We need to make these sites into assets for the community. Many of these developments are causing real hazards for their neighbors, with fences falling down on sidewalks, loose construction debris that can become deadly in high winds, and unsecured sites that are dangerous for children and an invitation to squatting.
Help the effort to convert local blight to community benefit by providing feedback and tracking the progress of each site.
Leave comments below on a individual site to update us on the conditions. If you call 311 about an issue, please leave a complaint number in the comment.
Showing posts with label Carroll Gardens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carroll Gardens. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
333 Carroll Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Hoyt and Bond Streets)
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Conversion of manufacturing building to residential, with additional floors built
Status: Frozen with vertical extension incomplete, Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: The plan, initiated in 2005, was to convert and enlarge a historic manufacturing building to condos. The design was by architect Robert Scarano. The building was controversial because of its height and the impact on a landmarked block. The design was also challenged, as extensions that the architect called mezzanines were challenged as illegally expanding the permitted Floor Area Ratio. The DOB agreed and a Stop Work Order was issued in September 2006. Scarano was removed from the project and replaced by Karl Fischer. Permits expired, and after they were renewed, another SWO was issued because of after-hours work. There has been no activity since March 2008.
The project – nicknamed by blogs as the "Hell Building" – contributed to community demand for a downzoning. The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning was approved in October 2009, and the DOB determined that the project was only 15% complete. Therefore, the project was not sufficiently advanced to be grandfathered under the previous zoning and construction was ordered ceased. The steel structure of the top floors remains but cannot be completed, and although permits are current the owner has not indicated when/if he will amend plans and remove the non-compliant structure.
Project Type: Existing buildingProject Description: Conversion of manufacturing building to residential, with additional floors built
Status: Frozen with vertical extension incomplete, Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: The plan, initiated in 2005, was to convert and enlarge a historic manufacturing building to condos. The design was by architect Robert Scarano. The building was controversial because of its height and the impact on a landmarked block. The design was also challenged, as extensions that the architect called mezzanines were challenged as illegally expanding the permitted Floor Area Ratio. The DOB agreed and a Stop Work Order was issued in September 2006. Scarano was removed from the project and replaced by Karl Fischer. Permits expired, and after they were renewed, another SWO was issued because of after-hours work. There has been no activity since March 2008.
The project – nicknamed by blogs as the "Hell Building" – contributed to community demand for a downzoning. The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning was approved in October 2009, and the DOB determined that the project was only 15% complete. Therefore, the project was not sufficiently advanced to be grandfathered under the previous zoning and construction was ordered ceased. The steel structure of the top floors remains but cannot be completed, and although permits are current the owner has not indicated when/if he will amend plans and remove the non-compliant structure.
100 Luquer Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Hamilton Avenue and Clinton Street)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 11 story, 20 unit building
Status: Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB added to "Stalled Site" list 2/19/2010
Background: This building project started in 2005. Designed by architect Karl Fischer, 100 Luquer Street is the tallest building in the area. Neighborhood residents have cited it as out-of-context and as a factor in the 2009 downzoning. The DOB has issued 19 violations for infractions including unprotected holes in floors, components not conforming to approved plans, unlicensed riggers, unsafe scaffolding, inadequate fencing, and lack of a sidewalk shed.
The exterior is significantly complete, but activity has stopped. There have been multiple Stop Work Orders. A violation was issued in August 2009 for failure to obey a Stop Work Order. The latest permit expired in October 2009. When we visited the site in late October, fencing was intact, and though some construction equipment remained onsite, there was no activity.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 11 story, 20 unit building
Status: Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB added to "Stalled Site" list 2/19/2010
Background: This building project started in 2005. Designed by architect Karl Fischer, 100 Luquer Street is the tallest building in the area. Neighborhood residents have cited it as out-of-context and as a factor in the 2009 downzoning. The DOB has issued 19 violations for infractions including unprotected holes in floors, components not conforming to approved plans, unlicensed riggers, unsafe scaffolding, inadequate fencing, and lack of a sidewalk shed.
