New York Attorney General Letitia James is confronting a minor yet symbolically significant legal issue: her Brooklyn brownstone's fence exceeds city height regulations. The black iron barrier stands at 5 feet, 6 inches, surpassing the city's 4-foot limit. This infraction has led to a ticket requiring James to appear before an administrative law judge on October 8. If unresolved, she faces up to $500 in fines.
The summons was issued on July 23 by the city's Buildings Department after receiving several anonymous complaints since April, according to the New York Post. James, who must bring the fence into compliance by September 26 to avoid fines, can do so by either removing it or reducing its height to the legal standard.
The fence issue is particularly notable given that James' brownstone is also under federal investigation for mortgage fraud. Allegations suggest that she falsely claimed the brownstone had fewer units than city records indicated at the time of purchase, potentially to secure favorable loan terms. The Department of Justice is examining this case alongside another property in Virginia co-owned by James and her niece.
City Councilman Robert Holden has publicly criticized the Attorney General, emphasizing that "New Yorkers are tired of double standards. All public officials must follow the rules." He further called for transparency and adherence to the law from James, highlighting the importance of equal treatment under the law.
Neighbors, largely unaware of the rule violation, expressed surprise. One resident mentioned that James inherited the fence when she bought the historic 120-year-old property in 2001. However, some residents observed that other homes on the block with similarly high fences have not been ticketed, raising questions about selective enforcement.
The situation is complicated by James' political profile and her current legal battles, including her involvement in litigation against former President Donald Trump. She has dismissed the fraud allegations as "baseless" and suggested that the probe is politically motivated.
Adding to her compliance issues, James is reportedly behind on a nominal $13 annual property registration fee required by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. The brownstone, located between St. James Place and Grand Avenue, has been her home for over two decades.
The juxtaposition of a local code infraction and intense federal scrutiny has sparked debate. To some, the fence violation symbolizes broader concerns about accountability among public officials. For others, it's a minor issue that has been unfairly magnified due to James' position and the ongoing DOJ investigation. The outcome of these matters could significantly affect the public's perception of the Attorney General during a precarious time in her legal and political career.
