The NY Times reports that a developer claims it "would face hardship if it could not get special permission to build a bigger office tower on its site next to the High Line, the long-awaited elevated park that has helped drive up real estate values in the meatpacking district." The Romanoffs have been trying to maximize their space at 437 West 13th Street and say that the High Line's structure has either prohibited them from doing so or that it's making building much pricier. Their lawyer explained, "We’re not saying we wish the High Line wasn’t there. But it makes it more expensive to build." However, office real estate isn't on fire these days. Community Board 2 chairman Brad Hoylman summed up the skepticism a few months ago, "The fact that the applicant is claiming hardship because of the High Line rankled some folks in the community. For many people, it seems that the High Line is a windfall." more ›