Two Astoria landlords are suing the Department of Buildings, after getting slapped with fines relating to billboard violations on their residential properties. The billboards in question allegedly date back to World War II, and the landlords—Paul Halvatzis and Steve Kesoglides—are attempting to have the billboards grandfathered for permanent compliance, as they take their case to court in the coming months. Meanwhile, a flashy, animated billboard sits on the N/Q elevated tracks right across the street, but since it's on MTA property, it is not subject to the same Buildings Department regulations. This is Kafkaesque to say the least. [NYDN; photo by Joel Raskin/Curbed Photo Pool]
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