But on Friday LG officials broke off talks and issued a statement saying that “groups aligned with the interveners” failed to keep a promise not to discuss the issue with the media.

Also Friday, news broke that the federal Environmental Protection Agency withdrew its endorsement of the project. The EPA's action followed the release of an open letter from four former governors objecting to the height of the building by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a land-preservation group. The letter was signed by Democrats Brendan T. Byrne and Jim Florio and Republicans Thomas H. Kean and Christie Whitman — objecting to the height of LG's proposed headquarters.

THe EPA's regional administrator Judith Enck wrote this to LG: “The Palisades is a unique and treasured part of New Jersey that has been protected for generations. This viewshed is so important that the adverse impacts of construction of a high-rise building cannot be condoned.”

Englewood Cliffs' mayor, Joseph Parisi, immediately came out swinging on the side of LG, saying he was very disappointed in the four former governors, who "have nothing to do with this project."

“A majority of people in this region still want this project because they know how good it will be economically and for the environment,” he said. “Despite what the outsiders say, it will be good for the entire region, including all those who oppose it."