Dear Brooklyn Bridge Park Board Members:

Build Up NYC is an organization that advocates for responsible

development. We are writing to express our deep concern about Starwood
Capital’s decision to hire Hudson Meridian Construction Group, LLC,
(“Hudson Meridian”) as the general contractor for the mixed-use condo hotel
at the Pier 1 development project. Hudson Meridian is a company with a
history of legal problems, hundreds of NYC Department of Building
violations, as well as significant allegations of construction delays, safety
25 W. 18th Street problems and faulty construction.
Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10011 As detailed in the attached fact sheet, Build Up NYC does not believe that
347-201-2049 Hudson Meridian Construction Group, LLC is the best choice for this Project
because it is plagued by a history of violations and litigation. Mayor
Bloomberg’s and former Governor Patacki’s vision for this project was to
create a “sustainable public park providing recreational, cultural and
Gary LaBarbera
President educational opportunities for residents of Brooklyn, The City of New York,
and the State of New York to enjoy for generations to follow,” as set forth in
Michael Fishman the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Secretary-Treasurer and former Governor George Pataki. This vision could be threatened if this
Project is not built responsibly and safely.
Terry Moore
Vice President Hudson Meridian Has Been Sued by Clients, Tenants,
Robert Bonanza Partners, and Sub Contractors
Vice President
The following are examples of some of the allegations in those suits:
Joseph Ramaglia
Vice President  For construction defects, negligence, fraud, professional malpractice,
breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty by a condo board and
individual tenants at 425 East 13th Street in an attempt to recoup $10
million.

 For hiring a subcontractor with insufficient experience resulting in

defective construction causing extensive damage at 421-433 East
13th Street by the developer of the project.

 For breach of contract by a subcontractor who alleges the company

failed to pay more than $2 million for work performed.

 Hudson Meridian was found to be affiliated with a construction

company whose owners pled guilty to charges they violated New York
State prevailing wage laws. The company once found to be an affiliate
of Hudson Meridian is currently debarred from working on NYC
School Construction Authority projects.

 Falling construction items injured a pedestrian at 12 Henry Street.

 Personal Injury lawsuits by a number of construction workers for

injuries they sustained as a result of what they allege was the
company’s negligence.