics class in the summer of 2011.” (NY Post)

The story of the Belnord on 86th street is full of litigation, rent strikes, and more. (NY Times)

A look back at the movie You’ve Got Mail and what’s happened to some of the local places that were mentioned or used to film scenes. We wrote earlier about the dry cleaner that replaced the original site of “The Shop Around the Corner.” This post looks at some other spots too. (Untapped Cities)

Elizabeth Caputo will become the new chair of Community Board 7 on November 1. “Caputo was the chairwoman of Democratic Leadership in the 21st Century, an organization whose mission was to engage more people in politics, and she’s worked on several political campaigns including for Wesley Clark and Carl McCall, who served as state comptroller. From her work in public finance, at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, and now at a firm called Janney Montgomery Scott, helping New York state municipalities save money, Caputo has sharpened her analytical prowess and management skills. She also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.” (DNAinfo)

Cleopatra’s Needle on 92nd gets lively on Sundays when it’s open mic time. “One thing about these singers: most are eligible for Medicare, but all look at least 10 years younger than their age. Maybe jazz singing is rejuvenating. Or maybe rejuvenation comes from basking in the spotlight for seven or eight minutes a week.” (NY Times)

To read the last weekly bulletin we published, click here.