Wainwright House Secures Pro Bono Counsel

The non-profit Wainwright House, under legal attack from five of its Milton Point neighbors, has secured pro bono counsel. The New York City based Sive, Paget & Riesel, a specialist in environmental law and litigation, municipal and land use law, will represent the group on the Article 78 action. The suit by neighbors claims the City of Rye’s Planning Commission renewal of Wainwright’s application to hold events is unlawful.

“Our law firm views the Wainwright House as an important, long-standing community resource,” said Dan Chorost, a principal at the firm and the Rye resident that arranged for the pro bono work. “Sive, Paget & Riesel recognizes the importance of protecting this non-profit institution on a pro bono basis so that Wainwright may continue to serve all the people of Rye and the surrounding area for generations to come.”

Another principal, Elizabeth Knauer, will handle the litigation. The firm will be meeting with Wainwright and getting up to speed this week. Knauer has handled matters for Rye and Rye Brook in the past. “I am an avid and long-time yoga practitioner and recognize the importance of community spaces to engage in mindfulness practices,” she told MyRye.com.

The Wainwright’s litigious neighbors may have have more zen coming at them than they ever imagined.