via the daily news -- this project got the court ok to move forward:
Hudson River floating park proposed by Barry Diller gets OK to move forward
Barry Diller’s futuristic floating island in the Hudson got a green light from a state appeals court Thursday.
A panel of judges from the Manhattan Appellate Division said it was not “arbitrary and capricious” when the Hudson River Park Trust determined there would be no negative environmental effects when it signed a 20-year lease with Diller's Pier 55 Inc. to build and manage the pier as a park and entertainment venue.
The City Club wanted a full Environmental Impact Statement done for the project, which will be located over the shoreline on platform already under construction near W. 14 St. Diller, a media mogul, and his wife, designer Diana von Furstenberg, are funding the bulk of the cost with a $113 million grant from their foundation.
Thursday, the appellate judges said the City Club does not have the authority or standing to question whether the Hudson River Park Trust should have requested bids from other developers before signing up with Pier 55. Its contract gives Pier 55 the right to keep the lucrative licensing royalties from any performances in the space.
Court allows Diller Island Pier 55 project to begin construction
The decision was hailed by Gov. Cuomo, who said, “I look forward to seeing construction move forward, and realizing both the economic and recreational benefits this vital park will bring."
Madelyn Wils, president and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, said "this was a ridiculous lawsuit from the start."
A rep for Pier 55 said "We are grateful for the court's decision and are pleased to be back on our fall construction schedule, which will make Pier55 a reality for all New Yorkers."
Richard Emery, the lawyer for the City Club, said his clients will appeal because if the ruling stands, "it means the legislatively mandated protections for the Hudson River have been substantially degraded" and the "park" has essentially been "privatized."
Construction on the "floating" pier started last month when contractors — with the court's permission — drove the first nine piles that will hold up the 2.7 acre platform with its undulating hills and an amphitheater that could rise as much as six stories.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/...icle-1.2783986