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Harry Macklowe’s Hamptons Home: A $38M Listing Beset with Legal Woes
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Renowned New York City developer Harry Macklowe has once again made headlines, this time with the listing of his Hamptons home overlooking the exclusive Georgica Pond. According to a recently published report in the New York Post, the property, boasting neighbors such as Steven Spielberg, is listed for a hefty $38 million. However, potential buyers should beware – there’s a major catch.
The mansion, while opulent in appearance, is deemed uninhabitable due to a critical lack of a certificate of occupancy. As was reported in the Post, this crucial document is necessary for legal occupancy, meaning any new owners would be prohibited from moving in until the necessary permits and approvals are obtained.
The legal quagmire surrounding Macklowe’s Hamptons abode stems from a series of unauthorized renovations and additions to the property. East Hampton Village officials report that Macklowe proceeded with these alterations without proper permits, resulting in more than 21 violations and fines that have gone unpaid for five years, as was indicated in the Post report. These unauthorized actions have also raised concerns about environmental damage, particularly to the neighboring wetlands.
Interestingly, Macklowe’s current legal troubles bear a striking resemblance to a past incident in 1985 when he hired a mob-run company to demolish four buildings on West 44th Street without city permits. This brazen move, executed just before the city imposed restrictions on such demolitions, endangered lives and resulted in a $2 million fine, the report in the Post said. Despite escaping indictment due to lack of criminal intent, Macklowe’s penchant for flouting regulations appears to persist.
A source familiar with the situation describes Macklowe’s Hamptons home as “highly leveraged to the hilt” and questions the justification for the $38 million asking price. According to the Post, the property’s legal complications, coupled with its distance from the pond and estimated true value of $12 to $15 million, cast doubt on its exorbitant listing price.
Despite Macklowe’s attempts to rectify the situation by suing the East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals for refusing to retroactively approve his illegal acts, the legal battle remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the Post reported that East Hampton Village building inspector Thomas Preiato confirmed that while Macklowe can sell the house, occupancy is prohibited due to the invalidated certificate of occupancy and outstanding fines.
Preiato underscored the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the wetlands and enforce zoning regulations, the report added.
Back in 2019, The Post reported on allegations that Macklowe had illegally built on the property and failed to pay fines incurred as a result. When approached for comment, Macklowe remained tight-lipped, declining to address the accusations. This pattern of silence persists, as Macklowe has once again refrained from commenting on the home’s listing for sale.
Notably, Macklowe’s previous spokesperson revealed that he no longer retains a full-time spokesperson, opting instead to hire them on a project-by-project basis, the Post report said. This decision reflects Macklowe’s penchant for maintaining a low profile amidst legal and personal controversies.
Leading broker Paul Brennan of Douglas Elliman, who is handling the listing alongside Martha Gundersen, has also opted to remain silent on the matter, declining to offer any comments or insights.
Despite its legal woes, Macklowe’s Hamptons home boasts impressive features, including four bedrooms, a pool, and a sprawling 2.7-acre property at 64 West End Ave. in East Hampton, as was indicated in the Post report. Surrounded by preserved land, the property offers privacy and seclusion amidst the natural beauty of the Hamptons.
However, the idyllic setting is overshadowed by allegations of illegal construction and environmental violations. As per the information in the Post report, village authorities assert that Macklowe cleared land and built structures too close to wetlands without obtaining the necessary permits, resulting in fines and legal repercussions.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the situation is Macklowe’s personal life, marked by a high-profile divorce from Linda Macklowe and his subsequent marriage to Patricia Landeau. Both Linda and Patricia reside in close proximity to each other, separated only by the serene waters of Georgica Pond, according to the report in the Post. Despite the potential discomfort of living in such proximity to an ex-spouse, Macklowe appears unfazed by the situation.
In a display of unabashed confidence, Macklowe famously adorned the supertall building 432 Park Avenue with a 42-foot photo of himself and Landeau. The Post report pointed out that fhis bold move, reminiscent of his larger-than-life persona, further solidifies Macklowe’s reputation as a figure unafraid to court controversy and make bold statements.
A recent maneuver to stave off foreclosure on his property units involved the declaration of bankruptcy by an entity under Macklowe’s control, the report added. While this tactic may have provided temporary relief, it underscores the precarious financial situation surrounding Macklowe’s real estate ventures.
In 2019, revelations surfaced regarding Macklowe’s admission to the East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals that he had proceeded with construction and wetland clearance without the necessary permits. As was reported by the Post, his then-lawyer, Richard Whalen, acknowledged the lack of permits, stating that the majority of the improvements had been completed without proper authorization.
Macklowe’s penchant for flouting regulations is not a recent development. The Post report said that in the 1990s, he engaged in a dispute with former neighbor Martha Stewart over plantings on her property, further illustrating his history of contentious interactions and legal entanglements.
As Macklowe’s legal battles persist, questions linger about the consequences of his actions and the efficacy of regulatory oversight. The clash between private interests and public welfare underscores the complexities of land use and environmental protection in affluent communities like the Hamptons.
As the legal drama unfolds, stakeholders and observers alike await further developments, hoping for a resolution that balances the interests of all parties involved while upholding the principles of justice and environmental stewardship.
In the world of luxury real estate, where opulence often comes hand in hand with controversy, Macklowe’s listing stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between wealth, power, and personal relationships.
