Ditching your new condo gets easier; ApartmentHero wants YOU! and more...

By A. Ready  | September 23, 2010 - 10:12AM
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A daily tour around the web through the eyes of a NYC vertical dweller:

  • In a victory for new-development buyers seeking to walk away from their deals, a Manhattan federal district judge found that the developer of the Brompton at 205 East 85th Street failed to comply with an obscure federal law known as the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act.  The oversight means that buyers Vasilis Bacolitsas, a Greek shipping executive, and Sofia Nikolaidou, get to rescind their contract on a $3.4 million apartment and recover their deposit, plus interest. What does it mean for other antsy condo buyers?  Everything, apparently: "This case," said Adam Leitman Bailey, the lawyer for the Brompton pair, "allows every buyer in a newly constructed condominium which has sold more than 100 units within the last three years to obtain a refund of their down payment."  Like every developer in the city, we assume,  the sponsor was said to be "disappointed." It plans to appeal the decision.  (NYT; WSJ)
  • Curbed notes the launch of two additional New York-related websites.  "NearSay joins DNAinfo on the hyperlocal news dance floor. Coverage of Manhattan's top half and other boroughs to come later this year and in 2011," while ApartmentHero is trying to build a database of the rents New Yorkers are paying."  Good luck to both!  (Curbed)
  • A Fine Blog is documenting the progress being made at the development site at 250 E. 57th Street.  With pictures!  "Phase 1, which will house 2100 students in two brand news schools and a much awaited Whole Foods Market, is well underway."  We're reasonably certain the two schools are much awaited as well.  (AFineBlog)
  • In a much less pleasant picture, Gothamist shows us the snake that made a surprise visit to a Bronx resident, arriving via the toilet.  "Richard Gentles, a spokesman for Animal Care and Control, said the female snake was likely a pet and had escaped or was 'discarded' by her owner. And though she was found healthy and well cared for, neighbors just care that she's out of the building. 'I live one floor below this guy,' said Jose Aguirre. 'What if it had snuck into my apartment through the pipes? I don't know if I could take it—I have a heart condition.'"  (Gothamist)
  • Sold Out!  "The 2010 North American Bed Bug Summit is under way in Rosemont, Illinois, where some 400 exterminators, entomologists, researchers and hoteliers have gathered to discuss bloodsucking insects with experts. Bed bug hysteria has officially reached its apex."  200 people were unable to purchase tickets to the event--purchase early next year!  (Gawker)
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