The boss of an upstate construction company is urging US Attorney Preet Bharara to probe another high-profile Buffalo economic development project pushed by the Cuomo administration, The Post has learned.
Roseanne DiPizio, the CEO of DiPizio Construction and Dreamco Development, says there was something fishy about her firm’s ouster from the $19.8 million Buffalo waterfront project, which includes a new ice-skating rink.
DiPizio, who has since filed suits in state and federal courts claiming wrongful termination and “racketeering” by state officials, told Bharara she’s a victim of government abuse and “pay-to play” corruption.
“I was made a scapegoat by ECHDC [Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.] and ESD [Empire State Development Corp.] leaders — notably EHDC Board President Thomas Dee and ESD Regional Chairman Sam Hoyt, appointees of Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who, after tarnishing my family’s reputation, subsequently gave the contract to a company whose executives have donated generously to Gov. Cuomo and others throughout this region,” DiPizio said in a Feb. 11 letter she wrote to Bharara, a copy of which was obtained by The Post.
DiPizio’s company, based in Cheektowoga just outside Buffalo, was awarded the contract as the low bidder in 2012. But state officials booted DiPizio for “deficient work” in 2013.
After state officials removed DiPizio, the bonding company that insured the project for DiPizio selected Rochester-based Pike Construction to complete the project.
Executives at Pike have donated a total of $25,000 to the campaigns of Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul since 2014, state Board of Election records show. Roseanne DiPizio also contributed $2,000 to Cuomo in 2010.
A Buffalo insider familiar with the project said state officials goofed by selecting DiPizio Construction in the first place. While DiPizio substantially undercut rivals in its low bid, the firm seemed over its head for a project of that magnitude.
“It’s a mess,” the source said.
Jason Conwall, a spokesman for ESD said DiPizio was removed for “delays and questionable practices,” adding it was a private bonding company, not Empire State Development, that selected a replacement.
“We do not comment on pending litigation, but believe the state’s actions will be upheld in court,” he added.