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>One of the company’s first projects was to acquire, develop and operate a waterfront and marina complex that would host condos and a hotel in St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
>Early on, community groups were opposed to the project, citing access to the shoreline and the height of the buildings, but the fight was eventually resolved. A lawyer for one of the groups, Judith Bourne, recalled Mr. Cuomo as being “quite useful” in resolving the issues.
>Island’s successful role in the St. Thomas project drew the attention of Nakheel and Istithmar—then real-estate and general-investment arms of Dubai’s royal family, respectively—which are considered the two most active developers in small but growing Dubai. They are almost completely owned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed