A local business is embroiled in a legal battle against municipal authorities, alleging harassment and constitutional violations. On August 22, 2024, Moshe Glenn, MG Craft Kitchen, LLC, and The Saffron Culinary, Inc., filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the Incorporated Village of Lawrence and several village officials.
The plaintiffs claim that the defendants unlawfully terminated their business licenses to operate a restaurant and kosher catering service at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club. They argue that these actions were driven by personal animus from the village administration towards Mr. Glenn. The complaint details how Mr. Glenn had invested $250,000 to set up MG Craft Kitchen, which opened on April 9, 2024, to positive reviews and community support. However, following the election of a new village administration in June 2024, Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz allegedly began harassing Mr. Glenn with baseless complaints about his business operations, according to the complaint.
The situation escalated when the village issued a "Non-Compliance Letter" on July 18, 2024, citing various issues including Mr. Glenn's demeanor towards village officials as grounds for potential termination of his license agreement. Despite Mr. Glenn's efforts to comply with all demands, including providing proof of insurance within 48 hours as requested by the village, his license was abruptly terminated on August 2, 2024. The village then padlocked the restaurant and issued a stop work order without proper legal procedure.
Mr. Glenn is seeking compensatory damages totaling at least $3 million for breach of contract and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. They also seek $250,000 for unjust enrichment and conversion related to their investments in the restaurant premises. Additionally, they request permanent injunctions to prevent further unlawful actions by the defendants and allege violations of their constitutional rights under the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Sholom Wohlgelernter and Abraham David from Berg & David PLLC. Case ID: 24-5897.