Politics

Trump fined $10K for removing bench in front of Trump Tower

The Trump Organization has lost its appeal of a $10,000 fine imposed by the city Buildings Department for removing a bench from the public part of Trump Tower.

It was the second fine levied by the city after the bench was yanked to make room for kiosks that sold Trump merchandise, violating a deal Trump made decades ago to keep the atrium public so he could put up a taller building than was otherwise allowed.

Trump’s lawyers had skipped out on an administrative hearing on the matter in late June, and have since failed to provide information to refute the city’s charges, according to an administrative judge.

Buildings officials have said that Trump’s group has only partially complied with a directive to fix the violation, by removing the kiosks.

A rep for Trump didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.