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 Park Slope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Park Slope. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
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.”
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.
187 7th Avenue, Park Slope
(NE corner of 7th Avenue and 2nd Street; aka 501 2nd Street and 495-505 2nd Street)Blog reader addition!
Project Description: None (vacant building)
Status: Sealed, Vacant Building
Background: This classic Park Slope building was known mostly for the ground floor “Landmark Pub.” The pub closed in the late 1990s and the façade and apartments above fell into disrepair. Since 2003 there has been a steady stream of complaints and violations about the failure to maintain the building and deteriorating conditions. Reports indicate that window frames were splintered and that glass was broken and at risk of falling on the sidewalk.
The city erected an emergency sidewalk shed in 2007, but there were reports throughout 2008 and 2009 that the sidewalk shed was not being adequately maintained and was in Disrepair. Metal bars on the sidewalk shed were bent or missing, and there was a gap between the shed and the building.
In May 2009 then-Councilmember De Blasio intervened to get the sidewalk shed repaired. By January 2010, conditions had deteriorated again, the shed was in disrepair.
There are no active permits for the shed, and the building remains sealed.
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
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.
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.
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.
287-289 13th Street, Park Slope
(between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Project Type: New building
Description: Demolition of two 2-family houses, construction of new 5 story, 8 unit building
Status: Stalled, vacant lot
UPDATE 8/2010: graded and fenced 7/16/10; EBC violation for failure to obtain permit (permit expired) 5/10/10.
UPDATE 2/19/2010: DOB added to "Stalled Site" list 1/11/2010
Background: The houses lay vacant since 2004. Some unpermitted demolition or construction work was reported. Demolition conducted in 2007 caused damage to homes on both sides. The wall of one of the adjacent homes damaged the wall and allowed water seepage. On the other adjacent home, the demolition caused structural damage. A Stop Work Order was issued in September 2007, allowing only remedial work to waterproof and to shore up the adjacent walls. The site remained in this condition through the winter, exacerbating the damage. The owner had financing difficulties and the contractor terminated the job.
The city undertook remedial measures, including installing temporary waterproofing and digging a trench, but water continued to seep into the neighbor’s basement. The project was declared Stalled in September 2009. The lot is fenced and the temporary protections remain, including metal rakers bracing the supporting wall on the adjoining structure.
Project Type: New building
Description: Demolition of two 2-family houses, construction of new 5 story, 8 unit building
Status: Stalled, vacant lot
UPDATE 8/2010: graded and fenced 7/16/10; EBC violation for failure to obtain permit (permit expired) 5/10/10.
UPDATE 2/19/2010: DOB added to "Stalled Site" list 1/11/2010
Background: The houses lay vacant since 2004. Some unpermitted demolition or construction work was reported. Demolition conducted in 2007 caused damage to homes on both sides. The wall of one of the adjacent homes damaged the wall and allowed water seepage. On the other adjacent home, the demolition caused structural damage. A Stop Work Order was issued in September 2007, allowing only remedial work to waterproof and to shore up the adjacent walls. The site remained in this condition through the winter, exacerbating the damage. The owner had financing difficulties and the contractor terminated the job.
The city undertook remedial measures, including installing temporary waterproofing and digging a trench, but water continued to seep into the neighbor’s basement. The project was declared Stalled in September 2009. The lot is fenced and the temporary protections remain, including metal rakers bracing the supporting wall on the adjoining structure.
267 6th Street, Park Slope
(NE corner of 4th Avenue and 6th Street)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 12 story, 107 unit building
Status: Stalled. Partial foundation. Lot for sale
Background: This Karl Fischer-designed building was initiated in early 2008. The demolition Excavation was undertaken, and remediation was necessary due to prior use (car repair and garage). Piles were drilled and driven for the foundation. A full Stop Work Order was issued in June 2008 because the work was found to be out of compliance with the approved plans. The SWO was rescinded in July but another SWO was issued in September 2008.
In April 2009 the site was declared Stalled at the excavation stage. There were repeated reports of standing water and a violation was issued for failure to drain rainwater. As of late December, the excavation remained exposed and water had frozen. Permits were renewed. A “For Sale” sign is posted.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 12 story, 107 unit building
Status: Stalled. Partial foundation. Lot for sale
Background: This Karl Fischer-designed building was initiated in early 2008. The demolition Excavation was undertaken, and remediation was necessary due to prior use (car repair and garage). Piles were drilled and driven for the foundation. A full Stop Work Order was issued in June 2008 because the work was found to be out of compliance with the approved plans. The SWO was rescinded in July but another SWO was issued in September 2008.
In April 2009 the site was declared Stalled at the excavation stage. There were repeated reports of standing water and a violation was issued for failure to drain rainwater. As of late December, the excavation remained exposed and water had frozen. Permits were renewed. A “For Sale” sign is posted.
Monday, February 1, 2010
255 4th Avenue, Park Slope
(between Carroll Street and Garfield Place)
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 12 story, mixed use and residential condo building, 41 units
Status: Stalled superstructure. Partial Stop Work Order in effect, building significantly complete.
UPDATE 2/3/2010: DOB reports work in progress
Background: Started in 2005, this building was designed by the controversial architect Robert Sarano. Work proceeded but numerous violations were issued due to site safety issues, failure to safeguard the public, and inadequate fencing, among others. The site was declared Stalled in September 2009, and it was declared unsafe. Remedial repairs were made, and as of late December the DOB reported that there was no immediate threat. Some work has been permitted to proceed.
Project Type: New building
Project Description: Construction of new 12 story, mixed use and residential condo building, 41 units
Status: Stalled superstructure. Partial Stop Work Order in effect, building significantly complete.
UPDATE 2/3/2010: DOB reports work in progress
Background: Started in 2005, this building was designed by the controversial architect Robert Sarano. Work proceeded but numerous violations were issued due to site safety issues, failure to safeguard the public, and inadequate fencing, among others. The site was declared Stalled in September 2009, and it was declared unsafe. Remedial repairs were made, and as of late December the DOB reported that there was no immediate threat. Some work has been permitted to proceed.
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