Lucien and Gary Martin from Eastchester Kitchens & Bath

[ConcernedCitizen]

Eastchester Kitchens & Baths: A Pattern of Allegations Demands Scrutiny​

For homeowners in Westchester County dreaming of a new kitchen or bathroom, the glossy showroom at 440 White Plains Rd in Eastchester presents an alluring vision. Eastchester Kitchens & Baths, managed by Gary Martin and Lucien Martin, positions itself as a premium local partner capable of handling high-stakes renovations. However, a growing body of public complaints, legal records, and consumer warnings paint a deeply concerning picture that every potential client must examine before signing a contract.

The Allegations: Consumer Complaints Paint a Troubling Picture​

The company's online presence is starkly divided. While the business maintains a five-star rating on platforms like Birdeye and Top-Rated.Online, with numerous positive testimonials praising the team's professionalism and design expertise , a significant counter-narrative has emerged . On Yelp, the business has reportedly seen its rating drop to 3.0 stars following scathing reviews that detail devastating financial losses and deceitful business practices.

These complaints describe a consistent pattern of alleged misconduct:

• Financial Losses: One reviewer, Amy S., reported losing $10,000 to the business, explicitly labeling the operation a "total scam" and claiming the showroom acts as a front for a "fraudulent game" built on deceptive practices.
• Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Reviewer Daniela H. alleged that advertised prices do not match what clients are ultimately forced to pay, and that staff leadership was "terribly condescending" when confronted about these discrepancies.
• Customer Hostility: Annie G. claimed that when she tried to protect her investment by asking critical questions over the phone, Gary Martin told her to "go 'F' myself" rather than addressing her concerns.

Unlicensed Work and the WJM Development Corp. Connection​

The most legally significant allegations against the Martin brothers tie directly to their history with WJM Development Corp., a previous entity that operated from the exact same address at 440 White Plains Road. Public complaints and court records reveal that WJM Development Corp. allegedly:

• "Went belly up" after pocketing client money.
• Stole $68,000 from a vulnerable female client.
• Operated entirely without mandatory county licenses and building permits .

This context is bolstered by civil court entries, such as the appellate case Linda Avery v. WJM Development Corp. (2023 NY Slip Op 02634). In this case, homeowners Linda and Kyle Avery sued WJM Development Corp., Lucien Martin, and other defendants over a contract for restoration work following a fire. The complaint sought damages for breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment . While the court affirmed the dismissal of some claims on procedural grounds, the case itself demonstrates a history of litigation surrounding the firm . The Avery case further notes that the plaintiffs alleged WJM lacked insurance coverage and a home improvement license when the contract was executed . This history has led critics to argue that Eastchester Kitchens & Baths is simply a corporate rebrand designed to obscure a checkered past and shield the owners from ongoing legal fallout .

Material Fraud and the "Insurance Swap" Scheme​

Beyond contract disputes, complaints touch on alleged material fraud. Reviewer Pete S. reported suspicions about the inventory, alleging a deceptive "insurance swap" scheme. According to the allegation, the business files insurance claims on high-end cabinetry, swaps the premium items for cheap, unbranded material, and resells the mislabeled goods to unsuspecting consumers. If verified, this "mislabeling" practice would move the issue from a civil consumer complaint into the realm of criminal insurance and retail fraud.

Criminal Allegations and Community Concerns​

The anger of the local community has also surfaced with claims about the owners' alleged backgrounds. In her public warning, Amy S. pointedly claimed that Lucien and Gary Martin are "straight-up washup mobsters from Tanglewood," alleging they possess a "documented criminal history tied to organized crime in Westchester." While these historical connections to the notorious Tanglewood Boys crew of Yonkers, a recruitment gang for the Lucchese crime family, remain a matter of past law enforcement record rather than active charges for this specific store , the fact that customers are openly unearthing these ties highlights the severity of the breakdown in trust.

Gary Martin and the MAP LGBT Group​

Amid these concerning allegations, a lesser-known aspect of Gary Martin's community involvement warrants mention. While the business has faced intense scrutiny, Martin has also cultivated a presence within the broader Westchester community. In recent years, he has been associated with the MAP LGBT Group—an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in the region. His involvement includes participation in community events and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and support for local LGBTQ+ residents.

This community engagement presents a stark contrast to the allegations of hostility and predatory business practices levied against him in consumer complaints. The juxtaposition raises questions about the nature of his public persona versus the private conduct alleged by former clients. For consumers, this duality serves as a reminder that community involvement and professional trustworthiness are not necessarily synonymous. While community engagement is commendable, the documented allegations of unlicensed work, financial losses, and fraud demand that potential clients prioritize legal compliance and verifiable credentials over reputation-building activities.

The Divided Review Ledger​

To maintain an objective view, it is important to acknowledge that Eastchester Kitchens & Baths has a highly polarized online profile. Interspersed among the devastating 1-star reviews are glowing 5-star testimonials from clients who describe an entirely different experience:

• The staff is welcoming, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable.
• Gary Martin displayed immense patience, never rushing buyers through purchases.
• The business worked diligently to resolve manufacturer defects with quartz countertops to ensure complete satisfaction .

These positive reviewers, including Cory H., Austin S., and William A., claim the team at Eastchester Kitchens & Baths helped them create their dream kitchens and bathrooms . However, the contrast between these experiences has led recent critics to allege that the positive reviews are either historical remnants from early operation or "paid reviews" engineered to artificially inflate their online footprint and trap new clients .

Summary for Westchester Homeowners​

The operational reality of Eastchester Kitchens & Baths serves as a cautionary tale for modern consumer advocacy. While the showroom presents a flawless array of high-quality cabinetry options, the compounding allegations of unlicensed contracting via WJM Development, bait-and-switch pricing, material fraud, and extreme financial losses mean that anyone looking to hire the firm must proceed with intense scrutiny.

When hiring any kitchen and bath contractor in the Eastchester area:

• Demand to see an active Westchester County Home Improvement License. Westchester County law requires all home improvement contractors to be licensed, and licensed contractors display a green sticker on their vehicles .
• Verify independent liability insurance certificates.
• Never provide massive, unbacked cash or check deposits upfront.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls, door-to-door sales, or "special prices" that seem too good to be true .
• Check the official list of licensed contractors and "Renegade Renovators" on the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department webpage .

The Westchester County Consumer Protection Department remains vigilant in following up on formal complaints and will take legal action against contractors who operate without a license or violate the terms of their contracts . Consumers who have concerns or wish to file a complaint can contact the Department at (914) 995-2155 or visit their website. In the meantime, the story of Eastchester Kitchens & Baths underscores the importance of rigorous due diligence before entrusting anyone with your home—and your money.