Landlord vs Tenant (Or, Daily Slope in the Daily News)

Subject: 6th Street

All my support goes out to the tenants in 598 6th Street. We live in an adjacent building and have problems too because of the sloppy construction and lack of concern on the part of Mr. Livanos.

Subject: Peter Livanos

Can KensingtonMom or any other people tell us more about their experience with Mr. Livanos?

He is using profanity and making physical threats. He seems to be more upset with women challenging him.

Whose palms is he greasing? It seems like everyone just lets him do whatever he wants. He is building a 5th floor on top of the roof without a DOB permit. His DOB permit says "storage lofts" but Landmarks Preservation says he's building "occupiable space". How can he do that without a DOB permit?

We're asking Cmty Bd 6 and DOB these questions. Any other ideas on how to stop this man from doing whatever he wants?

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

Unfortunately it seems that DOB is part of that corrupt system. There's a good article in the latest Park Slope Courier about Assemblyman Brennan wanting to investigate the Bklyn DOB which is very corrupt. Brennan has been very helpful.

Thanks for sharing your tale of woe. The tenants in 598 are fighting him in court and we shall see what happens. In the end I think he'll get to convert the bldg into expensive rental apartments and move the old tenants out and rich yuppies in. No one on our block seems to care. We tried to get some support going but got only one response. People are really self-centered it seems.

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

fedup wrote: No one on our block seems to care. We tried to get some support going but got only one response. People are really self-centered it seems.

I live on the block and I am disgusted by what is happening (Livanos is always outside near the garbage container with a creepy smirk on his face -- he looks like an evil henchman). But I'd like to know how you can conclude that "people are really self-centered." Because I haven't punched him in the face? You shouldn't confuse the fact that nobody has solved the problem with the notion that no one cares.

this landlord sounds terrible. best thing would be future tenants avoid this guys building. and people like him. this way the better landlords will get the business.

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

mystic one wrote: He is stealing and damaging peoples homes and property and no one cares because they pay "more money" to live in Park Slope when some people just paid their dues and contributed to the community for 30 years so they deserve to be put out.

What does this even mean? That's pretty presumptuous, don't you think?

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

Anonymous wrote: [quote=mystic one]He is stealing and damaging peoples homes and property and no one cares because they pay "more money" to live in Park Slope when some people just paid their dues and contributed to the community for 30 years so they deserve to be put out.

What does this even mean? That's pretty presumptuous, don't you think?

What it means is quite clear. No on on 6th Street except for a handful of next door neighbors in the adjacent building (muliple dwelling and rent stabelized I gather) have actually done something to take real action, reporting violations investigating and calling community leaders. Their property was damaged as well and they get to deal with this evil character. Yes, I suppose it is pressumtous, but what else is there to think?

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you"
"Love thy neighbor as thyself"

Now I'm getting rediculously philosophical with Bible quotes.

No, I didn't see anybody caring when I was carrying pots, begging and knocking on doors for water all summer when mine was shut at random for no reason during 90 to 100 degree weather without notice and unprepared. That is just an example. Not to mention how may times I had to call around to get a shower disturbing friends.

The point is that neighbors are truly suffering and some people just shrug and say, so why don't you just get out and move? You pay so little rent. That is not the solution. If I had the cash to feel safe the way I "used to" in a familiar neighborhood, (I've been in Park Slope for 35 years) perhaps I would. Most new owners if they want you out will make it worth your while, they don't destroy your property and make your life miserable to force you out.

You are talking about someone who lived here in the 70's that helped to get grants to plant the trees you now see all over the neighborhood, wrote for a local paper, did community theatre sponsered by BACA, among other things as entertainment, for FREE. It took a lot of time and energy. I also worked in the neighborhood shops setting a trend here, I set up a bookeeping system in a tiny store that is now quite afluent, that still stands and employs a lot of people, and now that Big Money has moved in they want to move me out. That is the message. Perhaps the people on the block do feel something and are motivated by fear. Fear just doesn't get you anywhere. I speak out and say what I need to say to protect myself. Perhaps a little too bold and loud, but maybe someone who can make a difference will hear.


What we need are people to speak out to community leaders. I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday. I didn't. I had to stay here and not go away because there is no heat except for electric heaters. Would you leave electric heaters plugged into outlets on in your house for 10 days while you are away? And if you leave the heaters off and the place cold you get mold, your plants die, furniture cracks, and pipes break depending on the severity of the weather. It's a chance you take.

