I have seen and read many, many links re the Coking property. None document any manipulation on Trump’s part of the Atlantic City officials.
Trump already controlled most of the land required for the project through a lease with option to buy from Midlantic Bank. However, parcels in the area proposed for the driveway, surface parking, and the landscaped park area were held by other owners. Because Trump had previously been unable to acquire these privately-owned parcels, CRDA was requested to use its power of eminent domain for their acquisition.
On July 13, 1993, CRDA adopted a resolution preliminarily determining that Trump’s project was eligible for approval. A public hearing on the project was conducted on July 30, and thereafter CRDA adopted Resolution 93-69 approving eligibility and tax credits for the first phase of the project. The first phase involved demolition of the existing Penthouse structure. A Credit Agreement setting forth certain rights and responsibilities of each party was executed by CRDA and Trump on August 23, 1993.