The exterior is significantly complete, but activity has stopped. There have been multiple Stop Work Orders. A violation was issued in August 2009 for failure to obey a Stop Work Order. The latest permit expired in October 2009. When we visited the site in late October, fencing was intact, and though some construction equipment remained onsite, there was no activity.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
85 3rd Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Hoyt and Bond Streets)
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Construction Of a 5 Story 6 Unit Building
Status: Building infrastructure partially complete (open in front and back)
UPDATE: DOB declared "Stalled" 5/12/2010. Site in dangerous condition. Section of fence is down, providing easy access to site and exposure to unprotected pit. Violation for defective fence and expiration of fence permit 5/12/10.
Blog reader addition!
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Construction Of a 5 Story 6 Unit Building
Status: Building infrastructure partially complete (open in front and back)
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 5/10/2010
Background: In early 2007 the applicant filed for construction of a new 5 story building and demolition of the existing 2 story (plus cellar) home. However, they subsequently withdrew the application for the new building, and in September 2007 they filed a new application for an alteration to the existing building – adding two floors on top of the existing two floor building. This would have added 4,500 square feet to the existing 2,100 sf building, creating a total floor area of 6,630 sf.
Work began in June 2008, but a Stop Work Order was served in July; though the SWO was rescinded soon after, other violations were issued throughout the project for conditions such as excessive construction debris, inadequate plywood fencing that made the site accessible; expired fence permits, exposed electrical wiring, and unprotected excavation without shoring or bracing walls.
Neighbors reported that the building was being demolished and entirely gutted, but the DOB reported that the work was within the scope of the alteration plans.
As of our visit in March 2010, the building is open in the front and rear, with partial cement side walls and steel infrastructure. Neighbors report that there has been no activity for months, and that water is collecting and seeping into the adjacent property. There is construction debris in the front area, but the fencing is in place. It’s not possible to see the condition of the excavation in the rear.
Background: In early 2007 the applicant filed for construction of a new 5 story building and demolition of the existing 2 story (plus cellar) home. However, they subsequently withdrew the application for the new building, and in September 2007 they filed a new application for an alteration to the existing building – adding two floors on top of the existing two floor building. This would have added 4,500 square feet to the existing 2,100 sf building, creating a total floor area of 6,630 sf.
Work began in June 2008, but a Stop Work Order was served in July; though the SWO was rescinded soon after, other violations were issued throughout the project for conditions such as excessive construction debris, inadequate plywood fencing that made the site accessible; expired fence permits, exposed electrical wiring, and unprotected excavation without shoring or bracing walls.
Neighbors reported that the building was being demolished and entirely gutted, but the DOB reported that the work was within the scope of the alteration plans.
As of our visit in March 2010, the building is open in the front and rear, with partial cement side walls and steel infrastructure. Neighbors report that there has been no activity for months, and that water is collecting and seeping into the adjacent property. There is construction debris in the front area, but the fencing is in place. It’s not possible to see the condition of the excavation in the rear.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
527 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Garnet and West 9th Street)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of 3 story building and construction of new 7 story, 18 unit building
Status: Proceeding
Background: This building was started in 2007. Multiple Stop Work Orders were issued throughout the history of the project. A Stop Work Order for the New Building was issued in April 2008 and violations were served for failure to protect people and properties affected by the demolition. Demolition was allowed to proceed. A full Stop Work Order in September 2008 cited failure to protect adjacent buildings during the demolition and excavation, inadequate means of exiting the excavation (10 feet deep), lack of guard rails around the excavation and hanging electrical wires, and the excavation was dug into the adjacent property. Additionally, the construction fence was found to be inadequate and the site was not properly secured. After a violation for failure to comply with the SWO, remedial safety measures we
re undertaken and the SWO was lifted in October 2008. Another SWO was issued in April 2009 due to lack of handrails throughout the site and guardrails at various locations, and an SWO was issued in June 2009 for failure to extend the chimney to protect adjacent roofs. This SWO was rescinded in December, but less than one week later an SWO was issued due to inadequate scaffolding and the lack of a licensed rigger. As of the end of December, the SWOs had been rescinded and the building was nearing completion.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of 3 story building and construction of new 7 story, 18 unit building
Status: Proceeding
Background: This building was started in 2007. Multiple Stop Work Orders were issued throughout the history of the project. A Stop Work Order for the New Building was issued in April 2008 and violations were served for failure to protect people and properties affected by the demolition. Demolition was allowed to proceed. A full Stop Work Order in September 2008 cited failure to protect adjacent buildings during the demolition and excavation, inadequate means of exiting the excavation (10 feet deep), lack of guard rails around the excavation and hanging electrical wires, and the excavation was dug into the adjacent property. Additionally, the construction fence was found to be inadequate and the site was not properly secured. After a violation for failure to comply with the SWO, remedial safety measures we
re undertaken and the SWO was lifted in October 2008. Another SWO was issued in April 2009 due to lack of handrails throughout the site and guardrails at various locations, and an SWO was issued in June 2009 for failure to extend the chimney to protect adjacent roofs. This SWO was rescinded in December, but less than one week later an SWO was issued due to inadequate scaffolding and the lack of a licensed rigger. As of the end of December, the SWOs had been rescinded and the building was nearing completion.
