Norwalk developer draws protest from labor group

NORWALK, Oct 09, 2008 (The Hour - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- BLND | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- A Norwalk-based development company is being accused by a labor coalition of not supporting state workers or the state's economy.

The Connecticut First Coalition is organizing a protest of Building & Land Technology, which is the lone developer for Harbor Point, a huge redevelopment project in Stamford's South End. The rally is set to take place on Friday morning and afternoon at the Harbor Point site.

The coalition takes exception with B&LT's hiring of out-of-state contractors to work on Harbor Point.

Carl Kuehner, president and CEO of B&LT, said his company used a fair bidding process in selecting contractors and construction companies. B&LT took over the Harbor Point project late this summer from original developer Antares. Harbor Point is a 10-year mixed-use project that will include 4,000 housing units, two hotels and retail and office space.

The Connecticut First Coalition is expecting more than 300 state construction workers, representing various building trades. at Friday's protest.

"The actions of (Building and Land Technology) are a real insult to every working family in Connecticut," Charles LeConche, co-director of Connecticut First Coalition and business manager of Connecticut Laborers' District Council, said in a statement. "During these tougher economic times, it's vital for all business leaders to invest in their communities. There is no excuse for Building and Land Technology to bring in out-of-state contractors and workers when we have superior resources here in the state."

Kuehner said his company did the same thing when it built The Towers at Merritt River, a three-building project in Norwalk that is home to Xerox, Diageo North America, Hewitt, General Electric, and others.

"I'm not surprised," Kuehner said, referring to Friday's planned protest.

"It's unfortunate, but we both have the right to do what we want to do."

John Olsen, president of Connecticut AFL-CIO, is expecting a large turnout on Friday.

"Our protest is all about Connecticut companies supporting Connecticut workers and Connecticut families," he said. "It's about keeping good jobs right here in Connecticut and preventing the undermining of our community work standards by importing workers and contractors from Texas and other states."

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