LLC v. NewBank, appellant, et al., defendants. (2021)

Argued—April 19, 2021

DECISION & ORDER

In an action to foreclose a tax lien, the defendant NewBank appeals from an order of the Supreme Court, Nassau County (Julianne T. Capetola, J.), entered January 28, 2019.  The order denied that defendant's motion to vacate its default in answering the complaint and, thereupon, to dismiss the action or, alternatively, for leave to interpose a late answer.

ORDERED that the order is affirmed, with costs.

It is undisputed that the defendant NewBank transferred the property encumbered by the subject tax lien to a third party approximately four months after this action was commenced.  Under these circumstances, the Supreme Court properly determined that NewBank no longer had any interest in the property and, therefore, lacked standing to defend the action (see U.S. Bank N.A. v. Davids, 188 AD3d 943;  Totaram v. Gibson, 179 AD3d 451;  Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Munoz, 169 AD3d 609;  NYCTL 1996–1 Trust v. King, 304 A.D.2d 629;  Bancplus Mtge. Corp. v. Galloway, 203 A.D.2d 222).

In light of our determination, we do not reach the merits of NewBank's motion.

CHAMBERS, J.P., AUSTIN, LASALLE and WOOTEN, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Aprilanne Agostino

Clerk of the Court