The owners of a Mediterranean restaurant in Greenport allege that their restaurant was unjustly targeted and forcibly closed by the Village of Greenport under orders from Mayor Kevin Steussi.
The complaint filed by plaintiff Zeynel Erdem and his business entity, Zach Baba 314 Greenport LLC, names the Village of Greenport and its mayor, Kevin Steussi, as defendants. The plaintiffs allege that their restaurant was unjustly targeted and forcibly closed by the Village of Greenport under orders from Mayor Kevin Steussi. According to the complaint, the closure occurred without prior notice or legal authority in early June 2023. The plaintiffs claim these actions violated their civil rights under state and federal constitutions, including due process and equal protection clauses. They assert that no warnings were issued before the closure and that subsequent efforts by the village to obtain court injunctions were based on false pretenses and ultimately unsuccessful. The complaint states that no health or safety violations were found at the restaurant.
The plaintiffs further allege that Mayor Steussi directed village officials to single out Erdem's business while ignoring similar practices at other establishments. This selective enforcement is described as part of a broader effort to intimidate and remove the business from Greenport. As evidence, the complaint cites multiple citations issued after the closure for issues such as garbage can enclosures and outdoor music. The complaint also includes allegations that village officials made derogatory remarks about Erdem's ethnic background.
The plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $5 million for each alleged constitutional violation, including unlawful search and seizure and defamation through false statements made to third parties such as the New York State Liquor Authority. They also request relief for abuse of process related to the village’s litigation efforts.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Timothy Hill of Perillo Hill LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under case ID 25-cv-3506.