William Gottlieb Real Estate, under the leadership of multimillionaire real estate developer Neil Bender, recently added to its extensive history of engaging in legal actions against the City of Kingston.
The organization filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court on Feb. 28 to overturn the Common Council’s decision to demolish the Pike Plan canopies on Wall and North Front streets. The suit argues the vote was procedurally flawed, legally erroneous, and arbitrary.
Between January 2020 and November 2022, the firm filed eleven lawsuits targeting various city entities, including the planning board, Department of Public Works, Common Council, and the mayor’s office.
The latest lawsuit claims the council improperly delegated environmental review responsibilities to Mayor Steve Noble. It challenges the negative State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) declaration, citing concerns over asbestos, dust exposure, and structural damage to nearby buildings. The suit also faults the city for failing to assess drainage impacts and historical significance.
Mayor Noble defends the decision, calling the lawsuit a costly delay. The city argues demolition is the most practical option, citing high costs for rebuilding and maintenance.
The lawsuit also accuses the city of violating open meetings laws and lacking a mitigation plan for potential damage to adjacent structures. A prior court order temporarily halted demolition, and an Appeals Court ruling on a preliminary injunction is expected soon. Despite legal opposition, the city maintains that demolition is in the best interest of the community and taxpayers.
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