Donald Trump’s controversial, 46-story condo-hotel Trump SoHo will continue to rise, thanks to a big legal boost from the city’s Department of Buildings.
Mona Sehgal, general counsel for the department, shot down a lengthy letter of protest by SoHo Alliance lawyer – and former top department legal eagle – Stuart Klein, ripping two of his four issues as “irrelevant” and “without merit.”
Klein had maintained that Trump’s project – which critics say would alter the aesthetic of the artsy neighborhood – should have its building permit revoked and that the department “was conspiring to violate the zoning resolution,” according to an interview he gave with The Villager community newspaper.
He argued that the sale of hotel units violated zoning laws and that the condo plan should be reviewed by the Securities and Exchange Commission because some of the rules governing the units – touted as investment opportunities – are overly restrictive to owners.
“It was an uphill battle, because everyone was saying that this was Trump’s Trojan horse, that it was a residence,” said Trump lawyer Julius Schwarz. “We finally convinced people and signed a restrictive declaration with the city that says it’s a hotel and that people can only use it for a certain number of days in the year.”
Owners, according to the agreement, are restricted to no more than 120 days per year and no more than 29 days in a 36-day period.
“Now, [Klein] says that because it’s too restrictive, it could be an SEC violation,” chuckled Schwarz.
Klein could not be reached for comment.
Trump, obviously pleased with the latest news, said his project, which has already risen 11 floors, will be an epicenter for growth in the area.
“When completed, it will be one of the finest buildings of its kind anywhere in the world,” said Trump.
He added that buyers from all over the world have put deposits down on units that are going for up to $3,000 per square foot.
Trump previously told The Post that, while most guest rooms in the hotel will comprise studios and one-bedroom units, some of the “suites” will measure up 7,000 square feet.