Project Type: Demolition / Development Site
Project Description: Demolition of warehouse; no known development plan
Status: Stalled Construction Site. Partial Stop Work Order in effect.
Background: The owners had planned to demolish an abandoned warehouse known as the Vichar/Abadhi warehouse, previously used by 47th Street Photo. In February 2009 multiple Stop Work Orders were issued due to the failure to provide a fence and overhead protection, the presence of flammable, combustible material during demolition, and the lack of an adequate site safety plan. The site was declared Stalled in April 2009, noting that the demolition was in progress. The site, which is adjacent to the Public Place development site, is contaminated due to prior industrial use. During the summer, the site was drilled for wells to remove oil contamination, while the partially demolished building continued to deteriorate.
In August 2009, major portions of the building collapsed. No one was injured, but parked vehicles were damaged by the falling debris, and asbestos dust was distributed. Demolition was expedited and debris removed. It was declared Stalled in October 2009. By the end of 2009, all demolition had been completed, the site was fenced, not graded.
Prior to any future use the land will have to be extensively remediated under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation supervision. There are no imminent development plans.
This site may have Manufactured Gas Plant coal tar in its sub surface, which can cost 10's of millions to remediate. Likely a lot of other toxic material as well. National Grid would be liable for this.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the site next door? It is called "Public Place" and under the jurisidiction of HPD. There was a design RFP several years ago to build residential towers and a small waterfront park but it seems to have stalled out because the City can't/won't move the Ferrara Brothers concrete facility of the property even though they are on a terminable lease. There was a public hearing and everything on this last year. Public Place is definately contaminated with coal tar and will cost at least $25M for Nat'l Grid to clean.
The building at 318 19th street (bet 6 and 7) is falling down and the building department is doing nothing to take it down. The building is collapsing and will fall down and take out the other buildings.
ReplyDelete