Ordered that the order is affirmed, with costs.
Although leave to amend a pleading "shall be freely given" in the absence of surprise or prejudice (CPLR 3025 [b]), the determination whether to grant such leave is within the court's discretion, and the exercise of that discretion will not be lightly disturbed ( see Travelers Prop. Cas. v. Powell, 289 AD2d 564, 565).
Given the plaintiffs' extended delay in moving for leave to serve an amended complaint, and the lack of a reasonable excuse for the delay in seeking that relief, the Supreme Court providently exercised its discretion in denying the plaintiffs' motion for that relief ( see Leonardi v. City of New York, 294 AD2d 408; Auwarter v. Malverne Union Free School Dist., 274 AD2d 528).
The plaintiffs' remaining contentions are without merit.