NY Times Op-Ed: LG Shouldn't Build Tower on Palisades

The Grey Lady became the latest influential group to oppose Korean electronics giant LG's proposed eight-story tower atop the Palisades.

In an op-ed published Sunday, The New York Times says LG's 143-foot-tall tower in Englewood Cliffs would "threaten the natural beauty of the Palisades Interstate Park System."

"The 27-acre site is large enough for a substantial low-rise office complex that would fit the company’s needs," the New York paper stated. Normal local zoning code allows for buildings of up to 35 feet in height in the area.

It's not the only New York media outlet to take aim at LG.

The New York Daily News two weeks ago said LG's design – which has been praised for its 'green' methodology, even by the EPA – would be akin to sticking up "a middle finger" atop the Palisades.

Court mediation between the Korean multinational and opposition forces dissolved in recent weeks.

The company said "intervenors broke the spirit" of "good faith" talks, setting the stage for an upcoming court battle. Four former New Jersey governors issued a public statement condemning the project, leading to speculation the ex-politicos were among the alleged "intervenors."

The company has already received approvals to proceed from Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, and the state to construct the only office tower visible along the Palisades north of Fort Lee.

Groups from both sides of the river – including influential New York cultural institutions like The Cloisters – have opposed LG's plan, claiming the design is "too intensive" and would "despoil" the pristine Palisades.

LG says the $300 million project will create jobs and be a boost the region's economy. 

It's not clear how or when the legal battle will proceed.