Vornado chairman criticizes NYC mayor's stunt against billionaire Griffin, risking $4.5B Park Ave skyscraper deal

Vornado Realty Trust chairman Steve Roth condemned NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's public criticism of billionaire Ken Griffin, calling it a "blunder" and an "ugly, unnecessary video stunt." Mamdani's video targeted Griffin for owning a $238 million apartment, which could jeopardize Griffin's partnership with Vornado and Rudin to build a $4.5 billion skyscraper on Park Avenue. The project promises significant economic benefits, including jobs and tax revenue. Roth and others fear Mamdani's actions could drive Griffin away, risking the city's commercial real estate development and financial health. Despite this, Roth still expects the project to proceed, but the incident highlights tensions between the city's leadership and major real estate investors.