Potential Buyer in ‘Hot Water’ for Violations in Harlem SRO
$12 Million Asking Price Reduced to ‘Under $10 Million’
By Phoebe Neidl
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
BAY RIDGE — Bay Ridge leaders were holding their breath this week as potentially controversial information concerning the imminent sale and demolition of the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church, more commonly known as the “Green Church,” began to circulate around the community.
Most talked about was the report that the purchaser, Abe Betesh of Abeco Management Corp., has a checkered past in connection with another property he owns in Harlem that has made him the topic of unflattering headlines this year. Last December, it was reported that an Abeco-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) in Harlem was without heat and water for several days during the holidays.
This week, the Eagle found 59 open violations on that building, according to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Violations include the presence of “vermin” and “rats,” lack of a door to a community bathroom, potentially dangerous mold in one bathroom, defective and/or missing smoke detectors, and numerous plumbing leaks.
Tenant spokesman Pastor Michael-Vincent Crea said they went without heat and hot water again earlier this month, and over the summer there was insufficient electricity for air conditioning. Crea, who himself is disabled, said he was concerned about his 76-year-old neighbor and other elderly tenants.
On the same building, a Stop Work Order was issued last month for illegal demolition.
“He’s greedy,” Crea said of Betesh. “He could care less if he’s buying a church, a synagogue, a mosque; he just wants to turn a profit.”
Betesh Once Called
A ‘Prodigy’
Betesh’s image is mixed. He is referred to as a “millionaire Harlem speculator” on one blog and was profiled by the New York Times in 1988 as a real estate “prodigy” at the age of 19, when he specialized in “cutting deals” on tenements in Harlem and the Bronx.
Despite his Manhattan and Bronx activities, Betesh is based out of Brooklyn, in an office at 114 Avenue T in Gravesend, an address also linked to the purchase of a Jewish Center in Jacksonville, Florida, according to www.urbanjacksonville.info. According to Real Estate Weekly, Abeco’s mission is also to “aggressively pursue private loan opportunities while continuing to acquire taxpayers and NNN tenancies in the tri-state region.”
Betesh was guarded in his conversation with the Eagle last week, but did confirm he is in contract to buy the 108-year-old church at Ovington and Fourth avenues.
He released a statement Wednesday saying, “Our architectural and design team have been working with the owners for quite some time regarding a redevelopment plan. In addition to our building, this development will also result in a brand new church for the congregation on the property. Any questions about the demolition of the structures on the property should be directed to the current owner.”
Last Friday, Betesh said he would have nothing to do with the destruction of the Green Church. “I have nothing to do with the demolition. I’m just doing what they want,” he said.
Bay Ridge United Methodist Pastor Robert Emerick confirmed last week that the church was in contract to sell for just under $10 million, more than $2 million less than the initial listing of the property by Massey Knakal. Emerick did not return a call in time for press Wednesday.
According to city records, Abeco Management bought the 16-unit SRO in Harlem in July 2005. His partner on the deal was identified as Jacob Aini, also of 114 Avenue T.
Difficulties with the building continue. Crea said he came home just last Thursday to find the locks to his door had been changed. He said he is currently without a home and is unaware of the condition or whereabouts of his belongings. He says a city agency is helping him with legal proceedings for on the terms an “illegal eviction.”
At one point, Crea said he went on a 40-month rent strike.
Bay Ridge preservationist leader Victoria Hofmo said, “We’re dealing with an unknown. The fact that [Betesh] has all these violations is scary. It’s indicative of what’s happening, all this fast and furious development.”
Earlier this month, attorneys filed an application on behalf of the church to permit the sale of this property, which has been tax-exempt for its 108-year-old history. When such religious properties are sold, the church must seek approval by the state Supreme Court.
Based on past statements, the Committee To Save the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church may be preparing to oppose the sale through legal action. In order to do this, they would have to file papers to establish the right of various residents and other persons to argue against the sale of the property.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007
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