Vornado Hires Albany Lobbyist For Hotel Pennsylvania Fight

As if those nostaglic Glenn Miller-minded preservationists didn't have an uphill battle already!

Vornado Realty Trust has hired Albany-based lobbying firm Patricia Lynch Associates to sway elected officials in favor of the planned demolition and redevelopment of historic Hotel Pennsylvania, state records show, at a pay rate of $7,500 per month.

Vornado reportedly intends to build a $4 billion, 3 million-square-foot office tower on the site, possibly as a new headquarters for Merrill Lynch.

Not everyone is stoked to see such a ginormous new building in place of the hotel, however. Local Community Board 5 last night voted in favor of landmarking the Hotel Pennsylvania, thus blocking the wrecking ball.

So expect quite a scrap if and when the matter reaches the Landmarks Preservation Commission.