OBITUARY: Hudson Valley Developer Joe Cotter Dies at 66

NEW YORK—The New York metro real estate community was shocked and saddened when reports surfaced over the weekend of the sudden death of developer Joe Cotter, president of National Resources of Greenwich, CT.

His unexpected passing on Friday, Oct. 25 was confirmed yesterday in a prepared statement by Lynne Ward, Co-Founder of National Resources. “With great sadness, we share with you that Joseph Cotter passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Friday, October 25, 2024, at home in his beloved New York City. Joe, at 66, accomplished so much, developing visionary projects in places and communities that he believed in. Joe was very proud of his family, a great friend who meant much to so many, effortlessly connecting on a personal level. Most importantly, we will honor him by continuing to develop our existing projects and those in our pipeline to create transformative projects,” Ward stated.

Under Cotter’s leadership, National Resources has redeveloped more than $2 billion of projects with some of the world’s largest capital partners, creating thousands of jobs in the Tri-State Area. The company stated that Innovation was central to its success, developing leading edge real estate that transforms people, communities and environments. Working with towns and banks over the long term, Cotter and Ward built a business employing almost 100 people.

Cotter was a true pioneer, transforming the former Otis Elevator industrial complex in Yonkers into i.Park Hudson, a thriving workplace that includes the new Lionsgate Studios TV and film production complex. Working with their partners at Great Point Studios, the $500-million Lionsgate project has changed the face of film and television production in Westchester and New York State, with more than 16 soundstages and the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, a public high school for grades six through 12, on the former Leake & Watts property.

The transformative impact of National Resources' innovative projects is felt throughout the region, from Westchester and the entire Hudson Valley to Nassau, Fairfield, and Bergen counties. National Resources has played a key role in the development of the Hudson River waterfront including the 24-acre Hudson Harbor community in Tarrytown, NY and the 26-acre Edgewater Harbor in Edgewater, NJ. In addition, National Resources is well-known for its signature i.Park campuses in Yonkers, East Fishkill, Ulster, and Norwalk, CT.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger released a statement on the passing of Cotter, whose firm is redeveloping a former IBM campus into the mixed-use iPark 87 in the Town of Ulster: “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by Joe Cotter’s sudden passing. He was a true visionary who saw the potential in the long-abandoned IBM complex and was committed to transforming the property into an economic hub for the county. We will continue to carry that vision forward. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.”

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano also released a statement on Cotter’s passing: “It was devastating to learn of the sudden passing of my friend Joe Cotter. Joe was a Yonkers native who gave his heart and soul to the city. As a developer, he saw Yonkers' potential, and he was involved in every step of our revitalization and our evolution into Hollywood on Hudson. His legacy will remain with our city for generations to come. We were blessed to have known him and been touched by his vision. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Cotter’s success has been recognized by many business and real estate publications as well as universities and business organizations. Last year, he was honored at the Business Council of Westchester’s Annual Hall of Fame program receiving the prestigious Entrepreneurial Business Success Award while Cotter and Ward have received several awards from the Urban Land Institute and NAIOP.

There will be a private family service held and details on a public memorial will be shared in the days ahead.