Commercial Division Bench Trial Demonstrates Importance of Witness Preparation
Justice Borrok of Manhattan’s Commercial Division presided over a bench trial between a contractor and a sub-contractor concerning payments connected to work on New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Harlem River Houses.[i] The sub-contractor, Citi Building Renovation (Citi), brought an action claiming monies due on the amended sub-contract signed with the contractor, Neelam Construction Corp. (Neelam). At trial, Citi asserted three causes of action—breach of contract; promissory estoppel; and unjust enrichment—claiming damages of $426,688 plus interest.
[i] Citi Bldg. Renovation, Inc. v. Neelam Constr. Corp., 70 Misc.3d 1204(A) (Sup. Ct., NY Cnty., Dec. 9, 2020).