Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s top economic development official is leaving his post to return to the private sector after spending three-and-a-half years in the administration.
Robert C. Lieber, who first served as president of the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) beginning in January 2007 and has been the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development since December of that year, will depart city government in June.
“Bob came to our Administration with a reputation for getting big things done, and in his time here he certainly has,” said Bloomberg.
During Lieber’s tenure, Bloomberg credited him for advancing major development projects throughout the city including Willets Point and Hunter’s Point South in Queens. The redevelopment of Willets Point, which is a 62-acre site that has been eyed for redevelopment for more than five decades, received approval by the City Council during his tenure and the project is expected to include 5,500 housing units, eight acres of open space, parks and playgrounds, office and retail space, a new school and a hotel and convention center.
On the same day that the New York City Council approved plans for Willets Point, it also approved zoning changes that allowed the redevelopment of Hunter’s Point South. The 30-acre, largely vacant waterfront site in southern Queens – will accommodate 5,000 new units of housing, 60 percent of which will be affordable primarily to moderate- and middle-income families, new parks and a school.
For his part, Lieber credited Bloomberg for his leadership and vision and his team for their dedication throughout his tenure.
“Working with Mayor Bloomberg and his terrific team has been the most satisfying experience of my life,” said Deputy Mayor Lieber. “His leadership, vision and willingness to take risks, together with his unwavering support for the people who work for him, create the most stimulating and productive work environment I have ever witnessed.
