StreetEasy co-founder Michael Smith faces a lawsuit from McDonald’s over his Tribeca penthouse expansion at 147 Reade Street. McDonald’s claims Smith replaced a rooftop reserved for HVAC equipment with his 3,700-square-foot penthouse, including decks and a pool, violating an easement the company retained for cooling towers. McDonald’s is seeking $10 million in damages and restoration of the roof. The dispute follows earlier allegations from the condo board accusing Smith of abusing his role as president to enable the expansion. The penthouse’s legality remains contested, with Smith disputing claims on statute-of-limitations grounds. McDonald’s maintains its rooftop rights were never relinquished.
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