Accusations of defamation emerge in ongoing dispute over Central Park carriage horses and union involvement.
The ongoing conflict regarding the future of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park has intensified, drawing attention to the opposing interests at play. Animal rights activists, represented by New Yorkers for Clean Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), have threatened legal action against the Transport Workers Union leadership for alleged defamatory statements linking them to real estate interests seeking to develop Manhattan’s West Side.
In a letter addressed to union leaders John Samuelsen and John Chiarello, NYCLASS’s attorney demanded an immediate cessation of the union’s claims, citing concerns over false assertions made about the organization and its leadership. The tensions escalated following New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ recent endorsement of a city council bill aimed at phasing out the horse carriage industry, a move also supported by prominent figures including the Central Park Conservancy and several mayoral candidates.
Samuelsen’s social media reaction included a dramatic comparison of Mayor Adams to Judas Iscariot, reflecting his discontent over the mayor’s support for the proposed ban on horse-drawn carriage services. He further accused NYCLASS of having deep ties to real estate developments, suggesting their advocacy efforts are entwined with commercial ambitions in the area.
Moreover, the letter from NYCLASS detailed instances of alleged defamation made by Samuelsen, emphasizing the serious ramifications of such claims and warning him of impending legal action. In response, Samuelsen maintained confidence in the veracity of his statements, asserting they were substantiated by evidence and expressing intentions to continue representing the interests of the carriage drivers, many of whom are immigrants.
Steve Nislick, NYCLASS’s co-founder and a real estate executive, maintains that he has no interest in purchasing stables used by the carriage industry. In an attempt to reinforce his position, Nislick offered to enter a binding agreement that would prevent him from developing any of the sites associated with the carriage operations.
Samuelsen, undeterred, expressed skepticism about Nislick’s assurances, raising concerns about undisclosed proxies he could utilize to pursue his objectives. The history of communications between the two parties, including previous cease-and-desist notifications, indicates an ongoing struggle for control over the narrative and the future of the carriage horse industry.
This contentious legal and ideological battle highlights broader themes of urban development versus animal welfare in New York City, positioning NYCLASS and the Transport Workers Union at the forefront of an increasingly polarized debate. As both sides brace for potential litigation, the implications for the carriage industry and Central Park’s historic landscape remain uncertain.
