Staten Island, NY – Michael Shah, head of DelShah Capital, is pushing back against allegations of neglect at the following a letter from Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Hanks’ letter, sent on January 30, 2025, urged an investigation into DelShah’s property management practices, citing complaints of poor heating, structural issues, and unsafe living conditions.
In response, Shah’s team has dismissed these allegations as exaggerated and politically motivated. “This appears to be a case of grandstanding during an election year,” said a spokesperson for DelShah Capital. “We’ve made substantial investments in this property and continue to work closely with the relevant agencies to improve living conditions. The facts don’t support the narrative being pushed.”
Millions Invested in Property Improvements
DelShah Capital has outlined a series of infrastructure upgrades at Park Hill, including:
- $4.2 million invested in new elevators in 2022 and 2023.
- $750,000 spent on a new basketball court and playground area in 2023.
- An annual budget of $3 million dedicated to repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements.
“We’ve demonstrated our commitment to residents through these investments,” Shah said. “We are tackling both short-term repairs and long-term improvements as part of a modernization plan in partnership with HPD and HFA.” The company expects to finalize financing for a comprehensive renovation project by the end of the year.
Heating Issues at 280 Park Hill Addressed
The debate over living conditions was fueled by reports of a 75-year-old resident at 280 Park Hill Avenue enduring a month without heat. However, DelShah’s team explained that the problem was not due to negligence but a complex mechanical issue involving defective pumps in a steam distribution pipe.
“Contrary to the claims made in the letter, the boiler system was fully operational,” said Shah. “Our maintenance team responded immediately to complaints, and once the root cause was identified, repairs were made.” The complex utilizes a Runwise sensor system to monitor heating performance, with alerts triggered for any system-wide outages.
Local media have also confirmed that all HPD heat complaints for the building have been resolved.
Councilwoman’s Allegations and Tenant Concerns
In her letter, Councilwoman Hanks referenced 47 heat-related complaints filed with HPD since November 2024 and alleged that tenants endure unsafe conditions each winter. Her claims echoed concerns outlined in a March 2024 letter from Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and other officials, which highlighted issues such as mold, rodent infestations, and deteriorating infrastructure across multiple units.
“Every winter brings another chapter in the same tragic story: tenants left in dangerously cold conditions while management offers excuses,” Hanks wrote.
Some residents have echoed these frustrations. “We’ve seen repairs, but the same problems keep coming back,” said a tenant at 140 Park Hill Avenue.
DelShah Challenges Inspection-Driven Violations
DelShah also criticized a surge in code violations cited in mid-2024, attributing it to a coordinated inspection push by elected officials. “The timing of these violations is no coincidence,” said Shah’s spokesperson. “Despite the sudden influx of violations, we’ve already reduced the number significantly and scheduled further inspections to certify completed work.”
The company has provided documentation, including work orders and maintenance records, to show ongoing efforts to address resident complaints.
Election-Year Politics at Play?
DelShah’s team hinted that political motivations might be driving the scrutiny. “We respect the role of elected officials, but it’s hard to ignore that this push is happening during an election cycle,” said the spokesperson. “Our focus remains on real, tangible improvements—not political theater.”
Hanks, who is facing re-election later this year, has not publicly responded to these remarks.
A Path Forward
As the Attorney General’s office reviews the matter, both sides appear poised for continued engagement. DelShah has expressed a willingness to meet with officials and tenant representatives to discuss solutions.
“We’re committed to working with stakeholders to ensure Park Hill residents have safe, comfortable homes,” Shah stated. “We’ve made significant progress and will continue investing in long-term improvements.”
For tenants like those at 280 Park Hill, the hope is that these promises translate into lasting results. Until then, the debate between DelShah and local officials shows no signs of cooling down.
