A Burger King located near City Hall has become the center of a heated legal battle as a local resident, Kevin Kaufman, has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the fast-food chain for attracting drug dealers, junkies, and vagrants to the neighborhood, allegedly turning Fulton Street into an "open air drug bazaar." Kaufman, a 20-year resident of the area, claims that the BK at 106 Fulton Street, near Dutch Street, has become a "base of operation" for a group of "professional drug dealers," who sell illegal drugs both in front of and inside the restaurant.
According to Kaufman, his repeated attempts to address the issue with the owner of the BK, Lalmir Sultanzada, have been met with little success. Sultanzada, who owns multiple fast-food franchises in the area, claims that the responsibility lies with the government and law enforcement, and not with him.
He also alleges that the drug dealers are causing harm to his business and that the police are not taking necessary action to mitigate the situation. Kaufman's legal team, however, argues that Burger King should take responsibility for the ongoing issues.
Residents of the area have expressed their concerns about the situation, with one neighbor estimating that 8-10 drug dealers have made the BK their "base of operation." Many also note a significant increase in crime and disorderly behavior in the area since the BK became a hotspot for drug dealing. One resident, who has lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, claims that the BK is no longer a safe place to visit and that the group of drug dealers is attracting even more unstable individuals to the area.
The issue has caught the attention of the media and has prompted discussions about the rising crime and homelessness in the area. In fact, retail giant Westfield has announced its decision to abandon its lease at the nearby Fulton Street Center, citing concerns about crime and homelessness in the neighborhood. City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, have been criticized for not addressing the situation promptly.
Most residents also note that the problem is not limited to the BK location, but is a larger issue that plagues the entire neighborhood. According to several neighbors, there are multiple smoke shops in the area that allegedly sell illegal drugs, attracting more drug dealers and leading to a dangerous environment. Many are concerned about the safety of their families and are worried about the future of the neighborhood if the issue is not resolved.
The NYPD has responded to the situation, stating that they are monitoring and responding to crime in the neighborhood. They confirm that there have been two arrests and 143 calls to 911 related to the BK's address since the beginning of the year. However, the department also emphasizes that addressing quality-of-life complaints in all city neighborhoods is an ongoing challenge. They assure the public that they will continue to work towards finding a solution and making the neighborhood safer for all residents.
Burger King's corporate office has not yet commented on the situation. Meanwhile, Kaufman's lawsuit against Burger King and Sultanzada alleges that they have violated New York's private nuisance law, which is intended to prevent interference with a person's enjoyment of their property. The lawsuit seeks to hold Burger King accountable for contributing to the ongoing issues in the neighborhood.
As the situation at the BK on Fulton Street continues to escalate, residents are hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon. Many are calling for the owners and the government to take necessary measures to address the issue and ensure the safety of the neighborhood.
For now, it remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold and if any significant changes will be made to the BK location and the surrounding area.