The losing bidders of the World Trade Center lease, who have currently filed two lawsuits claiming the city's selection process was unfair, hit an obstacle this week. On Wednesday, a state appeals court ruled that the city's pick of a Four Seasons hotel for the WTC lease was proper and within the law.
Ahead of their lawsuit trial in October, Two Canal Street Investors asked for a preliminary injunction to block the winning team, Carpenter and Co. and Woodward Interests, who plan to build a Four Seasons at the WTC site. The injunction was denied.
The lawsuit trial is still scheduled. While Orleans Civil District Judge Tiffany Chase can't ultimately grant Two Canal Street Investors the WTC lease if they win, she can require the city to start its selection process from scratch.
• Four Seasons pick for World Trade Center was proper, appeals court rules [NOLA.com]
• Losing World Trade Center Bidders Are Filing Another Lawsuit [Curbed NOLA]