On Monday, September 7, Community Board 12-Manhattan took the unprecedented step of filing an amicus brief in a trial case regarding the Riverside Viaduct. The case involves a dispute between the New York City Department of Transportation and Judlau over rehabilitation services rendered on Riverside Drive.
Judlau commenced the suit in June 2025, arguing that the fees paid under its contract were shortchanged by certain unforeseen circumstances regarding the rehabilitation site. Judlau had previously walked off the site, since halting the work north of 155th Street.
Residents have raised concerns about the halted work, as Judlau left behind significant obstructions on the nearby roads and sidewalks. By not working to complete the project, the pending matter has left behind unsafe conditions. Not only are these conditions inconvenient, but they have posed significant health and safety hazards resulting in delayed emergency medical care.
“When the Board first learned of the matter, we agreed that these conditions caused an unconscionable and unsettling situation,” states Anthony Viola, Chairperson of CB12M. “Where others have failed to act, we knew we needed to do something.”
CB12M explored several options as an advisory body. In most discussions with NYCDOT, the Board was told nothing could be said or done while legal proceedings continued. In response, the Board decided to get involved there.
Pursuant to Rule 23 of the Commercial Division, where the case is being tried, non-parties can file “amicus curiae” briefs to the court under certain circumstances. Here, the Board believed that through the community, it presented the court with a unique perspective that parties weren’t equipped to detail effectively.
“We have worked closely with the community and other stakeholders, and have tried every possible avenue to address the ongoing safety, accessibility, and quality of life concerns surrounding the Riverside Drive Viaduct,” states Leo Jimenez, First Vice Chairperson and Chair of Traffic and Transportation of CB12M. “I thank Chairperson Viola and CB12M for taking this additional step to ensure our community’s concerns are heard.”
In June 2026, Chairperson Viola presented the Executive Committee and later the full Board with a resolution, authorizing him and outside counsel to develop and submit an amicus brief calling for special attention to the situation. CB12M retained Paul Stewart-Stand of the Law Offices of Paul Stewart-Stand to provide counsel.
The brief contains anecdotes from impacted community members and argues in favor of preference for the case. CB12M’s goal is to hasten the legal proceedings so the work can be completed.
“The longer this matter sits in court, the longer these unjustifiable conditions remain in place,” explains Viola. “In doing something, our hope is the court recognizes the immense burden this has had on our community and acts promptly to resolve the matter.”
The brief is available on the New York e-Courts website here.