In any action where service of process is made by mail pursuant to CPLR 312-a, and where the signed acknowledgement of receipt is not returned within thirty (30) days after receipt of the documents mailed pursuant to that section, the reasonable expense of serving process by an alternative method shall be taxed by the court as a disbursement, payable to the party serving process, if that party is awarded costs in the action or proceeding.
N.Y. Uniform City Court § 1908-A