Under the unusual circumstances of this case, we find that a special relationship existed between the infant plaintiff and defendant City imposing a duty on the City to exercise care for plaintiff's particular benefit (see, Smullen v. City of New York, 28 N.Y.2d 66). The conduct of the various City agencies sufficed to establish each of the requisite elements of a special relationship, including the "key element" of "direct contact between agents of the municipality and the injured party." (Sorichetti v. City of New York, 65 N.Y.2d 461, 469.)

The evidence adduced at trial was also sufficient to support the award of damages and the finding that defendant City's conduct was, to the extent apportioned, a proximate cause of plaintiff's injuries.

Concur — Milonas, J.P., Ross, Asch and Smith, JJ.