MATONE v. SYCAMORE REALTY CORP (2008)

In an action, inter alia, to set aside a deed, the defendant Sycamore Realty Corp. appeals from an order and judgment (one paper) of the Supreme Court, Kings County (Lewis, J.), dated February 16, 2007, which granted the plaintiffs' renewed motion pursuant to CPLR 3215(a) for leave to enter judgment against it upon its default in appearing or answering, and to set aside the subject deed.

ORDERED that the order and judgment is affirmed, with costs.

 On its renewed motion, the plaintiffs demonstrated their entitlement to the entry of a default judgment against the appellant. The plaintiffs submitted proof of service of the summons and complaint, proof of the facts constituting their claim, and proof of the appellant's default in answering or appearing (see CPLR 3215[f];  Allstate Ins. Co. v. Austin, 48 A.D.3d 720, 851 N.Y.S.2d 375;  Grinage v. City of New York, 45 A.D.3d 729, 846 N.Y.S.2d 300).

 To avoid the entry of a default judgment, the appellant was required to demonstrate a reasonable excuse for its default and a meritorious defense to the action (see CPLR 5015[a][1];  Petersen v. Lysaght, Lysaght & Kramer, P.C., 47 A.D.3d 783, 851 N.Y.S.2d 209;  Giovanelli v. Rivera, 23 A.D.3d 616, 804 N.Y.S.2d 817).   The appellant failed to satisfy either requirement.   Therefore, the Supreme Court properly granted the plaintiffs' renewed motion.