Upper West Side Roundup: Brunch Landmark Faces Eviction, Stray Voltage Concerns, and Tax Surcharge Updates

### Sarabeth’s Faces Eviction Suit

The iconic brunch destination at 423 Amsterdam Avenue is currently the subject of an eviction lawsuit. According to court filings in Manhattan State Supreme Court, building owner Lawrence Arnsten alleges that the restaurant failed to remit rent for June and July. The suit further claims the establishment did not provide required monthly sales figures, which are tied to a lease agreement stipulating rent as either $10,000 or 8% of monthly revenue, whichever is greater. The landlord is seeking $43,400 in back rent and penalties. Representatives for the restaurant and its operating group had not publicly responded to the filing as of early August.

### Stray Voltage Investigation

Following a fatal carriage horse accident in June, questions have emerged regarding the role of stray electrical voltage near Central Park’s Cherry Hill Fountain. Stable owner Cornelius Byrne reported that drivers had previously observed horses acting erratically in the vicinity. While Con Edison confirmed detecting low levels of stray voltage during July inspections, the utility stated the current did not originate from its infrastructure. Power has since been disconnected from nearby lampposts and the fountain area as a precaution, with the utility referring further inquiries to the New York City Parks Department.

### Landmark Status Hearing

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is set to convene on August 4 to review an application regarding the West-Park Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery of New York is seeking to remove the building’s landmark status to facilitate a potential sale to a developer. A final vote on the application is anticipated for August 18.

### Pied-à-Terre Tax Update

New data indicates that the Upper West Side contains a significant concentration of properties potentially subject to the city’s new second-home tax. Analysis of Department of Finance records shows 336 residences across ZIP codes 10024 and 10025 are valued at $5 million or more. Following public feedback, the deadline for property owners to appeal their inclusion in the surcharge program has been extended to September 18.