The real estate developer whose proposed project in Hoboken, N.J. is the subject of explosive allegations against Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) administration has axed its politically connected law firm.
The Rockefeller Group told The New York Times on Thursday that it had terminated its contract with Wolff & Samson, the firm founded by Christie confidante and current Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman David Samson. Earlier this month, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer publicly accused the Christie administration of threatening to withhold Hurricane Sandy aid if she did not approve a development deal on land owned by The Rockefeller Group. Zimmer later met with federal prosecutors, and provided them with documents.
“Given the investigation, we’ve decided to shift our work on the project to another firm,” Dwayne Doherty, a spokesperson for The Rockefeller Group, told the Times, adding that Zimmer’s allegations were “deplorable” if true.
According to the Times, The Rockefeller Group hired Wolff & Samson “for land use, environmental and lobbying work.” Lori Grifa, a former Christie cabinet member who now heads Wolff & Samson’s regulatory affairs group, lobbied New Jersey officials on behalf of the proposed Hoboken project.
Doherty, The Rockefeller Group spokesperson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from TPM.
