ENGELWOOD CLIFFS, NJ—The controversy over the LGElectronics USA headquarters now under construction herehas taken a rare turn as a coalition of investment funds andfoundations sent a letter to the firm asking it to reduce theheight of its planned 143-foot building.

In the letter sent to LG executives Thursday, the 32 groups thatdescribed themselves as “shareholders” and “potential investors,”stated, “While this controversy in New Jersey and New York may seemlike just a local issue, it goes well beyond that and speaks toLG's overall corporate responsiveness.”

The coalition's letter also noted, “If LG refuses to change itsbuilding design, we think its corporate reputation could betarnished for years to come, as its new headquarters would becomean unwanted symbol of the company's refusal to listen to its hostcommunity rather than a celebration of LG's corporate integrity andits respect for the community's environmental, historical, andcultural heritage.”