455 Smith Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Luquer and Nelson Streets)
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.
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.
340 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
(between Union and Sackett Streets)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of Long Island College Hospital building (former International Longshoremen’s Association health center) and construction of a 7 story residential building and 11 townhouses
Status: Stalled construction site. Hole remains. Foundation in place.
Background: The Clarett Group bought the former LICH/ILA building in 2007 in order to demolish it and build the “Collection at Court Street,” consisting of a 7 story condo building facing Court and Union Streets and a set of small-scale townhouses and single-family condos on the Union Street and Sackett Street sides. Neighbors coalesced to oppose the building on the grounds that the Court/Union section is too tall for the neighborhood. The design was also controversial; though the community was pleased about the townhouses, the frontage of the larger building facing Court Street was considered too bulky and a color (grey) that is out-of-context with the general neighborhood (although an older out-of-context building owned by the Mormon church is across the street).
The demolition was undertaken and a significant portion of the foundation for the main building was installed. Clarett hit financial trouble and halted the project in November 2008. There were early complaints about the condition of the site, but the developer removed equipment, cleaned the site and removed the sidewalk sheds in order to remove street parking restrictions. In April 2009 it was declared Stalled, with part of the lot at grade and part with a foundation and slab with subsurface walls shored by metal rakers.
The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning was approved in October 2009, and the main building would be slightly taller than the maximum allowed. Clarett appealed to the Board of Standards and Appeals. The Community Board endorsed the application, and BSA approved it in February 2010. The developer renewed the building permits but has no immediate plans to restart the project. The site remains in good shape, is well-lit and secure. The developer has been meeting with DOB's Stalled Sites Unit and submitted a Safety Monitoring Plan.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of Long Island College Hospital building (former International Longshoremen’s Association health center) and construction of a 7 story residential building and 11 townhouses
Status: Stalled construction site. Hole remains. Foundation in place.
Background: The Clarett Group bought the former LICH/ILA building in 2007 in order to demolish it and build the “Collection at Court Street,” consisting of a 7 story condo building facing Court and Union Streets and a set of small-scale townhouses and single-family condos on the Union Street and Sackett Street sides. Neighbors coalesced to oppose the building on the grounds that the Court/Union section is too tall for the neighborhood. The design was also controversial; though the community was pleased about the townhouses, the frontage of the larger building facing Court Street was considered too bulky and a color (grey) that is out-of-context with the general neighborhood (although an older out-of-context building owned by the Mormon church is across the street).
The demolition was undertaken and a significant portion of the foundation for the main building was installed. Clarett hit financial trouble and halted the project in November 2008. There were early complaints about the condition of the site, but the developer removed equipment, cleaned the site and removed the sidewalk sheds in order to remove street parking restrictions. In April 2009 it was declared Stalled, with part of the lot at grade and part with a foundation and slab with subsurface walls shored by metal rakers.
The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning was approved in October 2009, and the main building would be slightly taller than the maximum allowed. Clarett appealed to the Board of Standards and Appeals. The Community Board endorsed the application, and BSA approved it in February 2010. The developer renewed the building permits but has no immediate plans to restart the project. The site remains in good shape, is well-lit and secure. The developer has been meeting with DOB's Stalled Sites Unit and submitted a Safety Monitoring Plan.
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