Developer Quits Pier 57 Project, a Big Setback
January 25, 2008
Developer Steven Witkoff has withdrawn from the development of Pier 57, putting an end to the estimated $400 million project that would have transformed the old waterfront into a landscaped public space replete with a bridge to the High Line, a marina, a museum, and a gourmet banquet hall. The move sets back by at least two years any future development there.
Last week, the Witkoff Group alerted the Hudson River Park Trust — a state and city agency charged with developing the 5-mile Hudson River Park — that it was formally withdrawing its involvement.
The project has been marred by delays centered for the most part on the Witkoff Group’s involvement in the Manhattan district attorney’s investigation of a former chairman of the New York Republican County Committee, James Ortenzio, who is also a former chairman of the Hudson River Park Trust. In November Ortenzio pleaded guilty to a felony tax violation and failure to make a financial disclosure under the state’s Public Officers Law.
Mr. Witkoff’s business relationship with Ortenzio drew the notice of law enforcement investigators last year while they were in the process of making the tax evasion case against Ortenzio, a source said. Investigators found no evidence of wrongdoing by Mr. Witkoff. According to a source with knowledge of Ortenzio’s business dealings, in 2005, two years after Ortenzio had stepped down as chairman of the Hudson River Park Trust, he received a Mercedes from Mr. Witkoff.
Messages left for Mr. Ortenzio’s lawyer seeking comment were not returned.
Source: NY Sun Read the full story here
Related Articles
- Doctoroff cleared to do NYC development work
- Related’s Pier 40 plan nixed on lease terms
- Council Approves Sanitation Garage Tower for Hudson Square
- City Council’s Slush Fund Probe to Large for City Watchdog
- MTA Looks to Albany for State Aid
Comment on this article
