Landlord accused of partially demolishing building with 8 children inside after lying on permit request

Joel Grunbaum, 31, of Brooklyn, was indicted Wednesday for allegedly claiming that 716 East 215 St. was unoccupied while making renovation plans in 2022.

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Taking a look inside the NYC units sitting empty for years as renovation costs soar

Data from the Rent Guidelines Board shows operating costs for a rent‑stabilized apartment can reach upwards of $1,350 a month, meaning landlords may lose money even after a renovation.