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 New Building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Building. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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.
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.
217-225 4th Avenue, Park Slope
(between President Street & Union Street)Blog reader addition!
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Construction of a 12 story, 40 unit condo building
Status: Vacant lot, Idle
Background: In 2000 the owner of the Brooklyn Lyceum – a former bath house turned into an arts and event space – and his business partner (Jean Miele, an architect), planned to build a new building on the adjacent lot. Due to financial difficulties, the Lyceum owner defaulted on his stake in the vacant lot, and ownership for the lot reverted to Miele. Miele decided to go ahead on his own, and in February 2008 he filed plans for construction of a 12 story, 40 unit, 61,000 sf condo building. The site was cleared in 2008 (including removal of a historic trolley car); excavation was initiated and then halted. There has been no apparent activity since then.
A website indicates that the owners are seeking development partners “to create a dynamic enclave tower of arts, commerce and residences.”
192 East 5th Street, Kensington
(SW corner of Caton Avenue, formerly 417 Caton Avenue)Blog reader addition!
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Demolition of home and garage and construction of a pair of new homes
Status: Vacant Lot, Idle
Background: Two 2 story homes were bought and demolished in 2003, and the lots were merged. The demolition was left incomplete through 2003 and 2004, and there were numerous complaints and violations citing unsafe conditions. Part of one floor remained standing, debris and combustible material accumulated in front, and the plywood fence fell multiple times, leaving the site open and unguarded. A new owner acquired the site in 2005 and completed the demolition, and in they filed plans for the construction of two 3 story condo buildings designed by architect Henry Radusky.
No construction activity has taken place. The fence has been in disrepair during periods and neighbors reported that children were playing on the site, but as of our site visit in early March the fence is now secure and the lot is cleared.
103-105 Kane Street, Columbia Waterfront District
(between Columbia Street & Tiffany Place)Blog reader addition!
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Construction of a 5-story 7 unit residential building with community facility
Status: Vacant Lot
Background: In early 2008, plans were filed for a 5 story building with a community facility. The zoning (R6) at the time allowed for bonus floor area (based on height or bulk) if a community facility is provided (though “community facility” is broadly defined to include medical offices); using that bonus, the developer filed for a 5 story, 16,000 square foot building, with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of about 4.0. Excavation was initiated in June 2008.
The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning would have only allowed for a FAR of 3.0. The DOB inspected the site and determined that the foundation was not started, and a Stop Work Order was issued.
The site is idle, though not “stalled” under the DOB classification. The covering on the front fence is poorly maintained, but the fence is intact, the lot is in reasonably good condition, and there have not been complaints or violations.
75 Columbia Street, Columbia Waterfront District
(NE corner of Columbia and Warren)Blog reader addition!
Project Type: New Building
Project Description: Demo of commercial building; Construction of a 6 story 10 unit residential building
Status: Vacant lot, partially excavated
Background: On this corner lot, a one-story warehouse – vacant since at least 2006 – was bought for demolition and the construction of a new residential condo building. Planning began in 2007/2008, with demolition permits approved in January 2008 and underway later in the year.
On 9/15/2008, a Stop Work Order was issued during the demolition phase, as inspectors reported that there were no detailed plans for shoring the walls of the excavation so it wouldn’t damage an adjacent building. Guardrails were also not present to protect workers from the excavation. Limited work was permitted to proceed to install safety equipment.
In November 2008, the contractor presented amended plans, and guardrails were installed. The site was determined to be in safe condition and the SWO was rescinded.
The Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Contextual Rezoning, which was in development at this time, may have allowed for the height but not the bulk. The building plan was for a 6 story, nearly 20,000 sf building, with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of about 3.7. The maximum FAR under the new zoning is 3.0. Some other nearby developments were also stopped by the rezoning, though a couple of large ones had progressed far enough that they were allowed to proceed with plans that would have otherwise been out of compliance. This site had not advanced sufficiently and would have to be modified before proceeding.
