Princeton Professor Facing Eviction After Filing Lawsuit: Attorney

Princeton NJ

12 April, 2022

4:09 PM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — A former Princeton Professor is facing eviction after he filed a class-action lawsuit against his landlord for "unlawful living conditions", his son and attorney said. Arno J. Mayer, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, who lives in an apartment in Witherspoon House, filed a lawsuit against Witherspoon Urban Renewal Associates and others in September 2021. In the lawsuit, Arno Mayer, 95, alleges an ongoing rat infestation; defective intercom and phone system that made it hard for Mayer's health aides to communicate and care for him; refusal to issue COVID relief to tenants; and multiple evictions of elderly tenants due to fire code violations in restaurants in the building. Arno Mayer is seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief, Carl Mayer, his son and attorney said. Carl Mayer said his father, a World War II veteran, is disabled and evicting him would be "unconscionable." "This is a life-or-death situation for Professor Mayer. After fracturing his hip and requiring surgery, Professor Mayer needs 24-hour care and is confined to a wheelchair," Carl Mayer said. "Evicting him would greatly endanger his health." He also called on the Mayor and Council to intercede on behalf of Arno Mayer. Eviction proceedings began at the end of February and a notice was sent last week, according to NJ.com. Arno Mayer pays $3,875 per month in rent, but has withheld payments since March 2020, the report said. Carl Mayer served as an elected member of the Princeton Township Committee and runs Mayer Law Group LLC. Robert Casey of the Lenox Law firm representing landlord Jack Morrison did not respond to requests for comment. Witherspoon House is located in the heart of Princeton, overlooking Hinds Plaza and Princeton Public Library. The building has 24 luxury apartments, according to its website. The building also houses two restaurants – Witherspoon Grill and Kristine's. Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news