West 97th-West 98th Streets Block Ass'n v. Volunteers of America

OPINION OF THE COURT

Milonas, J.

This action involves an attempt by plaintiff block association and certain named individuals to enjoin permanently the operation by defendants, the Volunteers of America of Greater New York and the City of New York, of a multipurpose housing facility for the poor. Prior to May 30, 1989, the building at 305 West 97th Street in Manhattan was a single-room occupancy (SRO) that provided shelter for drug addicts, prostitutes and other undesirables. The Volunteers of America, which was persuaded to develop the property by defendant New York City Department of Housing…