Currently there is plywood fencing around the site. Inside, there is a dirt pit from the incomplete excavation, along with lumber, other debris and plant overgrowth. There is no current activity, permits are expired and the site is for sale.
277 1st Street, Park Slope
(between 4th Avenue & 5th Avenue)Blog reader addition!
Project Description: Originally planned a 4 story 2 unit building (1999); new plan for a 4 story 5 unit building (2002)
Status: Building Infrastructure Partially Complete
Background: This project was initiated in 1999 but was significantly expanded in 2003. The 1999 plan was for a new 4 story, 2 unit, 4,000 sf building. The plans were withdrawn in 2003 and new plans were filed to build a 4 story, 14,000 sf building by merging adjacent lots. The plans refer to 3 units, but they may mean 3 units per original lot, thus totaling 9 units.
The Park Slope Rezoning halted work, but the DOB determined that it was sufficiently far along to proceed under the previous rules.
There have been several major safety violations:
- 2004: In May a violation was issued for failure to protect public and property affected by construction operations. The violation noted that one side of the excavation fence and a portion of the side yard had collapsed due to improper sheeting and shoring of the excavation and foundation. In June a violation was issued for failure to provide protection of sides of an excavation approximately 15 feet long in front of the building. In November a violation was issued for failure to provide protection at the side of excavation. Protection was not provided, and along one wall there was no sheeting, shoring or bracing. A Stop Work Order was issued.
- 2005: In May a violation was issued for work contrary to approved DOB plans; a crane was hoisting steel in the wrong position. The contractor also failed to have a permit signed off by an engineer. In December a violation was issued due to the lack of a sidewalk shed. The inspector noted that steel framing for the new building of approximately 50 feet in height had been erected without a sidewalk shed for protection of pedestrians on sidewalk. A Stop Work Order was issued.
- 2007: In March a violation was issued because the sidewalk shed did not meet building code specifications. The shed was missing lighting and a deck enclosure.
- 2008: In February a violation was issued for lack of guardrails along an opening on the roof terrace.
- 2010: In February another violation was issued because the sidewalk shed did not meet DOB code requirements. It was missing a parapet on the top of shed.
Permits are still active.
The building has 4 full floors and a fifth floor that may be a terrace or other structure.
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
960 50th Street, Borough Park
(between 9th and 10th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of a house and garage and construction of a new 5 story, 8 unit residential building
Status: Update 8/2010: No application on file for lighting power 7/23/10.
Proceeding
Background: Plans were filed in 2007 to build a new 5 story residential buidling. A Full Stop Work Order was issued in November 2008 because the excavation was causing damage to an adjacent property. The contractor was allowed to shore up and the foundation was pour a concrete foundation, the SWO was lifted in December. Additional SWOs were issued – February 2009 due to inadequate fencing to prevent public access to the excavation, and May 2009 because of additional site safety problems, including site fence defects and missing guardrails and handrails around the excavation. A violation was issued in October due to lack of permits for scaffolding at the top floor.
Permits were renewed in December 2009, and the building exterior is nearly complete.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of a house and garage and construction of a new 5 story, 8 unit residential building
Status: Update 8/2010: No application on file for lighting power 7/23/10.
Proceeding
Background: Plans were filed in 2007 to build a new 5 story residential buidling. A Full Stop Work Order was issued in November 2008 because the excavation was causing damage to an adjacent property. The contractor was allowed to shore up and the foundation was pour a concrete foundation, the SWO was lifted in December. Additional SWOs were issued – February 2009 due to inadequate fencing to prevent public access to the excavation, and May 2009 because of additional site safety problems, including site fence defects and missing guardrails and handrails around the excavation. A violation was issued in October due to lack of permits for scaffolding at the top floor.
Permits were renewed in December 2009, and the building exterior is nearly complete.
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.
