Trump Wins Court Battle Over Condo Skyscraper

Donald Trump won’t have to lop off any floors of the 90-ft story luxury condo he’s building on East 48th St. and First Avenue. A law suit brought by some area residents who argued that it was too tall for the neighborhood were handled a defeat August 3. The Appellate Court unanimously upheld the ruling of a lower court that Trump had the right to complete the high rise. Just last week, the building topped out at nearly 900 ft.

Work was not delayed during the 18 months of litigation because the petitioners were unable to get the court to grant an injunction to stop construction. A leader of the opposition, Seymour Flug, the former chairman of the Diners Club, plans to take the case to the Court of Appeals.

Trump told GlobeSt.com that the tower, “has been one of the most successful buildings every built. If it had been half the height, it wouldn’t have been nearly as successful”.

One consolation for his opponents is that the controversy has led city officials to consider revising the zoning law to restrict how high developers can build. Asked about that possibility, Trump said, “We’re concerned that its going to take the creativity our of real estate.” And when asked if he had the chance to put up World Trump Tower II he replied, “In a minute.”