The Thruway Authority is searching for a new chairman and board member after billionaire developer Howard Milstein handed in his resignation.
Milstein, who has led the Authority for nearly four years, submitted his resignation letter in early November, though his step down was not made public until Wednesday. Sources say Milstein resigned on November 13, with his resignation effective November 30.
7 Eyewitness News obtained a copy of Milstein’s resignation letter.
“It is an appropriate time for me to return full-time to my other business and philanthropic activities and to pass the baton to a successor,” Milstein said.
The other members of the Thruway Authority board were not informed of Milstein's resignation. Donna Luh, from Western New York, will now take over as acting chairperson for the Thruway Authority.
"I started receiving some phone calls and such. I and none of the other board members had heard of it either, so it was kind of a surprise to all of us," said Luh.
A spokesman for the Thruway Authority said Milstein resigned to focus on “his many business interests.” Luh says she does not think Milstein's resignation has anything to do with the recent Snowvember storms.
“We thank him for his dedication and service to the Thruway Authority, Canal Corporation and the people of the State of New York,” said spokesman Dan Weiller.
The Thruway Authority says Milstein’s resignation will not affect operations.
