Court Tosses Plaza Hotel's Lawsuit To Get Citi Bike Rack Removed

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Plaza Hotel's bid to get rid of a Citi Bike rack from a space across from its entrance has been rejected.

The state Supreme Court appellate division's First Department said Tuesday the city properly reviewed the location outside the hotel near Central Park. Judges upheld a lower court's ruling dismissing The Plaza's lawsuit.

The hotel and condominium wanted the bright blue Citi Bike rack removed from Grand Army Plaza, a landmark itself, arguing the 147-foot-long bike station is an advertising-laden, traffic-clogging eyesore.

Plaza officials said the city reneged on a promise to relocate the bikes, which is why they moved forward with the lawsuit.

The suit also claimed that bike parking has taken away a lane of traffic, leading to congestion of limousines in front of the hotel.

The city, however, said it's an ideal location for the bike-sharing program. The city's Law Department said it's pleased with the decision.

Plaza representatives haven't responded to a request for comment.

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