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 Existing Building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Existing Building. 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
324 East 3rd Street, Kensington
(between Albemarle Road & Church Avenue)
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Conversion from 2 family to 4 family
Status: Update: violation for working without a permit 6/22/10
Stop Work Order in effect
Background: In 2004 the owner planned to enlarge this home from two families to four. Portions of the work were not in compliance with approved plans. A Stop Work Order was issued in August 2009. The rear yard has a 5-foot-deep excavation with exposed posts. There are 6 violations outstanding.
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Conversion from 2 family to 4 family
Status: Update: violation for working without a permit 6/22/10
Stop Work Order in effect
Background: In 2004 the owner planned to enlarge this home from two families to four. Portions of the work were not in compliance with approved plans. A Stop Work Order was issued in August 2009. The rear yard has a 5-foot-deep excavation with exposed posts. There are 6 violations outstanding.
Monday, February 1, 2010
1244 48th Street, Borough Park
(between 12th and 13th Avenues)
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Horizontal and vertical enlargements
Status: Stop Work Order in effect
Background: This project is to enlarge an existing building and convert it to a medical office and 2-family residence. Two complaints were filed concerning illegal work and encroachment onto a neighbor’s property, but the DOB inspector did not find a violation. Two violations and a partial Stop Work Order were issued in September 2009 citing immediately hazardous conditions, noting that the sidewalk shed did not have cross-bracing in the rear, which are needed for stabilization. The violations were issued at an aggravated level. There is no reported compliance on the DOB system.
Project Type: Existing building
Project Description: Horizontal and vertical enlargements
Status: Stop Work Order in effect
Background: This project is to enlarge an existing building and convert it to a medical office and 2-family residence. Two complaints were filed concerning illegal work and encroachment onto a neighbor’s property, but the DOB inspector did not find a violation. Two violations and a partial Stop Work Order were issued in September 2009 citing immediately hazardous conditions, noting that the sidewalk shed did not have cross-bracing in the rear, which are needed for stabilization. The violations were issued at an aggravated level. There is no reported compliance on the DOB system.
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