Union Square Not For Sale! Pavilion Lovers Unite!

[scumonkey]

In case you didn't already know, the only thing currently standing in the way of the city turning our beloved Pavilion into a swanky restaurant is a court decision made by Judge Jane Solomon in April 2008. This Monday, December 8th, she will hear the city argue for the dismissal of the case. We CANNOT let this happen. (more legalese below)

WHAT:
Union Sq. Park Court Date

WHEN:
Monday December 8, 2008 - 3:00pm

WHERE
New York State Supreme Court
60 Centre Street, Room 432 (which is part 55)
Justice Jane S. Solomon

WHY:
Because we need the judge to see that the people are watching, and that we care about the fate of the Pavilion. We know through experience that visible public displays of concern do affect the outcomes of court decisions. We want to PACK the courtroom and let Judge Jane know that we are paying attention, we like what she's doing so far, and want her to KEEP HER INJUNCTION in place.

BACKGROUND:
Union Square Park Pavilion Litigation. In April 2008, the Union Square Community Coalition filed a lawsuit (USCC v. NYC Parks, Index No. 08/105578) challenging the Parks Department and Union Square Partnership's plans to install a restaurant in the historic pavilion.

The court issued a preliminary injunction, which prevents the operation of a restaurant, or the installation of fixtures for a restaurant, pending further order of the Court. In so doing, the court found that USCC is likely to prevail on its central claim – that without state legislative approval, the restaurant would be an unlawful alienation of parkland – once that claim is ripe. The City has moved to dismiss the case, claiming it is both unripe (because, allegedly, several steps remain in the process before a restaurant concession could be offered) and non-meritorious.

More info at:
http://www.unionsquarenotforsale.org (http://www.unionsquarenotforsale.org/)

[ablarc]

^ Why is this so bad?

[scumonkey]

The above was just an email I received today....
From what I've been able to gather,
there is some concern over (and I could have gotten this twisted-wrong),
The person who wants to open the restaurant.
Apparently he sits on some board
that is responsible for allowing use, zoning, or some sort of rewriting park use rules,
that will allow the green light for the restaurant to open-for his own financial benefit?!
Also something about removing even MORE trees to make it happen?
I'm sure someone on this board knows more about it than me- Lofter?!

[scumonkey]

I did find this info....
"The campaign to stop the privatization of Union Square Park’s Pavilion continues!
The court injunction against the conversion of that historic building into a private,
upscale restaurant remains in place, but we need to continue to PUSH BACK against this scheme,
and make sure that this magnificent public space REMAINS PUBLIC!

[lofter1]

Scumonkey: Before re-construction began did you spend a lot of good time sitting in that pavilion?

[scumonkey]

Actually I NEVER even go by there - not even for the farmers market :cool:
I have no idea why I keep getting email from the peoples who are angry?!
Thought I'd just pass on the info for those that might;)
I myself have no feelings one way or the other about the outcome.
As I see it- a small non used building in a park, fixed up
to be used again -as a restaurant- not a problem.
Although a low cost park "snack/burger pit" might be more desirable?
I know it is supposed to be public space- but as it is, it's not used even as that-
so what the hay- it's not like they are trying to put up a McSam on the plot!

[ASchwarz]

All the parks in Paris and Berlin have restaurants. Doesn't seem to be a bad thing.

Why exactly is a restaurant a bad thing, especially when

1. There was previously a restaurant here, and

2. NYC parks already have lots of paid amenities (tennis courts, vendors, etc.). Should we rip the clay courts out of Central Park because you have to pay to use them?

[lofter1]

scumonkey: LMFAO (I knew it)

I've lived in NYC over half my life and go through Union Square on a regular basis -- and NOT ONCE in all that time or during any of those visits did I venture within that crud hole of a Pavilion.

I'd prefer a Shake Shack or a great Taqueria to some fancy dining room like that place in Bryant Park (which I've eaten at but once, and that was only when family was in town -- I was completely underwhelmed by everything there, except the price).

[ZippyTheChimp]

Let's wait until the Union Square renovation is complete before we hand the pavilion over for a high-priced restaurant.

Besides a new north and west plaza, new restroom building, expanded playground, and landscaping - the pavilion will be renovated.

http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/brochure

[scumonkey]

Reminder !

The Annual Union Square
Community Coalition meeting is TONITE!
Wed May 20th at 6 pm.
Venue: NYU Palladium
140 East 14th St., 3rd floor
open to members and the public

+ Sam Schwartz, Former NYC Traffic Commissioner, will speak about Traffic problems around the park

+ Geoffrey Croft, President of NYC Park Advocates, will speak about USCC's vision for public uses of the pavilion

also USCC has a new website:
www.unionsquarecommunitycoalition.org (http://www.unionsquarecommunitycoalition.org/)

[MidtownGuy]

It would be great to have a restaurant/café there, but I would really prefer it to be affordable, not an overpriced amenity for the wealthy only. If it's in a public park, then the general public should be able to afford and make use of it. Something most people could afford spontaneously, not something just for special occasions. Spare us the froufrou nonsense. Oh, and put lots of movable chairs and tables around it like the Shake Shack. Self-service.