NEW YORK—A plan to move the city’s Probation Department to the heart of the financial district sparked outrage among the local community last October, and a lawsuit against the city is now underway.
Attorney Steven Sladkus, who is representing the interests of local residents, businesses, and schools presented the case to Judge Carol Huff Tuesday.
Opponents are concerned that the relocation of the probation office to 66 John Street from 346 Broadway is not appropriate, given the increasing number of families in the area.
Sladkus hopes to receive a temporary restraining order, which would prohibit the city from moving into the space without permission from the court. He will find out on Wednesday 10 a.m.
“It will certainly promote a safer neighbourhood,” said Sladkus.
Community members also felt that there was a lack of information from the city about the move.
Patrick Kennell, a Tribeca resident and petitioner who hired Sladkus, said “I felt shocked that the City would make the move without consulting the community.”
Kennel said that the probation office would fit better on Centre Street near the Criminal Courthouse. An estimated 23,852 residents live in a 1,100-foot radius of 66 John Street, according to an Alliance for Downtown New York 2010 residential survey.
“I wouldn’t feel safe, it’s terrible” said Mirawa Torres, a small-business owner, who was filing a complaint at the municipal offices at 66 John Street on Tuesday.
