QSpot LGBT Community Center will remain at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove until at least mid-February under an agreement reached Friday to delay a request for an injunction in their pending discrimination lawsuit against the JSAC. The agreement came shortly before the first scheduled court hearing was to take place on QSpot’s injunction request before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Jamie S. Perri.
“We want everyone to know that QSpot will not be evicted on New Year’s Eve,” said John Mikytuck, QSpot Executive Director. “This agreement gives QSpot the right to remain in our home as legal tenants while the court considers our request for an injunction.”
Under the terms of the agreement, QSpot’s current lease will be extended at least until the court’s decision on the injunction is made, likely sometime in mid-February. The agreement was approved by Judge Perri and provides QSpot with legal protections against any attempt by the JSAC to start eviction proceedings before the next court hearing. QSpot’s lawyers, Mike Long and Steve Rosato of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, negotiated the agreement.
“While this agreement is not the end of our fight, it is a step in the right direction,” said Mikytuck. “We have good reason to be hopeful this holiday season, but we’re still a long way from joyous.”
The group had been told it would have to move out of the building by Dec. 31 because it did not fit the mission statement of the arts center. A lawsuit was filed by the QSpot.
