SALOMON BROTHERS REALTY CORP. v. ALVAREZ

Ordered that the cross appeal is dismissed as abandoned, without costs or disbursements ( see 22 NYCRR 670.8 [c], [el); and it is further,

Ordered that the order is affirmed insofar as appealed from, without costs or disbursements.

The Supreme Court properly directed that the heirs of the deceased mortgagor be joined as necessary parties to the action. The record does not reflect that the plaintiff exercised the due diligence required by CPLR 315 to permit service by publication upon these necessary parties ( see Caban v. Caban, 116 AD2d 783; First Union Natl. Bank v. Estate of Bailey, 7 Misc 3d 1027[A], 2005 NY Slip Op 50793[U] [Sup Ct, Kings County, May 26, 2005]; cf. Levy v. Robinson, 41 AD2d 558; Matter of McFarland, 7 Misc 3d 1003[A], 2005 NY Slip Op 50418[U] [Sur Ct, Nassau County, Mar. 31, 2005]).

In light of our determination, we need not reach the plaintiff's remaining contentions.