Welcome to the real world of greed. The message of what is going on at 598 6th Street is quite clear. It's Greed and it is Harassment.

Subject: Livanos

Kennsingtonmom, you can go to my profile and send a private message to this site. I appreciate your support and happy you have found peace in a neighborhood you feel connected to.

Park Slope used to be a community, but now with people like Livanos managing property, or should I say being hired to harass people out of their home to get contol of their property who knows what this neighborhood has come to.

I'm really ashamed of the people on this block. There was a huge kerosene heater unvented in an empty apartment, full of wood and plastic tubing, above the basement where the gas lines are, to keep the workers warm. Someone got sick from fumes, saw the machine and called the fire department who had it removed from the building immediately.

The neighbors have no idea of how dangerous his construction practices are and not only are the people in the building in danger, but so are the people in the ajoining buildings. Funny that no one seems to notice. Very weird. If fear is the neighbor's motivation for not saying anything, well when something goes very wrong and endangers the other buildings it will be to late once the city declares it unsafe to occupy. People better open their eyes. I believe that there is no one on premisis with a valid architectural engineers liscense. How can this be when most of the building has been gutted? Apparently the engineer quit awhile ago because he felt that Mr. Livanos was a danger to himself and others and wanted no part of it.

Thanks Kensingtonmom. Glad you are safe and happy. Have a happy new year.

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

mystic one wrote: The point is that neighbors are truly suffering and some people just shrug and say, so why don't you just get out and move? You pay so little rent. That is not the solution.

I would be stunned if anyone on the block actually had such a cavalier attitude with you. It is obvious to everyone that what is happening is a travesty and there is lots of sympathy, but the neighbors unfortunately can't fix this problem. I really don't know why you are so hostile to the other people on this block. The story has been written about in the Daily News and the Brooklyn Papers. It already has the attention of local officials (Bill DeBlasio and Assemblyman Brennan). The remaining tenants are bringing a lawsuit. If I had a direct connection to Bloomberg, I would use it, but let's be real: there is nothing we can do that hasn't already been done. I am truly sorry for your suffering, but frankly your posts sound kind of paranoid. The assumptions you make -- that neighbors don't care, people "shrug" and say get over it, people think you deserve it, etc. don't advance your cause. You shouldn't mistake people's political impotence for the attitude that they wish you ill. Having said that, I genuinely hope that this year brings peace and safety to the building and its residents, and that once the work is completed, there will be a mix of old and new tenants who won't have to worry about their current troubles.

Subject: Re: Peter Livanos

6th Streeter wrote: [quote=mystic one]The point is that neighbors are truly suffering and some people just shrug and say, so why don't you just get out and move? You pay so little rent. That is not the solution.

I would be stunned if anyone on the block actually had such a cavalier attitude with you. It is obvious to everyone that what is happening is a travesty and there is lots of sympathy, but the neighbors unfortunately can't fix this problem. I really don't know why you are so hostile to the other people on this block. The story has been written about in the Daily News and the Brooklyn Papers. It already has the attention of local officials (Bill DeBlasio and Assemblyman Brennan). The remaining tenants are bringing a lawsuit. If I had a direct connection to Bloomberg, I would use it, but let's be real: there is nothing we can do that hasn't already been done. I am truly sorry for your suffering, but frankly your posts sound kind of paranoid. The assumptions you make -- that neighbors don't care, people "shrug" and say get over it, people think you deserve it, etc. don't advance your cause. You shouldn't mistake people's political impotence for the attitude that they wish you ill. Having said that, I genuinely hope that this year brings peace and safety to the building and its residents, and that once the work is completed, there will be a mix of old and new tenants who won't have to worry about their current troubles.


Yes, some did have such a cavalier attitude. No names mentioned. No one said "get over it" or "you deserve it" like that, but the attitude was insensitive or perhaps ignorant is the word. What the person said was "why don't you just leave, you know you pay so little rent?" Other people say "oh well, when he's finished it will be so nice and fixed up." "He's only trying to fix it up." :shock: Which is probably what most people on the block believe.

Hmmmm Cough, Choke, Cough. He's fixing it so nice, that our walls are cracking, ceilings are collapsing, windows are breaking, he's removed the fire stopping in the entire building, removed the roof, causing flooding in the building, no heat so lots of mold settled in some apartments etc. and still he hasn't replaced the roof properly, the roof is locked to the fire escape, and he has the nerve to tell us to vacate because the building isn't safe. Who's making it unsafe to get us out is my question? Has anyone on the block noticed the missing windows for months so the rain could come in and cause damage to weaken the structure of the building? What about ice in the pointing removed from the bricks in the back side of the building. It was never replaced, so when the ice sets in the bricks will move. Maybe the building will tumble down and he will say, "See, I tried to tell you it was not safe." You call that fixing?

