The city won the first round of a lawsuit by residents of the Financial District’s family-friendly “Stroller Alley” neighborhood when a Manhattan judge ruled Tuesday that the Department of Probation could proceed with its planned move to 66 John St. on Jan. 17.
In a one-line decision released Wednesday Supreme Court Justice Carol Huff denied a preliminary petition by the residents and local tenants including Century 21 and Pace University.
They “have not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits,” the judge wrote.
“We’re disappointed in Justice Huff’s decision to say the least,” said the opponents’ attorney, Steven Sladkus. “We’re exploring all options including seeking appellate relief.”
The residents claim the Department of Probation’s move to an office building at 66 John St. that will house case management officers who see drug dealers and gang members on a daily basis, was a “stealth attack on the community of the Financial District.”
They fear the parade of convicts will increase crime in the neighborhood.
“I’m disappointed and still remain shocked that the city continues to press this even after we raised our objections,” said Patrick Kennell, who lives at 80 John St. and walks his 3-year-old son by 66 John St. every day on their way to his pre-school.
Kennell says he’s puzzled why the city would work so hard to rebuild the residential component of the neighborhood following the devastating Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, only to alienate the neighbors who moved in.
City attorney Haley Stein told Justice Huff during a hearing on Tuesday that the convicted criminals are low risk individuals who ride the subway, work and shop alongside New Yorkers every day.
Haley Stein, Senior Counsel for the city’s Law Department, said in a statement, “We are pleased that the judge agreed with us that the project not be stopped, pending the ultimate resolution of the legal issues.”