Rachel McLennan envisioned herself in a flowing white gown, posed on the
steps of Park Slope’s historic Montauk Club on her wedding day.
But after signing a contract with the club last year, she found out in
May that Brooklyn’s 122-year-old architectural gem would be covered by
dark scaffolding on her big day. Not to mention the port-o-john parked
in the yard.
“Of course that’s exactly what you want to get married in,” said a
sarcastic McLennan, who is planning an October ceremony. “I cried
hysterically in front of the club when I saw it. I was devastated.”
McLennan is one of six brides who say they were misled by the Montauk
Club: Each woman paid an $1,800 deposit before being told — in one case,
10 days before her wedding — that the facade of the building would be
draped in scaffolding.
Greenpoint resident Jeniza Ketay’s husband spotted the scaffolding 10
days before their May 21 nuptials. Racing to find a last-minute venue
was nothing short of “traumatic,” she said.
“I was in shock,” said Katie Dixon, 29, a bride who hoped to use the club as a backdrop in photos.
“We just have to move forward because we don’t want there to be a shadow over the wedding.”
No refund, but a deal on food?
The $1,800 to $2,500 deposit to reserve the site is nonrefundable, said Joseph Callahan, a lawyer for the Montauk Club.
According to Callahan the club still offers a pristine interior; he says
two brides signed up just last month to have their weddings there,
despite the scaffolding. And besides, he says, the netting would only
distract for “a minute and a half walking up the steps.”
The club also offered disgruntled brides a 15 percent discount on catering.
All six disgruntled brides have acquired attorney David Schwarz to fight
for refunds. He said he is trying to get their money back and if not,
will sue.
Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @AlisonatMetro.
