Sen. Klein and Assemblyman Dinowitz Call on Governor Christie to Halt Construction of New Palisades Skyscraper

RIVERDALE, NY- This week, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Riverdale) co-authored a letter to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, urging him to intervene on behalf of New Jersey and New York residents in the planned construction of a new 143 foot building for LG Electronics Corporation in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, by the Palisades.

In sending the letter to Governor Christie, Klein and Dinowitz join a chorus of New York and New Jersey lawmakers and residents who believe that the office tower will disrupt the natural beauty of Palisades. Over the long term, elected officials and community groups are also concerned that the tower’s construction will set a dangerous precedent for major construction near the parkland.

“The construction of this tower would not only hinder the goals set forth in the creation of the Palisades Interstate Park, but would irrevocably disrupt the impressive landscape formed by the treeline and cliffs along the park. Furthermore, if this design is fully realized, it will set a precedent for further construction along this beautiful stretch of land, permanently ruining this beloved landscape and natural habitat.”

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Community Board #8, Manhattan Community Board #12, in addition to four former New Jersey governors have called on Christie to reconsider plans to construct the LG Electronics building.

A copy of the letter is below and attached.

Dear Governor Christie:

We are writing on behalf of the people of the Bronx and New York City to respectfully request that you intervene in LG Electronics’ plans to erect a 143-foot office tower along the Palisades.

The construction of this tower would not only hinder the goals set forth in the creation of the Palisades Interstate Park, but would irrevocably disrupt the impressive landscape formed by the treeline and cliffs along the park. Furthermore, if this design is fully realized, it will set a precedent for further construction along this beautiful stretch of land, permanently ruining this beloved landscape and natural habitat. We must ensure that the same land and views that have been enjoyed by past generations will still be there for those who come after us to appreciate.

With the construction of the Palisades Interstate Park between our two states in 1900, we were able to establish and protect the natural beauty of the Palisades that has been enjoyed by our neighboring states for years, with the hope that future generations could enjoy the same vibrant land and views.

That is why we are joining the countless community leaders and elected officials in New York City, along with four of your predecessors- Brendan Byrne, Thomas Kean, James Florio and Christine Todd Whitman in protesting this plan.

We thank you for your consideration in this matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices if we can be of any assistance to you in this matter.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jeffrey D. Klein, New York State Senate President Pro Tempore, 34th Senate District

Hon. Jeffrey Dinowitz, New York State Assemblyman, 81st Assembly District