In a move we've been expecting since we saw the photos of Gramercy Park's National Arts Club saturated with hoarded flea market finds, the club's board voted last night to expel former president O. Aldon James Jr. and evict him from his apartment. That apartment, in the 15 Gramercy Park South mansion, was a key ingredient in the controversy: he rented it?and rented several others out to his brother and a friend?for way below market value. (His brother paid only $356/month for his place.) James's brother and a their fellow cheap apartment-holding friend, Steven Leitner, were voted out, too, according to DNAinfo. The club has been cleaned up, but the battle over James's eviction has raged on for months.
Of course, the battle could keep raging on, since the controversy is still in court thanks to two lawsuits James and co. filed against the club's board. But James, his brother, and Leitner have reportedly all already left their apartments in the building. And the club is itching to make them market rate.
· Aldon James Expelled From National Arts Club and Apartments [DNAinfo]
· National Arts Club coverage [Curbed]
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