The wife of David Walentas, the founder of Two Trees Management, has revoked her support for Councilmember Letitia James’ campaign for Public Advocate , Crain’s reported. Jane Waltenas’ withdrawal comes after James threatened to revoke her backing of the developer’s BAM South project.
James said she would not support the mixed-use development in Fort Greene unless construction workers get paid a prevailing wage, which is higher than the state minimum, as previously reported. She also raised the question of whether the number of affordable housing units would be sufficient, as well as the fate of a nearby library that residents worry will give way to apartments.
A Two Trees spokesperson declined Crain’s request for comment; James’ campaign did not immediately respond.
The two women previously had a good relationship, Crain’s said.
A City Council vote on BAM South was scheduled for last Wednesday, but James’ concerns pushed it back to this coming Monday. [Crain’s] —Zachary Kussin