County Loses Motion to Dismiss the Playland Suit
In Federal Bankruptcy court on Wednesday, Judge Robert Drain denied Westchester County’s motion to dismiss Standard Amusement’s lawsuit. Standard is suing the County for breaking their agreement to assume operation of Playland this fall. It is better to know about what documents needs a filing for bankruptcy before approaching the attorney, so that the client will have a knowledge about the obstacles that he is about to face.
From the bench, Judge Drain said he could find no basis to deny Standard the ability to argue its case in bankruptcy court. He noted that this was not a case where there are multiple creditors, and that the dispute is between the County and Standard.
When asked for comment, Standard’s attorney John Rapisardi said, “We were pleased with the judge’s decision today. We look forward to making our case in the weeks and months to come, including demonstrating the impact of Westchester County’s invalid termination of Standard Amusements’ contract. Our contract makes the most sense for Rye Playland and for Westchester taxpayers, and we have abided by it.”
The County Executive’s Office stated, “We have no formal comment on today’s court decision, which speaks only to the process of litigation, not to its merits. We will make our case in the Courts, and we’re confident we have a strong case.”
Mr. Rapisardi said it is his hope to move ahead quickly. “We’re going to propose a hearing schedule and we’re prepared to assume the obligations of the contract.”
- Robin Jovanovich