Judge on Union Square Park: Renovations O.K., But Hold Off on Restaurant

A judge further blocked construction of a restaurant at the pavilion in Union Square Park today, placing a partial injunction on the Department of Parks and Recreation project.

The city is barred from “installing fixtures for or operating a restaurant in the Pavilion” until a further ruling or order, the judge wrote, though the city is allowed to proceed on preliminary work, an expanded playground and a renovation of the northern end of the park.

Community and advocacy groups sued the city last month over its plans to put a new, seasonal restaurant in the renovated pavilion, claiming that the decision needed approval of the State Legislature.

The city argued, according to the court decision, that an injunction stopping work would cost $500,000 per month in increased costs.

Statement from the city:

"We are gratified by the court’s decision to allow us to proceed with the renovation of Union Square Park’s northern end without further delay,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “By removing the temporary restraining order, the court is allowing construction to move forward, which will result in a dramatically enlarged playground, a restored plaza and pavilion, and many more trees. This decision is in the best interest of the community and we look forward to proceeding with this much needed restoration.”

And from NYC Park Advocates:

"The community is one step closer to getting the desperately needed playground space it needs," said Geoffrey Croft, president of NYC Park Advocates, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "This community has the highest concentration of restaurants, but the lowest amount of playspace of any community in the city. It is unfortunate that the City and the Union Square Partnership still insist on taking away thousands of square feet of potential playspace from children."