In a Gramercy Park co-op that once epitomized New York City tranquility, a friendly bond turned sour when neighbor Meril Lesser’s addition of a third parrot unleashed a cacophony that shattered her relationship with Charlotte Kullen. What began as an innocent pet expansion quickly escalated into a convoluted legal dispute marked by relentless noise complaints, emotional support animal claims, and a multi-year battle that cost the co-op over $750,000 in a landmark settlement—transforming an ordinary day in NYC into an avian war zone that left lives, friendships, and peace in ruins.

Key Points:

• Friendly Beginnings: Neighbors Charlotte Kullen and Meril Lesser developed a warm friendship while sharing each other’s keys and pet-caring responsibilities.
• The Noise Catalyst: The conflict ignited when Lesser introduced a third parrot, Curtis, whose incessant screeching not only shattered the quiet but also set off a chain of disruptive noises in the adjacent apartment.
• Escalating Tensions: As noise complaints mounted from several residents, the co-op board’s attempts to resolve the situation led to deteriorated relations and bitter disagreements.
• Legal Quagmire: The dispute escalated into a protracted legal battle involving eviction notices, emotional support animal designations, and federal discrimination claims.
• Historic Settlement: The case ultimately culminated in a $750,000 settlement, underscoring the complexities of accommodating emotional support animals in shared urban living spaces.
• Aftermath: Both neighbors experienced long-lasting personal and professional repercussions, while the building’s board later banned all birds to prevent future feathered fracas.

Joke: Looks like these parrots really forced everyone to wing it in the courtroom—next time, they should try mimicking silence instead of just mimicking humans!
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