The construction of a mixed-use, mall-anchored development on the former site of Shea Stadium in Queens, without the state Legislature’s approval, would violate the doctrine restricting the use of public lands for private purposes, a Manhattan appellate court ruled Thursday.
The decision by a four-judge panel of the Appellate Division, First Department, reverses a ruling by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez who had dismissed claims by opponents of the Willets Point West development that the project would violate the public trust doctrine (NYLJ, Aug. 21, 2014).
