Battery Park City residents’ democracy lesson for King Cuomo

Battery Park City residents just proved that New Yorkers can indeed stop dictatorial overreach by pols like Gov. Andrew Cuomo: They just forced him to back down on a plan to swipe precious park space in their area for a memorial to essential workers.

The memorial, of course, was a fine idea: The city would’ve never made it through the pandemic without its essential workers. Yet the spot Team Cuomo chose would’ve cost locals cherished green space — and it came as a complete shock: Neighbors were never consulted. After fierce opposition, Cuomo & Co. caved this week, agreeing to pick a new site, this time with local input. The gov’s point person even apologized for failing to solicit input.