![]() They were arraigned yesterday by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Michael Yavinsky on complaints in which they are charged with multiple counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, first-degree falsifying business records and one count of second-degree making an apparently sworn false statement. The District Attorney identified the defendants as Leonid Dakhe, 64, Tatyana Langman, 71, and Sabina Berkovich, 40, all of Coney Island, Brooklyn. I thank the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for its partnership and vigilance on this matter.” But working with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, and our federal and City partners, we are holding accountable those individuals whose alleged actions manipulated the process and we are actively working to remedy the vulnerabilities we uncovered. ![]() This corrupt scheme undermined fair access to affordable housing in Brooklyn. Their alleged actions deprived honest, law-abiding home seekers a chance to obtain affordable housing, so we will now seek to bring these defendants to justice for their respective roles in this alleged corrupt scheme.”Ĭommissioner Garnett said, “These defendants sought an unfair advantage for themselves by making false statements and submitting fabricated documents to government officials at the City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, according to the charges. Highly Desirable and Affordable Mitchell-Lama Apartments Part of Continuing Investigation that Led to Charges AgainstĬo-op Board of Directors President and Treasurer, and Co-op Office Managerīrooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Margaret Garnett, today announced that three Luna Park Housing tenants have been arrested on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, offering a false instrument for filing and falsifying business records to illegally obtain, or help another person obtain, apartments in the Mitchell-Lama complex in Coney Island.ĭistrict Attorney Gonzalez said, “A system that was put into place to ensure fair and equitable access to affordable housing was corrupted and we allege that these defendants took advantage of a scheme to illegally purchase or help others purchase apartments to which they were not entitled. Submitting Forged Documents for Illegal Purchase of State agencies, including the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), Empire State Development Corporation (ESD), and HCR, have collaborated to identify State Mitchell-Lama housing companies to participate in mortgage refinancings, which generate funds for capital improvements and property upgrades.Three Luna Park Housing Corporation Tenants Arrested for When owners buy out, their buildings are no longer subject to HCR or HPD Mitchell-Lama regulation, and apartments need not be kept affordable for moderate-income households (rent regulation for rental projects built before 1974 remains in effect, as do the regulatory requirements of tax relief or other programs). Owners may choose to buy out of the Mitchell-Lama program by prepaying the existing mortgage in order to have the ability to re-sell their projects at market rates. By 1980, HDC had refinanced projects containing 29,000 units and thereby reduced New York City’s debt burden.ĭevelopments were eligible to withdraw or buy out from the program after 20 years, upon prepayment of the mortgage, or after 35 years in the case of developments aided by loans prior to May 1, 1959. Beginning in 1977 (after New York City’s fiscal crisis in the 1970s), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) refinanced many of the City’s Mitchell-Lama portfolio. The program also required ongoing supervision by the agency originally sponsoring the development of the project, either the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). In exchange for low-interest mortgage loans and real property tax exemptions, the Mitchell-Lama program limited profits and placed income limits on tenants or cooperative owners. The Mitchell-Lama program has subsidized the construction of 269 developments, with over 105,000 apartments for middle-income households. Agency: NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR). ![]()
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