Sewer Line Standoff Shutters Nom Wah Tea Parlor

For the second weekend in a row, there will be no dim sum on Doyers Street.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor, one of the oldest restaurants in Chinatown, was forced to close June 12, after its sewer line was apparently cut and sealed off by the owner of an adjacent property.  The troubles began a week ago Wednesday, when crews working on constructing an eight story building at 20 Mott St., which backs up to Nom Wah’s building, severed the sewer line, causing the restaurant to flood.

Today, a state Supreme Court judge ordered the property owner, Lucky Mott, Inc., to restore the line “immediately.” The full case goes to trial next Friday.  But it’s unclear what and exactly how long it will take to reconnect the sewer line, which runs through the basement of 20 Mott St.  In the meantime, about 25 employees of Nom Wah will be entering a tenth day out of work Saturday.

For at least 50 years, probably longer, Nom Wah’s sewer line has run through the Mott Street property because there is no drainage pipe on Doyers.  According to court documents, Lucky Mott, Inc. has demanded that Nom Wah pay maintenance costs in the basement area where the line is now routed.  It’s one of the issues that will presumably be resolved in court next week.

Nom Wah has operated from 13 Doyers St. since 1968. The restaurant was bought by Wally Tang in 1974; the family owns the building.  Three years ago, his nephew, Wilson, took over the historic spot, restoring the dining room, and attracting hordes of new dim sum devotees.  It’s commonplace on weekends to see crowds waiting outside for tables.  There’s a sign on the front door directing customers to other dim sum restaurants in Chinatown.