The construction of a mixed-use, mall-anchored development on the former site of Shea Stadium in Queens, without the state Legislature's approval, would violate the doctrine restricting the use of public lands for private purposes, a Manhattan appellate court ruled Thursday.

The decision by a four-judge panel of the Appellate Division, First Department, reverses a ruling by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez who had dismissed claims by opponents of the Willets Point West development that the project would violate the public trust doctrine (NYLJ, Aug. 21, 2014).

The central flashpoint between the parties is their dueling interpretations of New York City Administrative Code §18-118, which was adopted in 1961 and allowed the New York Mets to use a portion of what is now called Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for the construction of Shea Stadium.