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 DOB "Stalled" Category. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOB "Stalled" Category. 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.
824 Friel Place, Kensington
(between East 8th Street and Coney Island Avenue)
Project Type: Existing building/renovation
Project Description: Rehabilitation of a 2 family home
Status: Open pit, no activity
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: As a result of a tax foreclosure, the City took possesion of this 1-family home in 1990. In 2005, Just Homes LLC, a small developer, bought this property from the City and the Community Preservation Corporation as part of an affordable housing program. Plans for renovation and expansion of the building were approved in 2005 and amended in 2007, but there is no indication of a demolition permit. The building was either demolished or decayed, and all that remains are a pit with partial cement walls and a stoop that leads to nowhere.
Until recently, there was no construction fence, so access was open. A homeless veteran has been living in the pit. The Land Disposition Agreement between the City and Just Homes states the terms for default, which include failure to complete construction within a reasonable time period. There are 24 outstanding violations, but the site is not formally classified by the DOB as Stalled.
Councilmember Lander's office intervened, and now there is a new plywood fence and Common Ground's Street Outreach Program (funded by the City's Department of Homeless Services) arranged for a shelter placement and services for the homeless veteran. The property will be developed as part of an HPD affordable housing program.
Project Type: Existing building/renovation
Project Description: Rehabilitation of a 2 family home
Status: Open pit, no activity
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: As a result of a tax foreclosure, the City took possesion of this 1-family home in 1990. In 2005, Just Homes LLC, a small developer, bought this property from the City and the Community Preservation Corporation as part of an affordable housing program. Plans for renovation and expansion of the building were approved in 2005 and amended in 2007, but there is no indication of a demolition permit. The building was either demolished or decayed, and all that remains are a pit with partial cement walls and a stoop that leads to nowhere.
Until recently, there was no construction fence, so access was open. A homeless veteran has been living in the pit. The Land Disposition Agreement between the City and Just Homes states the terms for default, which include failure to complete construction within a reasonable time period. There are 24 outstanding violations, but the site is not formally classified by the DOB as Stalled.
Councilmember Lander's office intervened, and now there is a new plywood fence and Common Ground's Street Outreach Program (funded by the City's Department of Homeless Services) arranged for a shelter placement and services for the homeless veteran. The property will be developed as part of an HPD affordable housing program.
174 Garfield Place, Park Slope
(between 6th and 7th Avenues)
Project type: Existing building
Project description: None (vacant building)
Status: UPDATE 8/2010: Site sold to new developer who plans on building at the site. See Brooklyn Paper article here.
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: In 2006 and 2007, partial demolition work was undertaken without a permit. The work ceased, and the building was sealed. The building has 15 unresolved violations, the most recent of which indicated that the brickwork and cornice are defective and loose. There have been complaints about the building being open and accessible, but the DOB has determined that it is sufficiently closed. Windows and doors are cemented, but the front yard is open and accessible, in poor shape and has debris. Permits have expired.
Project type: Existing building
Project description: None (vacant building)
Status: UPDATE 8/2010: Site sold to new developer who plans on building at the site. See Brooklyn Paper article here.
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: In 2006 and 2007, partial demolition work was undertaken without a permit. The work ceased, and the building was sealed. The building has 15 unresolved violations, the most recent of which indicated that the brickwork and cornice are defective and loose. There have been complaints about the building being open and accessible, but the DOB has determined that it is sufficiently closed. Windows and doors are cemented, but the front yard is open and accessible, in poor shape and has debris. Permits have expired.
149 Kane Street, Cobble Hill
(between Henry Street and Hicks Street)
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Extensive repairs required, not addressed
Status: Vacant and sealed
UPDATE: DOB declared "Stalled": 2/16/2010
Background: This townhouse has received 36 violations since 2005, with the vast majority due to unsafe conditions and continuing deterioration, including numerous façade cracks, a hanging cornice, cracks in the stairs, roof decking separation, and blocked exits. A full vacate order was served in May 2009 and a full Stop Work Order was served in July, with violations for failure to comply with the vacate order.
