Jay Z reportedly paid a tenants association president $20,000 a month to pave the way for his proposed $250 million casino bid in Times Square.
Residents of the 1,700 unit Manhattan Plaza Section 8 housing don’t want the proposed casinos in their neighborhood. They object to the casinos because they will bring more crime and unwanted foot traffic to the neighborhood.
Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association President Aleta LaFargue denies allegations that she accepted $20,000 a month from the 54-year-old rapper for “consulting services.”
$20,000 a month is nothing compared to the millions that will roll in if Jay Z gets a license to build his casino.
LaFargue was also offered money from competing developers after New York City was greenlighted for a casino gaming license.
THE CITY obtained a copy of the consulting agreement between Jay Z, Roc Nation and LaFargue which was unsigned.
LaFargue received the agreement in an email from a Roc Nation attorney, Colin Brown. The lawyer wrote, “I understand you already discussed the terms of this agreement with Desiree [Perez] (i.e., $20K per month for community engagement/social impact advice).”
LaFrague denied everything in a phone call with THE CITY.
“They’ve asked, would I help them understand the community better. And this is the same thing I’ve offered to Related and the same thing we offer to Silverstein if you want to come here,” referring to two other developers with competing proposals for casinos in Manhattan.
“I’m working for a consultant firm but not directly for [Roc Nation],” she said.
But an hour later LaFargue called back with a different story. She denied working with a consulting firm or with Roc Nation.
“I haven’t signed any contracts, is what I’m saying. They’re not paying me,” she said.
When asked about her earlier remarks, she said “I’m not working for a firm. I will work as a consultant at times, yes, but I’ve not gotten paid for it.”
Asked again about her changing stories, LaFargue said, “maybe I’m just like speaking in the lofty way that I try to speak. I’m an aspirational consultant.”
A day later LaFargue emailed THE CITY to change her story for a third time.
“Despite rumors, I have not signed a contract with Roc Nation, the Times Square Casino BID, nor any other BID for a casino in our neighborhood. My role in the Tenants Association is to promote the tenant’s wishes; that is what I have done, and that is what I will continue to do,” she wrote.
Jay Z did not return a blogger’s email requesting a comment.
