Kushner trial ends in settlement with Perth Amboy condo owners

PERTH AMBOY - A jury of six women and two men was dismissed Tuesday after a judge announced that a settlement had been reached between Kushner Companies and the two remaining Landings at Harborside residents who had filed a consumer fraud suit against the developer.

But the attorney representing Kushner Companies indicated that the end of the lawsuit could mark the beginning of more discussions between the developer and the residents who claimed Kushner failed to deliver on the planned $600 million Landings at Harborside upscale development along the Perth Amboy waterfront.

And resident Lauren Hunter said the process should start with plans to keep the property neat by cleaning up the garbage.

"And that's to the benefit of everyone — the developer, the residents, the plaintiffs and the city," said Patrick Whalen, a Trenton-based attorney who represented the condo owners.

The settlement means that Charles Kushner, the former chairman of Kushner Companies, will not have to testify about the Landings project. Kushner's son, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and senior adviser to President Donald Trump, had previously been excused from having to testify in the case. Jared Kushner previously ran the company.

READ: Attorney looks to question Charles Kushner about his conviction

READ: Kushner trial vs. condo owners ends in sudden mistrial

READ: Perth Amboy condo owners take on Kushners in court

Attorney Patrick Perrone, who represents Kushner Companies, said a confidential settlement was reached late Friday with Neil and Lauren Hunter. The Hunters were among 32 condo owners at the complex who filed suit against the company. They were the last to settle.

"It's a relief. It was stressful and we're glad that's it's over. There are no winners, we're satisfied;" Neil Hunter said. "In the back of my mind I guess I will always wonder what would have happened if it had gone to the jury."

His wife said the plaintiffs all had different life circumstances that resulted in their settlements. She said that a mistrial the first time the case went to court and starting over before Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Vincent LeBlon also had an impact.

The Hunters have been living at the Landings for 10 years and dealing with the lawsuit for the past four.

Late last week, settlements were reached with Christine Dispenziere and Rao and Vasundlara Desu. Owners of three condos in the Bayview building remain in arbitration. Settlements have also been reached with subcontractors on the project.

After the judge dismissed the jury, Perrone asked the Hunters if there was a way they could work together.

"We would love to," said Lauren Hunter, who would especially like to see the crowded parking issue addressed. Residents were initially promised underground parking that became too expensive to build.

If more units are built, additional parking will be needed. A parking garage was mentioned as a possible solution.

"The mayor (Wilda Diaz) wants to make the waterfront a destination, but there is just not adequate parking," Neil Hunter said.

Perrone indicated he would be willing to come to Perth Amboy to visit the Landings residents, listen to their concerns and meet with city officials to get something built.

City officials previously rejected plans for construction of apartments on the property, in part because existing construction issues at the Admiral and Bayview buildings, including water infiltration, had not been fully addressed.

Only two buildings, the Admiral and the Bayview, exist on the site that was originally planned to have 2,100 housing units, a new marina, walking esplanade, restaurants and retail shops, parks, ferry service to New York City and other luxury amenities. The two buildings house about 165 units.

"We are eager to move ahead with the redevelopment of our property in Perth Amboy. Our existing plan would create a revitalized waterfront, spur investment and increase the local tax base. We're hopeful the town will work with us to make that plan a reality to the benefit of all Perth Amboy residents," said James Yolles, a Kushner Companies spokesman.

Whalen said there is still a lot to be done and he plans to stay involved with the group.

"We're willing to sit down with the developer and the city and make sure it comes out nice," Whalen said. "We're not going to just talk. It's going to be meaningful stuff that reflects something of what they promised. Let's get as close to that as possible. We are optimistic if they want to work together."

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com