Earlier this summer, we reported that the city had, in response to our complaints, halted work at the controversial tower at 14 Fifth Avenue that we opposed. Violations were also issued against the developer for breaking multiple rules, with adjudication on those violations not scheduled until September 5. The city also acknowledged that the damage done by prior work on the site to neighboring 10 Fifth Avenue — which has left several elderly rent-stabilized tenants out of their homes for a year and a half — had not been repaired, but that it was progressing.

But then in late August, the city allowed work to continue, dropping the stop work order, and the developer has raced ahead with construction, without any explanation from the city for the sudden reversal. See our letter to the Department of Buildings Commissioner protesting this inexplicable reversal and calling upon the city to change course and prioritize public safety over accommodating a deep-pocketed developer with a miserable track record of work which damages neighboring properties.

We continue to urge the city to change its policies and practices to better protect our homes and historic buildings from dangerous and unpermitted work.

TO HELP: