Be-Aviv sues Moskovits, Lichtenstein in ongoing dispute over Mott Haven parcel

Lender Be-Aviv, an affiliate of the Israel-based Aviv Group, sued Toby Moskovits and Michael Lichtenstein of Heritage Equity Partners on Friday, claiming they collectively owe up to $2 million as personal guarantors for an $8 million loan at 286 Rider Avenue in Mott Haven provided in 2019 that was declared in default earlier this year.

Heritage and Be-Aviv are involved in multiple legal actions, including an unusual bankruptcy filing at the property.

A formal lender-borrower relationship between Be-Aviv and Heritage Equity Partners started at this property on September 19, 2019, when Be-Aviv lent $8 million for the $10 million acquisition by Heritage of the property.

According to one of the lawsuits, Heritage alleges that it and Be-Aviv agreed the lender would provide loans on two properties, the one in Mott Haven and another at 875 4th Avenue in Greenwood, Brooklyn. Heritage said the loans were not consummated, and it filed suit seeking specific performance on the Mott Haven loan. Heritage obtained $53 million in financing for the 875 4th Avenue loan in January 2021.

On July 15, 2021, Be-Aviv assumed control of the legal entity that owns the Mott Haven parcel, and filed to place it into bankruptcy.

Representatives for Be-Aviv and Moskovits declined to comment.

-Adam Pincus