In September permit applications were filed for a full interior and exterior renovation, but the plans were disapproved. All windows and doors are cemented, a sidewalk shed is up, the scaffolding company’s sign indicates that the permit was valid 12/31/2009, but no DOB permits are posted and there is no activity.
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Extensive repairs required, not addressed
Status: Vacant and sealed
UPDATE: DOB declared "Stalled": 2/16/2010
Background: This townhouse has received 36 violations since 2005, with the vast majority due to unsafe conditions and continuing deterioration, including numerous façade cracks, a hanging cornice, cracks in the stairs, roof decking separation, and blocked exits. A full vacate order was served in May 2009 and a full Stop Work Order was served in July, with violations for failure to comply with the vacate order.
In September permit applications were filed for a full interior and exterior renovation, but the plans were disapproved. All windows and doors are cemented, a sidewalk shed is up, the scaffolding company’s sign indicates that the permit was valid 12/31/2009, but no DOB permits are posted and there is no activity.
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.
455 12th Street, Park Slope
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Project Type: Existing building alteration
Project Description: Vertical enlargement, adding additional floor to 3 story, 6 family apartment building
Status: Partial Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: Plans were filed in 2008 to add an additional floor. Gut renovations were undertaken. Violations were issued for unsafe working conditions. Inspectors noted men working on open flooring throughout the site, floors exposed and with no safety equipment. Stop Work Orders were issued in February 2009 due to unapproved plans and March 2009 for failure to provide guard rails around the floor openings. In October 2009 excavation of the backyard for a rear extension was halted due to failure to provide protection at the sides of the excavation, which was 8 feet deep.
Project Type: Existing building alteration
Project Description: Vertical enlargement, adding additional floor to 3 story, 6 family apartment building
Status: Partial Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: Plans were filed in 2008 to add an additional floor. Gut renovations were undertaken. Violations were issued for unsafe working conditions. Inspectors noted men working on open flooring throughout the site, floors exposed and with no safety equipment. Stop Work Orders were issued in February 2009 due to unapproved plans and March 2009 for failure to provide guard rails around the floor openings. In October 2009 excavation of the backyard for a rear extension was halted due to failure to provide protection at the sides of the excavation, which was 8 feet deep.
359 3rd Avenue, Gowanus
(between 1st and 3rd Streets)
Project type: Demolition, planned development site
Project description: Demolition of idle Con Edison building; planned for future development (no immediate plans)
Status: Portion of site in use; demo delayed but scaffolding installed late 2009
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: Con Edison is demolishing a 1 story warehouse adjacent to its parking lot and plans to sell part or all of the property for development. Demolition permits were issued in mid-2009 but work did not proceed until early 2010. The site was where the Brooklyn Dodgers played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prior to building Ebbets Field. There is speculation that parts of the exterior wall are remnants of the Dodgers’ stadium, but others believe that the Dodgers’ stadium was fully demolished when the Dodgers left in 1912 and that the wall is from the stadium built for other teams shortly afterward. All agree that the site is important to baseball history, and Con Edison has promised to not demolish the historic wall.
In late December 2009 a sidewalk shed was erected. The adjacent parking lot is still actively used for Con Edison vehicles.
Project type: Demolition, planned development site
Project description: Demolition of idle Con Edison building; planned for future development (no immediate plans)
Status: Portion of site in use; demo delayed but scaffolding installed late 2009
UPDATE: DOB adds to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring: 2/16/2010
Background: Con Edison is demolishing a 1 story warehouse adjacent to its parking lot and plans to sell part or all of the property for development. Demolition permits were issued in mid-2009 but work did not proceed until early 2010. The site was where the Brooklyn Dodgers played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prior to building Ebbets Field. There is speculation that parts of the exterior wall are remnants of the Dodgers’ stadium, but others believe that the Dodgers’ stadium was fully demolished when the Dodgers left in 1912 and that the wall is from the stadium built for other teams shortly afterward. All agree that the site is important to baseball history, and Con Edison has promised to not demolish the historic wall.
In late December 2009 a sidewalk shed was erected. The adjacent parking lot is still actively used for Con Edison vehicles.
Monday, March 15, 2010
22 Caton Place, Kensington
(between Ocean Parkway and East 8th Street)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 7 story, 58 unit building
Status: Fenced lot. No activity.
UPDATE 3/15/2010: DOB added to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring
Background: Demolition of the previous building was started in 2005. Numerous violations were incurred during the demolition phase, citing non-compliant and damaged fencing, and failure to properly store combustible materials. The developer sought an upzoning from R6 to R7A to enable construction of an 8-story building. There was significant neighborhood opposition. Community Board 7 voted unanimously to disapprove the ULURP application, and the Borough President disapproved the application, recommending R7B instead. City Planning approved the R7B designation, and the developer modified his plans. Plans for a new building were filed in 2007. The design was by architect Karl Fischer.
The developer had difficulties obtaining financing. The site remained idle while permits expired and the job site fence continued to deteriorate. As of late 2009 there were 8 open violations and there is considerable debris on the lot. There is no activity but the site has not been declared as stalled.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 7 story, 58 unit building
Status: Fenced lot. No activity.
UPDATE 3/15/2010: DOB added to "Stalled Sites" list for extra monitoring
Background: Demolition of the previous building was started in 2005. Numerous violations were incurred during the demolition phase, citing non-compliant and damaged fencing, and failure to properly store combustible materials. The developer sought an upzoning from R6 to R7A to enable construction of an 8-story building. There was significant neighborhood opposition. Community Board 7 voted unanimously to disapprove the ULURP application, and the Borough President disapproved the application, recommending R7B instead. City Planning approved the R7B designation, and the developer modified his plans. Plans for a new building were filed in 2007. The design was by architect Karl Fischer.
The developer had difficulties obtaining financing. The site remained idle while permits expired and the job site fence continued to deteriorate. As of late 2009 there were 8 open violations and there is considerable debris on the lot. There is no activity but the site has not been declared as stalled.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
231-233 Ocean Parkway, Kensington
(between Church Avenue & Beverly Road)Blog reader addition
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Demolition of house and garage; Construction of 8 story, 12 unit residential building with below-grade parking
Status: Update 714/10: Portion of fenced collapsed.
Vacant Lot, Excavation backfilled, DOB “Stalled” classification
Background: In early 2008 plans began for demolition of a home and garage and construction of a new 8 story building. During demolition and excavation, there were numerous complaints and violations concerning defective and missing fencing.
The site was idle, permits expired in April 2009, and in July 2009 the DOB declared it as a Stalled Site.
In September 2009 the DOB filed an Emergency Declaration noting that the partial foundation had inadequate bracing and water had not been drained. The DOB ordered it backfilled to grade. The owner did not comply, so the city backfilled the excavation and installed a chain link fence.
As of an early March 2010 DOB inspection and our site visit, the lot was graded and fenced, with no activity.
Project Description: Demolition of house and garage; Construction of 8 story, 12 unit residential building with below-grade parking
Status: Update 714/10: Portion of fenced collapsed.
Vacant Lot, Excavation backfilled, DOB “Stalled” classification
Background: In early 2008 plans began for demolition of a home and garage and construction of a new 8 story building. During demolition and excavation, there were numerous complaints and violations concerning defective and missing fencing.
The site was idle, permits expired in April 2009, and in July 2009 the DOB declared it as a Stalled Site.
In September 2009 the DOB filed an Emergency Declaration noting that the partial foundation had inadequate bracing and water had not been drained. The DOB ordered it backfilled to grade. The owner did not comply, so the city backfilled the excavation and installed a chain link fence.
As of an early March 2010 DOB inspection and our site visit, the lot was graded and fenced, with no activity.
Friday, February 5, 2010
23 Caton Place, Kensington
(between Ocean Parkway & East 8th Street)
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: New Building, 8 Stories, 107 Units
Status: Partially finished building skeleton, stalled
UPDATE 8/2010: ECB violation for obstructed exits, building fined 4,000 on August 2nd. Unresolved.
UPDATE 3/15/2010: Contractor has done remedial work to clean and make site safe
Background: “Caton on the Park,” planned since 2004 and designed by architect Karl Fischer, has drawn considerable attention as emblematic of out-of-context development and the stalled construction issue. Community groups considered it to be too large for the local neighborhood, which is generally characterized by one- and two-family homes. The building elicited neighborhood protests and was a factor in the community seeking a contextual rezoning (approved in spring 2009).
From early on, there were numerous complaints about impact to neighboring properties, site safety and after-hours work. Multiple Stop Work Orders were issued – December 2005 because adjacent properties were not protected from the demolition work, September 2006 because the construction was not compliant with approved plans, February 2008 because of further damage to adjacent properties, and April 2008, when debris was ordered to be removed and an a construction fence be repaired or installed. The DOB determined the building was 40% completed.
Cost overruns and market conditions caused financing problems. In June 2008 the lender filed to foreclose on the property, and in August the mezzanine lender filed for bankruptcy. Corus Bank, which made the original mortgage loan, failed and that the debt has been sold to Starwood Capital Group, which has been maintaining the site but not yet indicated its longer-term plans. As of December 2009, the site had 52 active violations, and there was a new set of permits for remedial measures to make the site safe.
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: New Building, 8 Stories, 107 Units
Status: Partially finished building skeleton, stalled
UPDATE 8/2010: ECB violation for obstructed exits, building fined 4,000 on August 2nd. Unresolved.
UPDATE 3/15/2010: Contractor has done remedial work to clean and make site safe
Background: “Caton on the Park,” planned since 2004 and designed by architect Karl Fischer, has drawn considerable attention as emblematic of out-of-context development and the stalled construction issue. Community groups considered it to be too large for the local neighborhood, which is generally characterized by one- and two-family homes. The building elicited neighborhood protests and was a factor in the community seeking a contextual rezoning (approved in spring 2009).
From early on, there were numerous complaints about impact to neighboring properties, site safety and after-hours work. Multiple Stop Work Orders were issued – December 2005 because adjacent properties were not protected from the demolition work, September 2006 because the construction was not compliant with approved plans, February 2008 because of further damage to adjacent properties, and April 2008, when debris was ordered to be removed and an a construction fence be repaired or installed. The DOB determined the building was 40% completed.
Cost overruns and market conditions caused financing problems. In June 2008 the lender filed to foreclose on the property, and in August the mezzanine lender filed for bankruptcy. Corus Bank, which made the original mortgage loan, failed and that the debt has been sold to Starwood Capital Group, which has been maintaining the site but not yet indicated its longer-term plans. As of December 2009, the site had 52 active violations, and there was a new set of permits for remedial measures to make the site safe.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
385 4th Avenue, Park Slope
(between 6th and 7th Streets)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 11 story 51 unit residential building
Status: Stalled construction site; vacant lot
Background: This site was bought by controversial landlord Baruch Singer, who has specialized in buying distressed properties. He has sought to develop major new buildings, for example as co-investor of the Greenpoint Pencil Factory condo. In 2006, Singer bought this property in the South Slope and planned to develop an 11-story condo building. Singer hit financial trouble; in 2008 he renegotiated terms with the lender for this property, and subsequently the lender for the Pencil Factory called in its loan because that building wasn’t finished by its scheduled completion date.
The 4th Avenue project was declared Stalled in April 2009. The excavation was backfilled. Permits, which were renewed in mid-2009, expired in January 2010. There is no current activity, and the DOB considers the site secure and safe.
Project Type: New buildingProject Description: Construction of new 11 story 51 unit residential building
Status: Stalled construction site; vacant lot
Background: This site was bought by controversial landlord Baruch Singer, who has specialized in buying distressed properties. He has sought to develop major new buildings, for example as co-investor of the Greenpoint Pencil Factory condo. In 2006, Singer bought this property in the South Slope and planned to develop an 11-story condo building. Singer hit financial trouble; in 2008 he renegotiated terms with the lender for this property, and subsequently the lender for the Pencil Factory called in its loan because that building wasn’t finished by its scheduled completion date.
The 4th Avenue project was declared Stalled in April 2009. The excavation was backfilled. Permits, which were renewed in mid-2009, expired in January 2010. There is no current activity, and the DOB considers the site secure and safe.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
559 Carroll Street, Park Slope
(between 4th and 5th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 4 story residential building
Status: Undermined adjacent building; Stop Work Order issued; site backfilled, rakers and foot blocks installed; Declared stalled 12/10/2009.
Background: Plans for this 4 story residential building were initiated in 2007. A stop work order was issued in March 2008 because an adjacent building was undermined by the underpinnings operation. Remedial actions included drypack underpinning and the installation of rakers and heel blocks in support of the rakers. Subsequently, a violation was issued because there was no protection at the sides of the excavation.
The site was declared stalled in December 2009 and an emergency declaration was issued because the excavation was still undermining the adjacent property and the walls were bulging. The Emergency Declaration required that the excavation be backfilled. HPD reported that the owner was complying.
The site was declared stalled in December 2009 and an emergency declaration was issued because the excavation was still undermining the adjacent property and the walls were bulging. The Emergency Declaration required that the excavation be backfilled. HPD reported that the owner was complying.
As of early February 2010, the site was backfilled, graded and fenced, and rakers whalers and heel locks were installed for temporary shoring to the adjoining property. The DOB reported that there is no immediate threat.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
900 Coney Island Avenue, Kensington
(between Ditmas Avenue and 18th Avenue)
Background: A small building housing a commercial storefront (currently Domino’s Pizza) and apartments was slated for a major expansion up and back, adding a 6 story commercial and community facility. The first permits were filed in 2001, but there was a gap of 5 years until zoning lots were combined and a new round of permits were filed. In the interim, a violation was issued for the operation of a school on the second floor of the existing building. Also in the interim, the owner filed for bankruptcy and his real estate holdings were contested by his spouse.
Work was resumed in 2006. The shell of the expansion was constructed, but a Stop Work Order was issued in October 2007 due to failure to protect the roof of an adjacent property. Though repairs were made and the SWO was rescinded in November 2007, work ceased and the permits expired in December 2007. There is no evidence of subsequent activity. The Domino’s is open, and the new section remains incomplete. The site was declared Stalled in June 2009. The DOB reports that there is no immediate threat.
Project Type: Alteration/new building
Project Description: Alteration of a store & apartments to commercial & community facility; four story horizontal & vertical extensions (behind Domino's Pizza)
Status: Update 8/2010: violation issued for warped cellar doors 5/4/10.
Empty shell
Project Description: Alteration of a store & apartments to commercial & community facility; four story horizontal & vertical extensions (behind Domino's Pizza)
Status: Update 8/2010: violation issued for warped cellar doors 5/4/10.
Empty shell
Background: A small building housing a commercial storefront (currently Domino’s Pizza) and apartments was slated for a major expansion up and back, adding a 6 story commercial and community facility. The first permits were filed in 2001, but there was a gap of 5 years until zoning lots were combined and a new round of permits were filed. In the interim, a violation was issued for the operation of a school on the second floor of the existing building. Also in the interim, the owner filed for bankruptcy and his real estate holdings were contested by his spouse.
Work was resumed in 2006. The shell of the expansion was constructed, but a Stop Work Order was issued in October 2007 due to failure to protect the roof of an adjacent property. Though repairs were made and the SWO was rescinded in November 2007, work ceased and the permits expired in December 2007. There is no evidence of subsequent activity. The Domino’s is open, and the new section remains incomplete. The site was declared Stalled in June 2009. The DOB reports that there is no immediate threat.
716 Ditmas Avenue, Kensington
(between East 7th and East 8th Streets)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 3 story house of worship
Status: Vacant lot, no activity
Update 8/2010: tree debris on sidewalk preventing pedestrian access 6/22/10.
Background: Plans in 2003 indicate that a 2 story residence was going to be enlarged in the rear and converted into a facility for Congregation Tifereth Tomor Dvora Sfard, a Sephardic congregation on Ocean Parkway. It’s unclear whether or not the planned work was done, but in 2006 permits for a larger expansion (horizontal and vertical) were disapproved, and in 2008 the building was demolished. Plans for construction of a new 3 story synagogue were approved. Construction equipment was brought on site but no significant work was done, and now exists as a fenced, vacant lot.
The site was declared Stalled in July 2009. The mortgage owner, First Central Savings Bank, became insolvent, and in September 2009 Wachovia assumed ownership of the mortgage. As of December, all permits were expired, a tractor and construction equipment were on the site, and there was no activity.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 3 story house of worship
Status: Vacant lot, no activity
Update 8/2010: tree debris on sidewalk preventing pedestrian access 6/22/10.
Background: Plans in 2003 indicate that a 2 story residence was going to be enlarged in the rear and converted into a facility for Congregation Tifereth Tomor Dvora Sfard, a Sephardic congregation on Ocean Parkway. It’s unclear whether or not the planned work was done, but in 2006 permits for a larger expansion (horizontal and vertical) were disapproved, and in 2008 the building was demolished. Plans for construction of a new 3 story synagogue were approved. Construction equipment was brought on site but no significant work was done, and now exists as a fenced, vacant lot.
The site was declared Stalled in July 2009. The mortgage owner, First Central Savings Bank, became insolvent, and in September 2009 Wachovia assumed ownership of the mortgage. As of December, all permits were expired, a tractor and construction equipment were on the site, and there was no activity.
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.
400 15th Street, Park Slope
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: New 5 story 18-unit residential building
Status: Full Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE
8/2010: ECB violation for water in cellar, cite is well fenced 5/12/20
2/4/2010: HPD removed the unbraced concrete walls on the 3rd floor and installed a sidewalk shed. DOB reports that there is no immediate threat
Background: In 2004 demolition of a 1 story commercial building was undertaken and a new 5 story residential condo building was planned. The site is directly across the street from the Park Slope Armory. Through 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, neighbors at the rear and side of the property reported that the excavation work undermined their yards, but inspectors did not substantiate the complaints and did not issue violations until 2007.
Multiple Stop Work Orders have been issued: July 2005 due to a report of damage, March 2006 because the neighborhood underwent a downzoning and this building was not sufficiently advanced to be grandfathered (though only 15% complete, the Board of Standards and Appeals approved the developer’s request to proceed due to financial hardship in complying); May 2007 because the adjacent building had cracks and there was movement into the excavation site; February 2008 because the scaffolding did not have adequate safety equipment; and January 2009 because the revised plans were not in compliance with the zoning. The site was declared Stalled in December 2009.
An Emergency Declaration was filed due to unbraced cement walls at the 3rd story, fencing was inadequate and the building was open and accessible. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development was brought in to remove the unbraced walls on the 3rd floor and install protective materials on the roof.
Project Type: New buildingProject Description: New 5 story 18-unit residential building
Status: Full Stop Work Order in effect
UPDATE
8/2010: ECB violation for water in cellar, cite is well fenced 5/12/20
2/4/2010: HPD removed the unbraced concrete walls on the 3rd floor and installed a sidewalk shed. DOB reports that there is no immediate threat
Background: In 2004 demolition of a 1 story commercial building was undertaken and a new 5 story residential condo building was planned. The site is directly across the street from the Park Slope Armory. Through 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, neighbors at the rear and side of the property reported that the excavation work undermined their yards, but inspectors did not substantiate the complaints and did not issue violations until 2007.
Multiple Stop Work Orders have been issued: July 2005 due to a report of damage, March 2006 because the neighborhood underwent a downzoning and this building was not sufficiently advanced to be grandfathered (though only 15% complete, the Board of Standards and Appeals approved the developer’s request to proceed due to financial hardship in complying); May 2007 because the adjacent building had cracks and there was movement into the excavation site; February 2008 because the scaffolding did not have adequate safety equipment; and January 2009 because the revised plans were not in compliance with the zoning. The site was declared Stalled in December 2009.
