Moinian ‘ratted out’ for using non-union crew at future West Side hotel site

Joseph Moinian’s latest West Side hotel project hasn’t even gotten off the ground yet, but it’s already unpopular with its neighbors. According to the Post, union members from Local 79 have set up one of their infamous giant inflatable rats in front of the 237 West 54th Street site where Moinian has begun demolition work in preparation for the 34-story, Gene Kaufman-designed project. Apparently Moinian is using non-union workers to take down the existing, five-story structure after receiving approval from the city’s Department of Buildings last month, and sources said workers at Harry Gross’ next-door development site were angered when they got wind of it. Gross’ Broadway Granite Development is building a 67-story Marriott Hotel there, and union workers currently installing the foundation at his site are worried that Moinian’s demolition could put them in danger. Gross hasn’t filed a complaint with the DOB, but the source said “the men on Harry’s site wanted the city to not allow Moinian to demolish his eastern wall until the Marriott reached the height that Moinian’s project is supposed to reach.” Moinian has not yet received approval from the DOB for his hotel plans. [Post, 4th item]