Construction Site at Hendrickson Street and Avenue P
After the existing house was demolished earlier this year, the development slated for the corner lot at Hendrickson Street and Avenue P seems to be underway. According to the Department of Buildings, the most recent plan (dated August 26, 2009) submitted by applicant/architect Sandor Weiss of Gelu Durus Musica, amends the original plans which proposed a “commercial building” with 12 enclosed parking spaces. The current plan has been amended to increase construction floor area (from 4,883 SF to5,330 SF), alter the building layout and the building’s use has now changed to “Unknown.”
Based on this information, it is highly likely that this development will be a community facility (encompassing religious, educational, healthcare or non-profit institutions). Since this is an R3-2 residential district, commercial uses are not permitted and the 12 parking spaces are mandated for a community facility. To see the site’s current actions/applications, click here.
The site currently has two open violations. Curious as to the frequency of such violations, I decided to research other buildings built by this architect. Much to my dismay, albeit not too surprised, Gelu Durus Musica has built three residential buildings in South Slope, all of which had a multitude of violations and complaints. Brownstoner has tracked 357 15th Street – in which the top stories of the building had to be removed because it did not conform to the current zoning. Brownstoner also notes that Weiss was among DOB’s noted 2006 disciplinary actions and “fined and surrendered D-14 and professional certification privileges.”
It is troubling when a publicly denounced architect, whose license was challenged by DOB, knocks down a house to construct something that will most likely be non-contextual to its surrounding neighborhood. Furthermore, a large construction site with open violations blights the neighborhood and its adjacent buildings. As the development proceeds, MarineParker will be vigilant in tracking its progress as well as report and research any further problems.
Good please stay on this! To many buildings are going up in Brooklyn and there is too much over crowding it’s discusting!!! The best part is most of these developers have tons of violatios and they should not be allowed to build anywhere and they do! I think the Department of Buildings is corrupt and someone needs to expose them. Someone needs to stay on their ASS!!!!!
Some animals are more equal than others.
When Mayor Bloomberg tells you nonsense that he’s “for the middle class” ask yourself why we continue to see the building and zoning codes ignored when it comes to certain people and certain projects(and would concede sadly his opposition is little better).Such a building would invaribaly cause more traffic and parking congestion in an area already clogged most days. If it’s a school, every day at 8AM and 3PM will be a mess. If this guy was forced to surrender his privileges why is this going forward at all? Why isn’t there a stop work order right now?
These ugly 6-family houses and mega-condos are not suited for a low rise place like Marine Park. If you want to be a budding Donald Trump or build some more blot ugliness like Boro Park, go elsewhwere. Or at least comply with the law. Is that too much to ask?
The words “Bloomberg” and ” for the middle class” do not belong in the same sentence. He bullied the city council into overturning term limits so that he could run for a third term. Restricting time in office to two terms was voted on by the people of New York but, in one fell swoop it was rescinded so that King Bloomberg could use his financial “wisdom” to “save” the city. Take a look at your real estate taxes. Mine increased $800 last year even though the value of my property decreased. It is punitive and unfair and totally out of touch with what it’s like to be middle class and live and work in this city. Million Tree Program…tourists sitting on crappy lawn chairs in the middle of Broadway….fuggedaboutit!
Hey folks: To those concerned with this project, here are some ways to effective engage the developer in order to ensure that your quality of life isn’t totally ruined.
- Keep detailed records: Create a folder and a log. Note all dates and times of 311 complaints with the name of the person you speak with and complaint number. Then, follow up to see what action was taken in response to your complaint by following up with 311.
Also, know which agency to contact. issuing with fencing, open properties, late/early construction go to DOB, stagnant groundwater, illegal dumping into sewers go to DEP, dirty conditions / excess garbage go to Sanitation.
In addition to DOB permits, look for DOT permits for keeping materials on the street. If they don’t have that, call 311 and get DOT to have them remove the materials.
- Take pictures: If you note a hazardous condition, take pictures and keep them handy. Bring them to neighborhood organizations like the Marine Park Civic or straight to DOB.
- Share your findings with EVERYONE: Write and call every elected officials, get involved with your civic association, talk to every neighbor, get them to call in complaints, too. Keep records of who you contact and when, and hold all accountable!
And most of all, don’t be afraid to stand up and speak out. Developers and contractors can be abrasive and rude and confront you. Remember, it’s your neighborhood, too! If you feel threatened, travel with an additional person when you monitor the site.