Real Estate & Property Law

Willets Point Takes a Punch on the Nose

By Alan Ackerman

An individual charged with a crime is not guilty until proven so beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the claims against New York Lobbyist Richard Lipsky raise serious issues about what is going on in these projects. Apparently Lipsky was involved on both sides of eminent domain disputes in the $3 billion Willets Point redevelopment plan, among others. Has corruption trammeled the rights of property owners?

YourNabe.com

The 63-year-old faces charges of corruption and money laundering conspiracy, and faces 40 years in prison if convicted of the charges. He was released on his own recognizance last Thursday.

Lipsky's most prominent role in Queens has been his nearly two-year tenure as a lobbyist for Willets Point United, a group of Iron Triangle property owners, many of whom are facing the prospect of the city seizing their land through eminent domain.

'On advice of counsel, I really can't comment,' Lipsky said in a telephone call Monday evening. 'Any comment has to come from the Willets Point people themselves, and they are continuing to retain me.'

Willets Point United was keeping Lipsky's services as of Monday, bucking the trend of cutting ties with him set by many of his other clients and associates. The group paid Lipsky $57,500 in 2010, according to lobbying records.

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on March 24, 2011 (boomark / email).