National Arts Club Settles with The James Group
Former Director Aldon James and Associates Ousted
By: Ariel Petrova - Jul 10, 2013
The long drawn out litigation resulting from the removal of O. Aldon James as director of the venerable National Arts Club at Gramercy Park in New York City has finally been settled. John, the twin brother of James, and Steven Leitner who occupied prime real estate in the Club and other perks were also named as defendants.
What appears below is an e mail communication from the Board to the members.
We write to inform you of a Global Settlement Agreement signed today by The National Arts Club, The Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York, and Aldon James, John James and Steven Leitner ("The James Group").
Pursuant to the Settlement, all current litigation between The Club and The James Group will be dismissed and the parties have agreed to avoid commencing litigations against each other in the future, directly or through a third party.
Additionally, as part of The Settlement, The James Group will pay The National Arts Club $900,000 for restitution and relief, a portion of which will be used to replace funds which were originally restricted for use by The Kesselring Fund, an educational trust, but in the past, disbursed for other uses. Further, The James Group will vacate any apartments that they currently inhabit by July 31, 2013 and will not contest their eviction from Club apartments or expulsion from their NAC memberships.
This Settlement signals the end of a difficult chapter in the history of our Club. It also allows us to focus on a future, and we will continue what we have started by re-committing ourselves to greater financial stability, a more robust fine arts and educational program offering and the steady growth of an important arts institution, which becomes more and more relevant and connected to its mission with each new season.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support during this trying time as it is that very support that assures us of a very positive future.