On Kee Foods, Inc., et al., Respondents, v 7 Eldridge LLC, Also Known as 7 Eldridge Street LLC, Appellant.
Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York
October 8, 2009
914 N.Y.S.2d 153
Richard F. Braun, J.
Defendant failed to provide a reasonable excuse for its default in appearing at an inquest and did not proffer a meritorious defense on the issue of damages (see e.g. Crespo v A.D.A. Mgt., 292 AD2d 5, 9 [2002]). The contention that it did not receive any notice of the inquest is belied by the evidence. Plaintiffs’ counsel informed defense counsel of the conference date, had faxed over a letter confirming the date, and called and left messages with defense counsel‘s office on the day of the conference. Regarding its meritorious defense, defendant failed to submit evidence or raise arguments concerning the issue of damages.
We also note that the motion was properly denied as untimely.
Concur—Andrias, J.P., Friedman, Catterson, Renwick and DeGrasse, JJ.
