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February 19, 2007
Copacabana up-in-arms over forced move
AM NY
By Farnoosh Torabi
"The hottest spot north of Havana" is likely moving farther uptown.
Through eminent domain, the city is evicting The Copacabana from its current leased location on 550 W. 34th St. to make way for the No. 7 subway line extension. The 75-year-old hip-hop and salsa club must vacate by July 1. It's been at the 34th Street location since the early 1990s.
"I'm furious, to say the least," said Copacabana owner John Juliano, who's managed the club for more than 30 years.
...
The owner is also upset about moving because he suspects The Copacabana -- a historical, social and cultural destination in New York, with distinguished visitors from Frank Sinatra to the Clintons -- will get replaced by upscale residential units."The Latin community is very upset," Juliano said. "The city just throws you out on the street, and they call it progress ... so some rich real estate mogul can put up a high-rise."
Some property-law attorneys argue that eminent domain law -- the right for the government to seize private property for public projects -- has been watered down. They also say individuals and business owners face a higher risk of eviction by the city.
"[Eminent domain] used to just happen for true public purpose reasons," said Michael Rikon, an attorney with Goldstein, Goldstein, Rikon & Gottlieb. "Now, [New York] has some huge condemnation proceedings, which are economically driven. Like in Brooklyn, there's a huge project for the Nets stadium and luxury housing."
There's also a sidebar Q&A with prominent eminent domain attorney Michael Rikon.
Posted by lumi at February 19, 2007 8:31 AM