New Union Square Restaurant Lawsuit Rejected

A lawsuit against the market and proposed restaurant at the Unioin Square Pavilion was recently rejected by state appeals court. Above, the Union Square Holiday Market on Nov. 14, 2011, in New York City. (Dario Cantatore/Getty Images)

A state appeals court rejected a lawsuit challenging the planned seasonal restaurant in the Union Square pavilion and the popular Union Square Holiday Market, officials announced Tuesday. 

The Union Square Community Coalition (USCC) had filed a suit to prevent the construction of a restaurant in the pavilion building and to eliminate the 15-year annual holiday market. 

The court recently granted the City’s motion to dismiss USCC’s entire lawsuit. 

“This decision correctly recognizes that the City Charter gives the Parks Department discretion to include restaurants and holiday markets in parks and that these elements are an appropriate use of parkland,” corporation counsel Michael Cardozo said in a statement. “Seasonal amenities such as outdoor cafés and bazaars enhance the park experience for City residents and visitors alike.”