561 11th Street, Park Slope
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of a 2 story residential building and garage and construction of a new 4 story 4-unit building
Status: Proceeding, nearing completion
Background: Demolition was undertaken in 2008 and plans were filed for a new residential building. A violation was issued in February 2009 for the lack of guardrails around the perimeter of the second floor, and a partial Stop Work Order was issued in April 2009 because there was no overhead protection at the entrance of the job site and no roof protection provided for adjacent properties. The safety measures were installed quickly and the SWO rescinded, but another partial SWO was issued in August because the workers using the scaffolding were not qualified. As of January 2010 the building was mostly complete and construction was proceeding.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Demolition of a 2 story residential building and garage and construction of a new 4 story 4-unit building
Status: Proceeding, nearing completion
Background: Demolition was undertaken in 2008 and plans were filed for a new residential building. A violation was issued in February 2009 for the lack of guardrails around the perimeter of the second floor, and a partial Stop Work Order was issued in April 2009 because there was no overhead protection at the entrance of the job site and no roof protection provided for adjacent properties. The safety measures were installed quickly and the SWO rescinded, but another partial SWO was issued in August because the workers using the scaffolding were not qualified. As of January 2010 the building was mostly complete and construction was proceeding.
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.
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.
3705 14th Avenue, Borough Park
(between 37 Street & Old New Utrecht Road)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 3 story ambulance garage, dispatch and training facility
Status: Foundation construction to restart, site is secure.
Background: A car repair shop and car wash was demolished, and permits for a new commercial building for the non-profit volunteer ambulance corps Hatzolah were issued in 2006. The foundation was begun but a stop work order was briefly issued in July 2009 because of issues with the construction fence. As of our visit in November 2009, a tractor and miscellaneous construction equipment were on site, the fence was intact, and the site was secure. Work on the foundation is supposed to restart soon.
Hatzolah is a non-profit volunteer medical service that works to save lives in the Borough Park community and beyond. If you would like to find out more about the organization, visit www.bphatzolah.org.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of a new 3 story ambulance garage, dispatch and training facility
Status: Foundation construction to restart, site is secure.
Background: A car repair shop and car wash was demolished, and permits for a new commercial building for the non-profit volunteer ambulance corps Hatzolah were issued in 2006. The foundation was begun but a stop work order was briefly issued in July 2009 because of issues with the construction fence. As of our visit in November 2009, a tractor and miscellaneous construction equipment were on site, the fence was intact, and the site was secure. Work on the foundation is supposed to restart soon.
Hatzolah is a non-profit volunteer medical service that works to save lives in the Borough Park community and beyond. If you would like to find out more about the organization, visit www.bphatzolah.org.
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.
336 Dahill Road, Kensington
(between 37th Street and 15th Avenue)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: construction of new 5 story, 4-unit building (MID-2008)
Status: Stalled construction site, excavation backfilled
Background: The project was initiated in 2007. The demolition damaged the walls and chimney of the adjacent home, and water seeped into the basement. A Stop Work Order was issued in April 2008. The excavation was backfilled. Violations were issued due to site safety and damaged fencing. In July 2009 the site was declared Stalled and noted as abandoned.
An Emergency Declaration was issued 8/24/2009 to grade and fence the site, noting “Open Unbraced Foundation Past the Point of Influence.” The site was classified as unsafe for months. The owner was non-compliant. The work was completed by HPD and the site was found safe 1/12/2010.
All permits are expired.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: construction of new 5 story, 4-unit building (MID-2008)
Status: Stalled construction site, excavation backfilled
Background: The project was initiated in 2007. The demolition damaged the walls and chimney of the adjacent home, and water seeped into the basement. A Stop Work Order was issued in April 2008. The excavation was backfilled. Violations were issued due to site safety and damaged fencing. In July 2009 the site was declared Stalled and noted as abandoned.
An Emergency Declaration was issued 8/24/2009 to grade and fence the site, noting “Open Unbraced Foundation Past the Point of Influence.” The site was classified as unsafe for months. The owner was non-compliant. The work was completed by HPD and the site was found safe 1/12/2010.
All permits are expired.
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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