Last Exit to Brooklyn, Pt. II

The Daily News reported last week that Steven Russell, of Final Contracting, was arrested for beating an undercover union operative (or "salt") who was investigating alleged off-the-book payments to immigrant workers at the Board of Education Building at 110 Livingston Street (photo, right, via Brownstoner) in downtown Brooklyn.

The building is being developed by David Walentas' Two Trees Management firm. The 12-story, 335,000-square-foot building, which sold for over $45 million, will be converted into 245 luxury condos. Final Contracting is demolishing the interior of the building.

Mr. Russell allegedly spotted a wire that the union salt, Otto Montenegro, was wearing, and said, "I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna put you in a Dumpster, and nobody will know you were here." He, along with a crew of workers, then allegedly beat the crap out of Mr. Montenegro. Ah, solidarity in the workplace.

Currently, the building enjoys an inflatable rat set up outside to greet non-union workers entering and leaving the building. Give 'em hell, boys! Union men, unite! —Matthew Grace