An Emergency Declaration was filed due to unbraced cement walls at the 3rd story, fencing was inadequate and the building was open and accessible. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development was brought in to remove the unbraced walls on the 3rd floor and install protective materials on the roof.
364 Henry Street, 129 Congress Street, Cobble Hill
(NW corner of Henry and Congress Streets)
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Planned interior alterations and external repairs on buildings in landmark district.
Status: Stalled. Building decaying. Stop Work Order in effect.
Update 8/2010: EBC violation, sidewalk shed does note meetin building code specification 7/29/10, EBC violation, sidewalk shed not illuminated 6/23/10, EBC violation, expired shed permit 7/30/10, EBC violation, no fences permit 7/30/10.
Update 2/19/2010: Work has been stopped by DOB due to various compliance issues. DOB added to Stalled Site list 12/30/2009, found no immediate threat.
Background: These two adjoining buildings have had structural defects dating back to 2001, when violations were issued for cracks in the façade and hazardous, defective masonry. Architect Robert Scarano was hired to design modifications to the building, which is located within a Landmarked district.
The buildings have been reported as vacant since 2004. Complaints and violations continued for years, noting failure to maintain the building, failure to maintain the sidewalk shed, construction of an illegal curb cut, expired permits, work without permits, and defective/exposed electrical wiring, among others. A Stop Work Order issued in April 2009 was partially rescinded to allow remedial safety measures, but additional work was undertaken and the owner was issued a violation for failure to obey the SWO.
Our site visit in November 2009 showed the site to be in poor condition, with debris throughout the property and idle construction equipment. By December 2009, the site was declared Stalled and there were 23 outstanding violations.
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Planned interior alterations and external repairs on buildings in landmark district.
Status: Stalled. Building decaying. Stop Work Order in effect.
Update 8/2010: EBC violation, sidewalk shed does note meetin building code specification 7/29/10, EBC violation, sidewalk shed not illuminated 6/23/10, EBC violation, expired shed permit 7/30/10, EBC violation, no fences permit 7/30/10.
Update 2/19/2010: Work has been stopped by DOB due to various compliance issues. DOB added to Stalled Site list 12/30/2009, found no immediate threat.
Background: These two adjoining buildings have had structural defects dating back to 2001, when violations were issued for cracks in the façade and hazardous, defective masonry. Architect Robert Scarano was hired to design modifications to the building, which is located within a Landmarked district.
The buildings have been reported as vacant since 2004. Complaints and violations continued for years, noting failure to maintain the building, failure to maintain the sidewalk shed, construction of an illegal curb cut, expired permits, work without permits, and defective/exposed electrical wiring, among others. A Stop Work Order issued in April 2009 was partially rescinded to allow remedial safety measures, but additional work was undertaken and the owner was issued a violation for failure to obey the SWO.
Our site visit in November 2009 showed the site to be in poor condition, with debris throughout the property and idle construction equipment. By December 2009, the site was declared Stalled and there were 23 outstanding violations.
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.
308 14th Street, Park Slope
(between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition, construction of new 5 story residential building
Status: Stalled construction site
Background: This building project was initiated in 2005. Demolition in 2006 caused damage to the adjoining home’s wall, and a Stop Work Order was issued. After being rescinded, four more SWOs have been issued; issues included expired demolition permits, failure to provide an adequate fence and overhead protection, and damage to the adjacent property.
In April 2009 the site was declared Stalled. The demolition had been completed to the foundation stage and a small portion of an external superstructure was built. The excavation was deteriorating but there was no immediate risk and the fence was secure. There are 13 active violations.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition, construction of new 5 story residential building
Status: Stalled construction site
Background: This building project was initiated in 2005. Demolition in 2006 caused damage to the adjoining home’s wall, and a Stop Work Order was issued. After being rescinded, four more SWOs have been issued; issues included expired demolition permits, failure to provide an adequate fence and overhead protection, and damage to the adjacent property.
In April 2009 the site was declared Stalled. The demolition had been completed to the foundation stage and a small portion of an external superstructure was built. The excavation was deteriorating but there was no immediate risk and the fence was secure. There are 13 active violations.
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