Friday, January 25, 2008

Isn't it ironic?

A developer behind several Brooklyn condo projects is razing a former International Longshoremen's Association building that bears the late mobbed-up union leader's name - and, in a twist, the work is being done by nonunion laborers.

Longshoremen Association building set to be razed by nonunion labor

The Clarett Group plans to tear down the Court St. building and erect 10 townhouses and a seven-story, 30-unit condo building smack where a medical clinic for longshoremen once thrived.

The project has roiled neighbors in Carroll Gardens, including one elderly couple whose 168-year-old townhouse was damaged after workers began test-boring in November.

A nonunion asbestos removal group that has been working at the site since December also has drawn outrage from union leaders, who rolled out a giant rat to protest the project.

"Obviously we're appalled," said 20-year resident Alan Lantz, whose Union St. home suffered a hairline crack.

"We've been comfortable, and this thing is an intrusion of the worst sort - and it's going to change all of our lives."

The project, which is expected to be completed by 2010, includes four townhouses on Sackett St., six on Union St. and the seven-story condo tower on Court St.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Maybe they'll find Jimmy Hoffa there.