Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Judge: Con Ed Can't Evict Park 51, AKA"Ground Zero" Mosque At Least Not Yet
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 29, 2011
Modified Nov 29, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 29, 2011
Modified Nov 29, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A judge has blocked Con Ed from evicting the controversial Park 51 community center from its Lower Manhattan buildings, after the utility retroactively raised the monthly rent to $47,437 and demanded $1.7 million in back rent. According to the New York Law Journal, Justice Richard Braun noted in his opinion that Park 51 "speculates as to whether defendant may be bowing to unspecified political pressure," referring to the fact that lots of people are upset that a mosque could be built so close to a sacred strip club.
The utility had given Park 51 a notice to pay the $1.7 million by October 4 or face eviction. Judge Braun's order—known as a Yellowstone injunction—gives Park 51 20 days to "meet the deficiencies" alleged in Con Ed's complaint, or challenge them. In the meantime, Braun ordered the community center and its developer Sharif El-Gamal, to put up $881,519, which is the amount that both sides agree Park 51 owes. "I am happy [with the Yellowstone injunction] because I don't want to have my client's tenancy threatened," Park 51's attorney, Matthew Hearle said.
For a more balanced take on the Park 51 center and El-Gamal than you might find on cable news, check out PBS/Frontline's short documentary, The Man Behind the Mosque.
Tagged
con ed
ground zero mosque
islam
park 51
september 11
war on terror
xenophobia
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says
Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 7:28 a.m. ET
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
News
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
Gov. Hochul declares upstate NY measles outbreak a ‘disaster emergency’
By
Caroline Lewis
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .