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A coalition of Upper West Side New York residents, environmental groups, and Damrosch family members has sued New York City and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for using Damrosch Park for limiting public access with commercial events, such as the bi-annual New York Fashion Weeks. The suit has been filed in New York State Supreme Court and—pardon the legalese—alleges that $32 million in revenue has been funneled into Lincoln Center at the expense of the city's general fund thanks to the city's July 2010 license agreement with Lincoln Center.
The demands include the following: That "the agreement between the Parks Department and Lincoln Center be terminated, that the park be restored and no longer be used for nonpark purposes, and that any concession revenue from the park be paid into the city's general fund," New York Times reports.
The bulk of New York Fashion Week has been held at Lincoln Center since it was booted from Bryant Park in 2010, and this isn't the first time area residents have sassed the local government, even picketing during NYFW Fall 2012.
A spokeswoman for the New York City Law Department noted that, "The city is awaiting formal service of the suit and will review it carefully. Fashion Week is an important part of the city's cultural and economic fabric, generating $865 million each year while also creating fashion-related jobs."
· Lawsuit Accuses New York and Lincoln Center of Limiting Access to Damrosch Park [Racked]
· The Westboro Baptist Church Protested Fashion Week on Saturday [Racked NY]
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