205(a)

Matter of Lindenwood Cut Rate Liquors, Ltd. v New York State Liq. Auth., 2018 NY Slip Op 03680 [2d Dept. 2018]

As the petitioner correctly contends, CPLR 205(a) applies not only to actions but also to special proceedings under CPLR article 78 (see Matter of Morris Inv. v Commissioner of Fin. of City of N.Y. , 69 NY2d 933; Matter of Winston v Freshwater Wetlands Appeals Bd. , 224 AD2d 160). The toll of CPLR 205(a) would not apply, however, if the prior proceeding was dismissed on the merits; thus, the court must determine whether the order dismissing the prior proceeding is entitled to res judicata effect (see Yonkers Contr. Co. v Port Auth. Trans-Hudson Corp ., 93 NY2d 375, 380).

Here, the prior proceeding was dismissed after being marked off the calendar. Contrary to the Authority's contention, "[a] dismissal of an action by being marked off the Trial Calendar is not a dismissal on the merits," and "[a] new action on the same theory is therefore not barred by the doctrine of res judicata" (Lewin v Yedvarb , 61 AD2d 1025, 1026; see Morales v New York City Hous. Auth ., 302 AD2d 571, 571; Gallo v Teplitz Tri-State Recycling , 254 AD2d 253, 253-254; Medalie v Jacobson , 120 AD2d 652). Moreover, there is nothing in the order denying the petitioner's motion to restore the prior proceeding to the calendar which suggests that the prior proceeding was dismissed with prejudice (see Gallo v Teplitz Tri-State Recycling , 254 AD2d at 254).