A luxurious event space nestled beneath the Queensboro Bridge is facing serious allegations of illegally monopolizing a public plaza for nearly a decade, reportedly charging clients up to $300,000 for exclusive access. A recent class-action lawsuit has brought these claims to light, revealing a troubling arrangement that allegedly involves local law enforcement.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, accuses the operators of Guastavino’s of unlawfully claiming a city-owned plaza, which was originally intended as a public sitting area. Plaintiffs argue that the venue’s management has routinely evicted the public, transforming the space into a private playground for high-end events.
In a statement to amNY, Guastavino’s acknowledged the plaza’s public status and mentioned ongoing discussions with city officials to find a resolution. However, the venue has not yet responded to requests for further comments.
According to the court documents, the plaza is part of a larger area acquired in 1900 for the construction of the iconic bridge. The lawsuit claims that Guastavino’s has taken it upon themselves to block public access, employing 𝒻𝒶𝓀𝑒 signage and security personnel to enforce their claim while profiting from lavish weddings and galas.
Among the plaintiffs is Sean Basinski, who alleges that he was forcibly removed from the plaza during the COVID-19 lockdowns while trying to use it for exercise. His experiences continued in 2023, when he was again told that the public plaza was part of the venue’s private event space, with workers hinting at a supposed understanding with the NYPD regarding their arrangement.
Basinski’s confrontations escalated, including a dramatic incident in December 2025 when venue manager Louis Rose allegedly claimed the plaza as “my property” and threw Basinski’s belongings into the street. Following this altercation, Basinski was reportedly arrested for trespassing, although the charges were later dropped.
The situation took a darker turn when Basinski returned to the area in April, facing threats from venue staff warning of potential hospitalization and arrest if he didn’t leave. Even when he attempted to read a book in the plaza later that month, police reportedly insisted it was private property, despite Basinski’s requests for proof.
The NYPD has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, leaving many questions unanswered about the relationship between the venue and local law enforcement. As the lawsuit unfolds, the fate of this public space remains uncertain, sparking curiosity about what might happen next.
