Syracuse, N.Y., Feb 23, 2022 / 17:07 pm
The Conventual Franciscan friars at Assumption Church in Syracuse, New York are suing a music and event venue for disrupting their way of life through hosting loud concerts, blocking the friars’ access to church property, hosting illegal marijuana markets, and more.
Alien Opera House is the venue which has been hosting such events at what was formerly Assumption Church’s Parish Center. According to the Feb. 9 lawsuit, the property was sold to a developer, Steve Case, in 2017, and is being rented out to the venue.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the friars by the law firm Hancock Estabrook, alleges that Alien Opera House has hosted illegal marijuana markets which included “consumption events” on at least six occasions between December 2021 and Feb. 6. The suit also named Case’s company, 800 Block, as a defendant.
According to Assumption Church’s website, Case and another man, Troy Evans, founded 800 Block as they purchased multiple properties from the friars.