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May 22, 2006

Ratner's latest public-safety hazard

The scene at 461 and 463 Dean Street yesterday was in stark contrast to the posture assumed by Forest City Ratner (FCR) as a defender of public safety, in order to secure an "emergency action" to demolish buildings they claimed were in "danger of collapse and posed an imminent threat to public safety."

These photos (click to enlarge) were taken yesterday after the safety wall protecting FCR's site was blown down. Luckily for everyone, no one was injured or killed.

As Forest City Ratner Executive VP Bruce Bender pointed out in a January, 2006 letter to the Brooklyn Papers, "These buildings are under our control and as such are our responsibility. Should a fire break out, a brick fall or a wall collapse on the street, then we would be at fault."

Neighbors and critics of Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards plan had repeatedly called for buildings at 461 and 463 Dean Street to be spared until the public review process was completed, pointing out that the buildings had been recently occupied and that subsequent structural damage to the buildings was possibly caused by the windows Ratner had left open in the rear, exposing the structures to the elements.

Now the buildings are gone.

Last month, a serious accident at Forest City Ratner's Times Tower job site led New York City's Dept. of Buildings to issue several safety violations and to temporarily close that site. It is unclear if the Dept. of Buildings is aware of the Dean St. wall collapse.

The neighborhood didn't believe Ratner when he made the initial claims that the Dean St. buildings posed a threat to public safety, but we are still stunned when presented with repeated evidence of his disingenuousness.

The final approval of the project is still pending the environmental review. However, recent events lead Brooklynites to wonder if Ratner was really just looking for a way to jump start demolitions, since his project is nearly two years behind schedule and is losing public support with every day.

UPDATE: The wall was repaired last night but blew over again. That would make two opportunities for Forest City Ratner to have caused a serious injury in Prospect Heights.

If anyone knows if the Department of Buildings has inspected the site, please send us the tip.

Posted by lumi at May 22, 2006 7:21 AM