NYC Council Considers Joining Lawsuit Against Venue for Allegedly Misappropriating Public Space Under Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge
The New York City Council is contemplating joining a lawsuit against Guastavino's, an events venue located under the Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge. City Council Speaker Julie Menin has threatened to file an amicus curiae in the pending litigation, which alleges that Guastavino's has illegally claimed a public plaza as its own for the past decade. The lawsuit, initiated by private citizens, claims the venue has repeatedly excluded the public from this city-owned space, which was originally designated as a public sitting area. Guastavino's is accused of using fake signs, security guards, and even local police to block taxpayer access, while simultaneously renting out the space for private events, with charges reportedly reaching up to $300,000. Menin has requested a meeting with Guastavino's to resolve the dispute before the Council decides on its involvement in the lawsuit. The venue recently acknowledged the space as a public plaza and stated it is working with the city on a resolution. 