What I was asking and Fedup was asking was support from other neighbors to call and make complaints to the representatives of the community, DOB, HPD, the press, or whoever you think can help when you see some dangerous or suspicious construction practices. Excessive dust, noise on weekends...debris falling out of windows, glass on the walkway, or just concern for neighbors without real central heat or water. Ask someone why this travesty is this being allowed to happen? People can't dial a phone and ask why this is happening? Or write a letter or send an email? This is what makes me think no one cares.

Perhaps an "illegal" kerosene heater should have been ignored the way Livanos dismissed the request of a tenant to remove it with a hostile tone. Perhaps the fire department should not have been alerted by that tenant, and maybe the building would have burned to the ground along with some of the other buildings on the block if they weren't called to have him remove it. Maybe someone would have died from the unvented fumes of the machine and that is OK. Call it paranoid if you like. I call it being smart, on top of things, intuitive and taking immediate action when required, even when you have a bully standing in your way with a goulish smirk on his face trying his best to intimidate and prevent you from safety.... And he is VERY INTIMIDATING. :evil: Especially to women.

Thanks for your input here, I hear what you are saying, but lets be real. Some people are asleep at the wheel on 6th Street if you want to know the truth. Sorry to be so blunt. Some people have their gingerly lives and think some others ought to just pick up so easy and just go away because economics may dictate the time at hand.

Yes, the press came, but we didn't get any real help from that. Just a little bit noticed. Di Blasio, I'm not sure about what he's done so far or even if anything. If it weren't for Mr. Brennan, we might be at the Red Cross right now or sleeping on someone's couch. He's a real worker for the people.

There is no easy solution when it comes to GREED. People will die and kill for greed. It is a disease. Quite catching these days when it comes to real estate in places like Park Slope.

Paranoid you say....well not really. Just afraid for what is happening here in my home with a strange new owner, afraid for the world, but not afraid to speak out and voice my opinion.

A Happy New Year to you too and I pray that people start to recognize people as there equal. After all....we all share the same, sun, moon and stars. But don't you worry. Greed can take that away too if you let it.
Let's hope for a better world and a better time ahead.


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[/i] But then annoying "list serve" people could talk to Kensingtonmom, and she only wants to talk to us. [/i]

uhm, you can "talk" to me here and call me a "she-devil" and whatever right here. I just don't want that crap emailed to my house or work. I thought the point of forums was to "talk" here?

But back to the 6th street mess. It really is hard to get people motivated to do much in general even when it is directly effecting their own quality of life. This is what has worked for me in other situations (but not against Livanos--I lost that battle): compose a short concise letter to your neighbors explaining the situation and what would be of help to you. Make it as easy for your neighbors as possible (since this isn't really their battle so they are naturally not as upset as you)--include a form letter and a stamped envelope to whomever you want your neighbors to contact--DiBlasio, Brennan, DOB; include phone numbers with a rough idea of what to possibly say to various representatives. Keep it simple and not emotional.

But the problem is you are renters so you are in a losing situation I am sorry to say. Homeowners do feel a little prejudiced against renters. I admit, as soon as I became a homeowner I didn't want as many renters on the block because homeowners usually take more pride in their property than landlords and obviously why should a renter feel motivated to sweep the walk when they are paying over 1/4 of their income to someone who is just collecting a check? I am just being blunt here because I think this is part of your problem with your 6th Street neighbors. And Livanos can capitalize on this indifference and win.

DiBlasio is very effective but he just won the election so Brennan is your best bet. If you get more press, you will get DiBlasio. Can you organize a rally or protest? Then you will get DiBlasio.
Good luck

6th streeter wrote: I think the blame should be laid with ineffectual investigation and lack of punitive action from the DOB

I mean it when I wish you all good luck and a happy resolution to this mess.

This is very true. But only one or 2 tenants calling the DOB all summer thru fall brought no results. If everyone on the block put in a call to the DOB perhaps the demoliton wouldn't have taken place. Is it too late now? Are you saying that the homeowners shouldn't put a call in on our behalf? :roll:

just read on the curb the thing is done . took them that long lol.
http://curbed.com/archives/2008/03/14/park_slope_miracle_renovation_from_hell_complete.php