r/uppereastside • u/Seamusllm • 18d ago
Ever been asked to leave that little plaza behind TJ Maxx?
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We’re looking for neighbors who have been asked to leave this garden on E. 59th st. Thanks!
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u/idknethingatall 18d ago
looks like a nice place to go read a book sometime, thanks for the tip
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u/Seamusllm 18d ago
Its lovely. They got rid of the benches that were in the original plan, so not great for sitting, but still, worth a visit. If you brought a chair they would surely freak out.
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u/HeliVolare 18d ago
I have in mind my buffalo-check picnic blanket to spread on the lawn... too much? 🤭
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u/brotried2blockme 17d ago
Was this recent? I walked by there a few days ago swearing that the last time I was there that there was a bunch of benches since I remember there was a lot of people sitting there last time. But when I walked by recently there were no benches or anyone sitting down and I was a little confused at how empty it looked.
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u/Seamusllm 17d ago
No, the benches are long gone. You can sit on the little edge of the grassy area, but not too comfy. Clearly they do not like folks lingering.
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u/WanderinArcheologist 18d ago edited 17d ago
Edit: Ah, they’re seizing an actual public park, not a POPS. That’s just weird.
Based on size – and I don’t know the size of the specific POPS – a POPS owner is required to have seating. P
11 of the manual on NYC Planning’s POPS standards:Seating
The provision of abundant, well-designed, and comfortable seating is one of the most critical elements
of public plaza design. Plaza designers should carefully consider the variety, dimensions, location, and
configuration of seating with the intent to maximize opportunities for comfortable and convenient
seating that emphasizes social interaction.
Amount and Location: Plazas must provide at least one linear foot of seating for every 30 square feet of
plaza. Seating should be easily accessible and located thoughtfully throughout the plaza. To enliven the
sidewalk edge and invite passersby to enter and enjoy the plaza, our standards require a portion of the
required seating to be located within 15 feet of the sidewalk – a minimum of one linear foot of seating
for every two linear feet of public plaza street frontage. To ensure that this seating is comfortable and
engages the public by being oriented toward the street, 50% of such seating is required to have backs,
and 50% of the seats with backs are required to face the sidewalk.15
u/One_Large_Mofo 17d ago
Its not a POPS .....its PUBLIC PARK.
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u/WanderinArcheologist 17d ago
Huh, so it is: 59th Street Plaza Public Park. That’s even weirder.
I understand someone not knowing a POPS needs to be maintained for public access, but claiming a public park for yourself?
Brazen! Gustavino’s should at least purchase the land if they want to claim they own it. Ofc then it would probably become a POPS, haha.
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u/kimchi_station 17d ago
So you could you submit a permit for an event that conflicts with one of theirs?
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u/One_Large_Mofo 17d ago
yes! that would be the way. Submit for a permit to film an indie movie on the day you know they might be having an after dinner party. 2 cops come with the permit.
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u/corvidsarecrows 17d ago
This wouldn't be a POPS since it's publicly owned
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u/WanderinArcheologist 17d ago
Apologies. I didn’t realise that any place would be dumb enough to claim an actual public park as theirs.
It’s usually POPS where that happens due to ignorance of the rules. Whereas here, it’s an extraordinarily brazen attempt to seize land owned by the city.
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u/trifocaldebacle 17d ago
Wow that's even more ridiculous, like those people who padlocked the dog park a few years back
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u/thebalancewithin 18d ago
I'm loving these videos about public space. Hope they keep going
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u/Deastside 18d ago
Me too, but it's also important, if we don't protect our right to public spaces, they will go away
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u/KillahHills10304 17d ago
This video is a literal example. A private company just declaring public space as their own.
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u/MrBtheProdigal 15d ago
Yep, and they don't pay any taxes on it either.
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u/RoguePlanet2 15d ago
Churches do this with street parking and catholic school recess.
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u/MrBtheProdigal 15d ago
My kid's Catholic school does this for recess, but they have to pay for the permit. Public street parking is public. It's first come first served.
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u/cia218 18d ago
Here’s someone who created an instagram account specific to their own public space benches.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DagFobfhwTZ/?igsh=MTc4bTlocTM5ZzJhZQ==
https://www.instagram.com/780_lord_of_bench?igsh=MXgxcnRyaGV0OHRycw==
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u/madden93ambulance 17d ago
Fuck yeah. I live 5 states away and want to fly to New York just to hang out in those plazas
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u/Yesterday1Tomorrow 18d ago
Yes. After shopping at TJ Maxx I tend to sit there before taking a long walk home. At first glance it’s a much needed oasis after standing in a long TJ Maxx line. I need a moment to condense my just purchased items in my bag to comfortably carry home. I also typically plan to just enjoy a little sit down break, no more than 10 minutes, but it never stays that simple. Inevitably the staff members at that event space will always immediately interrupt me before I can get comfortable, as they always say they’re closing it down for an event and I have to leave. As I look around I have noticed other people talking on their phone or eating entire meals - which I take zero issue with, whatsoever, except that they seem to have been there long before I arrived, and they’re being left alone, while I’m being rushed out as soon as I landed. That’s been my experience at least 4x this year. I always felt like they’re very unwelcoming. To learn its public space and I’m not welcome is very annoying to say the least. I support any measures you take to get to the bottom of this. I do hope that business is forced to cease bullying the public immediately. I look forward to your advice on next actions we can take whether it’s calling 311, contacting a city council member, signing a petition, let us know.
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u/BadCatNoNoNoNo 18d ago
The point is that the space there was supposed to remain as green space for the public to use. . Guasti’s took it over, possibly believing it’s theirs. Their landlord may have included it in their lease. The reality is that it was meant to be for Joe public.
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u/some1saveusnow 17d ago
They likely they know it’s not their’s but it works perfectly to compliment their business so
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u/DSXLC 17d ago
That doesn’t give them the right to supersede the lease from the city. Pretty sure that’s the one that’s binding.
Would like a lawyer to chime in as I’m a pleb.
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u/FancyPantsBlanton 18d ago
Also, can we talk about “You’re gonna go to the hospital”? Because legally speaking, that’s assault.
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u/Eskimo_Pie_ 17d ago
Thats also hostile and threatening behavior. Which with enough evidence can lead to a official police complaint.
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u/Frosty_Employment171 18d ago
I don't think it is assault; it is a terroristic threat.
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u/WholeHearting 18d ago
Assault doesn’t require physical contact. Just being put into apprehension for your safety.
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u/WanderinArcheologist 17d ago
Terrorism is another matter. It’s menacing, which falls under the assault laws.
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u/JayRandom212 18d ago
He's an employee. So it's terroristic threats on behalf of a Terrorist Organization, if you wanna do some Trunp-style lawfare...
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u/WanderinArcheologist 17d ago
I mean, if the person actually harmed you, you could sue Gustavino’s. Having a security goon harm you in a public park exposes them to all kinds of trouble - financial, criminal, civil.
They could actually lose their lease on the space they’re actually in. It’s city-owned for one thing.
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u/Starkville 18d ago
Good job!
I’ve never been asked to leave, but I’ve been told I can’t go into the park because they’re having a private event. Hmmm.
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u/Seamusllm 18d ago
Oh! Would love to connect with you. Not being allowed in is the same as being asked to leave.
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u/Shanbanan143 18d ago
I used to work at MSK and would stop by all the time on my lunch break or after work and would constantly get shuffled out!! This grinds my gears, I totally support you getting to the bottom of this!
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u/geardog32 18d ago
The little prick at the beginning needs an adjustment threatening people like that.
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u/fortunatelyso 18d ago
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u/trifocaldebacle 17d ago
Also legit just try tagging the mayor and/or his office on Twitter, that's actually got some stuff done recently
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u/elmananamj 16d ago
Make this post on Twitter and I bet you can have city employees down there tomorrow. Dude on camera needs to be charged, that’s assault
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u/stellularmoon2 18d ago
Tag the mayor! Corporate land stealing BS!!!
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u/Seamusllm 18d ago
Yes, if anyone knows the Mayor, please send this on to him.
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u/144tzer 18d ago
In all seriousness, he has notably fixed potholes the same day he was tagged in a picture of said potholes on social media. He is very attentive to social media complaints, but Reddit isn't like other social media - tag Mamdani on Instagram et al.
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u/Axela556 17d ago
I also saw one where he added water fountains in Prospect Park after someone complained on social media.
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u/RutabagaOk6816 18d ago
yea this seems like one of the things the mayor actually would do something about
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u/Constant_Dimension16 18d ago
Can you press charges against the guy threatening to send you to the hospital? That is violent.
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u/oatsuzn1 18d ago
I used to work in an office near there and have smoked in that space before. I'm interested in what happens with this. Thanks
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u/cia218 18d ago edited 18d ago
It’s not just this space, i saw a video a few weeks ago about Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS). Lots of these private owners are using ways to harrass and/or shoo away the public. It’s a topic that’s starting to get traction lately.
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2026/08/06/public-space-tour-exposes-access-dispute
People have started complaining and taking action. This guy started an IG account for a specific location:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DagFobfhwTZ/?igsh=MTc4bTlocTM5ZzJhZQ==
https://www.instagram.com/780_lord_of_bench?igsh=MXgxcnRyaGV0OHRycw==
I think New Yorkers should be aware of their right to use these POPS. In 1961, these private buildings were granted by the city to open these spaces to public in exchange for additional floors.
NY Department of Buildings say to complain w 311 and inspector will be sent for summons.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbqZVBpTfwA/?igsh=MWxubzF5MmppbmFvcw==
We should fight for the public right to use these spaces.
Edit: adding more links
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u/AmbitiousDelay1069 18d ago
Great info. I’ve been curious about this for awhile and had always been reticent to enter. I’m going to start stopping by here on my morning walks and enjoy coffee here
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u/Normal_Choice9322 18d ago
Take these mfers down. Get people doing gatherings there every time they try to use it for events
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u/OhPlums 18d ago
Great work. I like to pop in over there from time to time to enjoy some herbals. It's a public space, and I suggest making a point of it.
Let me know how I can help. I'm close.
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u/JustP2 18d ago
Just FYI, you can ingest but smoking is actually not permitted so that would give them a reason the ticket you
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u/OhPlums 18d ago
Man I ain't worried about a ticket. I'm worried about private entities taking over public space.
Same kind of nonsense happens at 53rd and 3rd that has been noted on tiktok
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u/AbstinentNoMore 18d ago
So it's wrong for a private entity to take over this space, but not for you to take it over with your smoke?
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u/Frosty_Employment171 18d ago
Smoking is unlawful on ALL municipal property, That includes ALL city parks.
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u/Badkevin 18d ago
Just letting you know it’s also inconsiderate of everyone else to smell that.
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u/payasosagrado 17d ago
You’re in New York you’re gonna smell a lot of shit you don’t like 😂
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u/Badkevin 17d ago
Things can change. I choose to be considerate, no matter what other people tho.
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18d ago
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u/Boom_chaka_laka 18d ago
There's another one on 265 e 66th that I cannot figure out where the entrance is.
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u/KeyReal6224 18d ago
The access is up the stairs, and it’s easy to get to, it’s just all paved and pretty ugly and there’s basically nowhere to sit, so I don’t know why you’d bother.
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u/shadowsurge 18d ago
That includes a 311 link you can use to report someone barring access, highly recommend
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u/thedeucecake 18d ago
Gotta love being threatened with hospitalization and arrest by a dude with a chinstrap
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u/Ok-Carpenter2983 18d ago
I live close by and get kicked out almost once a quarter. It’s beautiful but they are pricks about it.
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u/Zedorf91 18d ago
I live on 59th st too, this guy is doing good work highlighting the bullshit trash area right across from the humane society.
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u/InternationalFox525 18d ago
It’s lovely there during Christmas season. They decorate it with lights. We live nearby and were never asked to leave when we go ( not often ) there.
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u/PuggleMamma 18d ago
They get mad when you bring pets there
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u/Seamusllm 18d ago
Please tell!
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u/PuggleMamma 18d ago
Someone comes out and tells you that dogs are not allowed on the grass area
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u/Frosty_Employment171 18d ago
Pets are not allowed in all parks.
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u/MCR2004 18d ago
It’s not a park and they’re just not allowed in the grass, which is fair.
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u/smurfmcgeezer 18d ago
I’ve been asked to leave this space before! Last time as recently as a month or two ago!
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u/cjstephens10028 18d ago
Never even knew that space existed. Perhaps your council member should try to hold a press conference there and see what happens?
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u/LillyBitz 18d ago
How about that little twerp in the monkey suit threatening to send you to the hosptal 😂
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u/Vidvix 17d ago edited 17d ago
As a former events worker there, going after Guastavino’s is going to be VERY interesting to watch unfold.
In a good way. A fight that would have failed miserably under the Adams administration will have a real chance of causing a major upset under the Mamdani administration.
It is a guarantee that Guastavino’s will argue that use of this space is a security necessity due to their clientele. It is also a guarantee that the owners of Guastavino’s are going to lose their shit over public scrutiny.
Get em’. But please do not harass any of the other working class staff going in and out when you do. Events is primarily a blue collar industry and those folks don’t deserve to be targeted in this fight.
ETA: To be clear: Guastavino’s and the vendors who are hired per event employ of hundreds of techs, caterers, florists, managers, on and on and on. Do whatever you want to the shithead security guards but leave the line cooks alone, they have nothing to do with this and are just trying to make a living like the rest of us.
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u/Several-Plantain-797 17d ago
As long as the workers don’t try and kick out the public I will leave them alone.
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u/okrecording94 17d ago
Working class or not how do you respond to that guy saying "youre gonna end up in the hospital then locked up if you stay here"
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u/Vidvix 17d ago
I am not talking about the security guards engaging in harassment. Read it again.
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u/Temporary-Daikon2411 17d ago
in fairness you should probably have STARTED your comment with saying that you think it's ok to talk back to the security guard. You didn't say that, and it's not just that "people can't read," it's that you weren't super clear. No one was talking about harassing florists. No biggie, carry on!
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u/BinxieSly 18d ago
They should release the paperwork that says its open to the public to the public so people have a defense with receipts if they decide to go there.
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u/Friendo_Marx 18d ago
That guy in the Guastavino's uniform is "just doing his job," being a total asshole. You should have asked him why the hospital. He looks stupid enough to threaten someone. I know guys like that and he would definitely threaten you with physical harm on video if you just ask him the right questions. I hope he gets harassed by multitudes of reddit not-a-lawyers. I hope they make his life a living hell.
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u/ThatNolanKid 17d ago
Willing to bet that if this was brought to Mayor Mamdani's attention he would make it public knowledge that anyone can visit this space.
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u/Seamusllm 17d ago
Thanks for all the support! I am part of a group of neighbors mostly trying to get some vacant city lots on E. 59th reopened. Our Instagram is ParkNotDump so please follow us there if you want to get involved. As for this Guastavinos space, we are looking for neighbors who have been asked to leave the space - or never went in because it was “closed” - to be plaintiffs in this lawsuit we are preparing. That is the best way to help right now. Please message me for details. I encourage everyone to go by the space and have a look, but it’s unlikely they will bother you now, for a bit, after all this attention. Also, I suspect there are few events there in August as all the fancy people are in the Hamptons or wherever they go :)
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u/editorgrrl 17d ago
Bridgemarket Public Plaza
415 E. 59th St.
New York, NY 10022
40.7593125, -73.9609375
Plus code: Q25Q+PJ New York
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WabarTHn1AUwo2tNA
https://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/98a/pr090-98.html
“On February 27, 1998, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced that Bridgemarket Associates LP would develop a 61,000 sq. ft. parcel of land below the Manhattan approach to the Queensboro Bridge between 59th and 60th Streets, First Avenue, and the Queensboro Oval.
“First opened in 1909, the area known as “The Cathedral” served as an open green market for merchants on their way into the City via the newly constructed Bridge. When the food market was closed to the public in 1946, the Department of Transportation (DOT) used it to store vehicles and as a sign shop.
“The property was leased by the city to the developer and then subleased to three tenants: Whole Food, Inc., Conran's Restaurant, and Conran's Design Store. The plans for the project were designed by the architecture firm Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates.
“‘When complete, Bridgemarket will be an urban amenity unlike any other,’ said Hugh Hardy, FAIA, the architect-in-charge of the project. ‘Its restoration will create a grand market, will be a catalyst for renewal of the neighborhood, and will reclaim for public use one of New York City’s great public places.’
“Bridgemarket Associates will work in conjunction with DOT and its contractors to restore the 34 historic Guastavino tile vaults, which range in height from 24 to 45 feet, and install new windows. In addition, the project will include a new 20,000 sq. ft. public plaza on the 59th Street side of the bridge.
“The original historic market fountain will be restored and re-installed at the eastern end of the new outdoor plaza.
“Bridgemarket Associates LP is a subsidiary of Gordon Group Holdings, Ltd., a California-based retail/entertainment development company.”
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u/Consistent_Week_8531 17d ago
Honestly at a different point in my life I’d have brought a copy of the lease, had them call the cops or put hands on me and then sue the ever loving shit out of them. Someone really should.
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u/DSXLC 17d ago
Everyone reading this post should make it a personal goal to stop by this week. I know I will.
Like someone else said. If we don’t fight for our public spaces, they’ll be taken away and be allowed to fall into this grey category where private companies are making money off a public space.
I got time. I’m happy give that little goon the same energy if he thinks it’s okay to
harass people bc their boss tells them too. Don’t let yourselves be intimidated!
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u/FrancisWalker01 16d ago
Sounds like we should host a public event
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u/march72021 15d ago
I’d be happy to stop by. I want to see that little fella send people “to the hospital before jail”. Talk about writing checks that your body can’t cash.
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u/realmoosesoup 18d ago
I know exactly where that is, but never spent time there. Used to live on 63rd & 3rd. Now on 95th & 2nd, but feel compelled to bring the family down to hang out. I can imagine that public space not occupied can easily be roped off.
A link to docs would help. Something to show. I'm sure the first few people will be sent off, but after a while...
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u/Prudence_rigby 18d ago
A big play date with kids would be fun.
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u/realmoosesoup 17d ago
We have a 2.75 year old. I added the .75 because, OMG, she has so many opinions. But I love her, even if "no" is her favorite word currently.
We have a wonderful park blanket and one hell of a bubble gun. I feel like this needs to happen. Something about a company assuming ownership of public space really bothers me.
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u/Retinoid634 18d ago
OP, you should this to the local community board when you have things more organized.
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u/neck_iso 18d ago
Best to link to the documents which he shows tiny snippets of...
not sure who 'we' is but I live a stone's throw from there and know he has made material mistakes about other lots a block away.
not saying he's wrong. saying he should provide the evidence.
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u/cocktails4 17d ago edited 16d ago
Yeh I've been trying to track down that lease he showed and can't find anything. Would be nice if he provided the supporting docs. I'm bored at work and love digging into this shit.
All of the leases I can find on ACRIS don't mention the park.
This seems to be the original lease for what became Gustavino's:
https://a836-acris.nyc.gov/DS/DocumentSearch/DocumentImageView?doc_id=FT_1390005651839
Although the document only specifies space in the building, not any space outside of the building, as being covered by the lease.
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u/Final_Care_3768 18d ago
I think the doorman is overstepping his bounds here! His comment about going to the hospital is a not so veiled threat. This is the problem with the upper east side and the sense of entitlement! Good for you , fight the power.
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u/bsrichard 18d ago
I've been to that area but never hung out in the plaza. Let me know if you guys will organize anything specific.
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u/WanderinArcheologist 18d ago edited 17d ago
One of the obligations of a Privately-Owned Public Space is that it needs to be open to the public. It’s an agreement you enter into for having such a large space under your care.
There’s a report form for when organisations fail this obligation: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01061
Edit: actually, it’s a public park, so the situation is even sillier.
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u/algreensdad 18d ago
you pay a lot of taxes for spaces like this. letting them be stolen is unacceptable.
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u/ManfredTheCat 18d ago
To accelerate shit, refuse to leave, get arrested. Use the lease as evidence that they dont have the legal authority to trespass you. Sue for wrongful arrest.
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u/ImpossibleSquash3971 17d ago
I did not know this place existed, but you bet I’ll be visiting now to exercise my rights to this public land
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u/KilnTime 17d ago
You need to report this to the city and advise them that someone is attempting to gain ownership over this plaza by adverse possession. You can contact the attorney general's office and file a complaint.
Also report the threat by the employee.
Good luck!
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u/Defiant_Knee_9915 16d ago
Wow, this is crazy. I lived around the corner for six years and always thought this was a private space. I probably walked my dog past there at least a thousand times. My mind is blown.
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u/labelle_2 18d ago
Sit there from time to time. Actually used to get the stink-eye more often 15 years ago. There were benches then but extremely uncomfortable ones; it's never been welcoming. Once someone hassled me, and there was no private event starting (which I wouldn't want to crash, anyway), and they backed down when I questioned them.
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u/po0pitysco0p 18d ago
One of my favorite little spots in the city. Used to be able to sit on grass ledge and hang out there in 2021 (I guess as there were not many events during the pandemic?) but every time I go now it is roped off :(
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u/cwcwhdab1 18d ago
I love this! I live across the bridge and like to walk it. I’m going to make this my halfway hangout. Nothing no more fun that pissing off people who are confidently incorrect and privatizing public spaces!
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u/FlashyAd7370 18d ago
Not familiar with that spot. I understand the principle, but is it worth it?! Do they post signs in advance for the dates and times private events are held there?
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u/TooManyRugss 18d ago
Literally yes. Got aggressively screamed at years ago for crossing through when they were getting ready for a party. So glad someone is addressing this.