Blog Archives

A proof hearing took place at the Bergen County Courthouse on March 7, 2013 in a case where architect Vincent J. Cioffi of 123 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, NJ defaulted on February 25, 2013 by failing to show up in court.  Cioffi again failed to show up in court on March 7th.

Westwood architect Vincent Cioffi (right).

The proofs showed that Cioffi was retained by an elderly gentleman to provide architectural services in connection with a Zoning Board Application.  The application involved the construction of a first floor half-bath to provide comfort for the gentleman’s wife, who had developed asthma and knee problems that make it difficult for her to climb stairs.  The house that the couple have lived in for the past 40 years has only one bathroom on the second floor.

The proofs reflect that Cioffi took advance payment for his services, and then, after providing some token drafting work, abruptly stopped communicating with the plaintiff.  At some point Cioffi promised to refund the plaintiff’s money and documents, but failed to do so.

The court found that Cioffi breached his contract with the plaintiff, in addition to violating the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.  The court found Cioffi liable for triple damages and costs.

Hackensack court records indicate that a lawsuit was filed on February 6, 2013 against architect Vincent J. Cioffi of 123 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, New Jersey. The Complaint alleges breach of contract, breach of implied at law covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

According to the Complaint, the complainant, a senior citizen, prepaid Cioffi money for the first phase of an architectural services project for work at his residence in November, 2012. The Complaint alleges that Cioffi subsequently failed to provide the complainant with any usable services or work product as an architect, failed to confer any benefit on complainant, and failed or refused to communicate with the complainant.

Westwood architect Vincent Cioffi (right).

The Complaint also alleges that Cioffi later represented to the complainant in January, 2013 that he would return the complainant’s money, but failed to do so.

The Complaint further alleges that Cioffi came recommended to the complainant by the Chairman of the Westwood Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Westwood Borough website identifies its Zoning Board Chairman as William Martin.

Court records indicate that Cioffi defaulted on February 25, 2013 by failing to show up in Court.