Rabble Rousing

Italian-American Activists Protest Pier A Restaurants

Photo: Rogers Marvel Architects

A group of Italian-American activists are protesting the planned coffee shop, oyster bar, and two-floor fine-dining restaurant slated to open in the restored Pier A at the Battery. According to a Downtown Express article, the National Italian-American Action Network thinks a museum celebrating the contributions of Italian-Americans is the only appropriate tenant for the restored pier and esplanade.

Communty Board 1 member Joe Fratta told the Downtown Express, “The bottom line is, they gave the Jewish community the [Museum of Jewish Heritage], they gave the Irish community the Irish Hunger Memorial. And yet, when it came to us, they basically snubbed their nose at us. Out of fairness, our community should have a presence in this area.” The group held a rally on the site at the end of last month, an edited version of which has been posted to YouTube; you can also keep up with the NIAAN’s doings on Facebook. Maybe this group can enlist the help of the folks who protested Jersey Shore a few years back?

Pier A plans stir controversy [Downtown Express]
Earlier: Harry’s Team Will Bring Oyster Bar and Restaurants to Pier A

Italian-American Activists Protest Pier A Restaurants