Request for reconsideration of a final administrative decision does not toll the running of the relevant statute of limitations
Matter of Cappellino v Town of Somers, 2011 NY Slip Op 03234, Appellate Division, Second Department
Cappellino v Town of Somers demonstrates, once again, that a disappointed individual’s reliance on a request for reconsideration of a final administrative decision to toll or extend the statute of limitations to file a timely appeal is misplaced
The Town of Somers and the Town of Somers Police Department denied a request submitted by James Cappellino and other individuals for reimbursement of the cost of their Medicare Part B benefits.
In an action characterized as “in the nature of mandamus,* Cappellino asked Supreme Court to order the Town of Somers to provide the appropriate amounts to reimburse them for those costs.
Supreme Court, however, never considered the merits of the petition, finding that it was untimely.
The Appellate Division agreed, explaining on June 18, 2009 Cappellino and the others involved in this action received “a final and binding determination within the meaning of CPLR 217(1), as it unequivocally denied the petitioners' request for reimbursement, and it therefore commenced the running of the statute of limitations.”
Cappellino and the other plaintiffs, however, did not commence this proceeding, until October 22, 2009, which was beyond the applicable four-month statute of limitations of CPLR 217(1).
Although Cappellino contended that there were communications with the Town’s counsel after June 18, 2009, including an alleged request for further administrative review, neither such a request nor related correspondence extended or tolled the running of the statute of limitations.
The decision is posted on the Internet at:
