by Forest Hills, NY – In a bold legal move, Forest Hills Garden Corporation (FHGC) has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of New York and the NYPD, alleging an unconstitutional seizure of private streets during the Forest Hills Stadium’s busy concert season. The complaint highlights concerns over property rights violations and the impact on the neighborhood from over 30 concert days this summer.
The lawsuit claims that the NYPD assumed control of FHGC’s private streets without permission or compensation to facilitate crowd control and traffic management for major concerts at the stadium, which generates millions in revenue for the venue operators. Residents argue this has led to significant disruptions and damages, sparking a contentious dispute well beyond typical concert issues.
Private Streets Taken Over Without Compensation
Katherine Rosenfield, a partner at the law firm representing FHGC, underscored the grievance at the heart of the lawsuit:
“It’s about the city taking people’s property without paying for it to do whatever it’s doing.”
The FHGC, which represents nearly 4,000 residents, alleges that despite revoking their approval for NYPD oversight in May, the city proceeded to grant the stadium concert permits and took control of the streets anyway. This led to thousands of concert attendees crowding the shut-down private roads, leaving behind trash, and engaging in disruptive behavior such as public urination.
- Concert organizers usually pay $25,000 per day for street shutdowns of similar scale in public areas.
- The city has neither paid the FHGC for street use nor reimbursed cleanup costs.
- Some residents have even been blocked from accessing their homes; one case involved an elderly woman injured when barred from taxi drop-off.
Impact on Forest Hills Community and Resident Perspectives
Many residents feel their daily lives are being dictated by the stadium’s concert schedule. Longtime resident Jenna Cavuto described the challenges posed during concert days:
“To even just walk down my sidewalk to get to Austin Street … I have to plan my life around when the concerts are, and quite frankly, I’m really having trouble understanding why residents are being put in the position that a private business is dictating our day-to-day lives.”
Cavuto and others often avoid their homes on concert nights because of security checkpoints and massive crowds. The lawsuit seeks compensation, potentially reaching into the millions, and hopes to hold the city accountable for what FHGC calls an unjust exploitation of private property.
Divided Opinions Within the Community and Ongoing Tensions
Not all residents support the lawsuit approach. Mitchell Cohen, former FHGC president, criticized the board’s actions:
“The vast majority of Forest Hills wants the Stadium to be successful, it is a shame how a few selfish members of the community can waste so much time and money trying to kill something so many love.”
The production company running the concerts, Tiebreaker Productions, declined to comment, and the Mayor’s Office has not responded publicly.
This suit is the latest in a series of legal battles involving the Forest Hills Stadium, including previous complaints about noise violations. The Department of Environmental Protection has issued several citations during recent concert seasons.
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The Broader Context of the Dispute
Forest Hills Stadium concerts are a significant source of income for local retailers but also a source of persistent complaint for the FHGC. According to a detailed report by The New York Post, this legal action highlights the complexity between private property rights and city authority during major public events.
What’s Next for Forest Hills Residents?
The outcome of this lawsuit could reshape how private neighborhoods interact with city authorities and large-scale event planning. Residents and legal experts alike are watching closely as the case unfolds in federal court.
What do you think about this ongoing battle between Forest Hills residents, the city, and the stadium? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
