Gottlieb, representing New Line Realty, disagrees. Justice Manzanet-Daniels granted NWBCCC's request for summary judgment only because he wasn't able to present strong enough evidence – because the passage of time meant losing track of potential witnesses who could have signed sworn affidavits. It wasn't a trial situation where people's presence can be compelled. "I don't see any precedential value," he said.
As to the condition of the apartment buildings, Gottlieb said, "I just don't think that was relevant" – but if it was, he claimed a "vast majority of tenants" had signed petitions saying they had a good working relationship with the landlord.
Still, it's not over. Attorney Stryker said she will be back before the judge next month to argue that New Line Realty group pay the NWBCCC’s legal and compensatory fees, of at least $1 million, plus $10 million in punitive damages. “Now we turn around, and we’re on the offensive,” she said.
The message is still filtering through to residents. “Now, is this going to give me a problem with my landlord?” said 2268 resident Carmen Ortiz when organizer Torres asked about the conditions in her apartment. No, he explained, it legally cannot.
