Court: City Can Redesign Washington Square Park

A state appeals court ruled yesterday that the Department of Parks and Recreation can go forward with its planned redesign of Washington Square Park, reversing a lower court's decision to halt renovations.

Local residents, led by Jonathan Greenberg, had alleged that the department proceeded without enough community input and had withheld crucial details about the plan.

The appeals court, however, found that the department had appropriately consulted Community Board 2, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Art Commission.

Mr. Greenberg said he plans to appeal. "The appellate court has given the city license to lie," he said.

The park renovations include moving the fountain 22 feet and decreasing the size of the plaza.