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January 5, 2007

South Slope Developer Busted With a Ho(e)

house
The rogues gallery continues to grow over in the South Slope. The Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights caught another developer breaking the rules yesterday, this time at 570 4th Avenue. The violation? Use of a backhoe without a permit for mechanical demolition. The sleuths at CCGH are having a hard time figuring out who exactly the developer is but they were on the phones to 311 en masse reporting the activity. Lots of photos of the demo on the link below.
Photo Gallery: 570 4th Avenue [CCGH] GMAP P*Shark

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We have added a second page to the gallery of shots taken earlier in the day. One of which is featured above. Thanks Mr. B. Now to call our buddies at the DOB.

Posted by: ccgh at January 5, 2007 9:39 AM

How does the developers group come in the picture here?

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 9:51 AM

So, get this...DOB comes out yesterday (we are agast in their timeliness) at 4:20pm. Unfortunately the site's closed at this point. Rather than coming back in the morning, or resolving 2 out of the 3 complaints (most dealing with the documented mechanical demo), this dimwit only resolves the "unsafe work conditions" complaint saying "no work going on at time of inspection."

WTF? Typical DOB BS. We'll see if we can get them out again today.

Posted by: ccgh at January 5, 2007 10:52 AM

Gotta love it. I've called for work being done on weekends and DOB shows up in the middle of the week.

Try calling you community board (I am in CB6 and they are really great) as they might have more sway. Also try DeBlasio's office - I think this is in his district.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 11:02 AM

Only tangentially related, but if one more of those workers on Washington between Gates and Fulton catcalls and harasses my wife on her way to work, I'm heading down there with an aluminum softball bat and my own 'stop work order'. Anyone else having trouble with these animals?

Posted by: houseowax at January 5, 2007 11:19 AM

Who are these people who spend all day with video cameras locked on construction sites? If you're bored with life, get a hobby, volunteer, or have a romantic fling.

I'm sure the NIMBY posters will all accuse me of being a hired shill for developers or other such nonsense. I can't think of anything more boring than playing DOB inspector all day. Do these same people take video cameras to restaurants and supermarekts, eagerly anticipating DOH violations?

I would rather care about loved ones, my job and my community than whether a back hoe permit has or hasn't been issued.

Posted by: Crawford at January 5, 2007 11:34 AM

Why would someone openly break the law in broad daylight on a 4th Avenue no less if they didn't think they would be prosecuted. The Brooklyn DoB's answer to the decade old building boom has been to implement policies that speed up the process for the builder/developer. How do Stop Work Orders fit into that plan? The biggest mistake the DoB made was to create the B.I.S. site on their web page accessible to 'everyone'. Information in the wrong hands will do nothing but slow the builder down and work counter to all the recent policy changes made to make it easier. I think the DoB is doing a great job of concealing it's inadequacies. The recent administrative changes made with-in the Buildings Dept. are a good step towards providing the illusion that changes for the better are in the works. The DoB needs less inspectors and plan examiners, and more forensic engineering career types, that way when catastrophes occur they can rush to the scene to play the hero.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 11:35 AM

Crawford great suggestion. Except that my wife is really turned on by role playing... specifically when I video tape her in front of heavy construction equipment. 5 of my 7 children were conceived while costumed in a DoB uniform. The fact that I document illegal building practices is just an interesting by product.

Posted by: NIMBYSEXUAL at January 5, 2007 11:49 AM

Hey Crawford, question for you...

You complain about folks having too much time on their hands to document illegal activity. You ALSO must have too much time on your hands to read this blog and be a regular contributor.

All of us "use or spare time" in what we feel are useful and helpful ways we can support OUR COMMUNITY. What have you done for your's lately except make B.S. complaints about supposed "NIMY" folks who want to protect themselves from illegal activity and worry about safety of their familes and property?

Really, wed' all like to know...

Tired of B.S. "Sunday Afternoon Quarterback" comments from folks like you on this blog. Put your $$ where your mouth is and do something real, other than bitch on this blog.

Posted by: lostinbrooklyn at January 5, 2007 12:15 PM

hey houseowax, howabout world peace too. And maybe we could also get everyone to stop swearing at hoem, as well as in public. I guess you're not from a blue collar background, or you wouldn'e be calling these working men 'animals'.

Posted by: dd at January 5, 2007 12:23 PM

I got to agree with crawford about the urgency to bust a construction crew and their illegal demolition practices.
Here's a thought, y not try busting drug dealing, or larceny, esp with that aluminum bat you guys are carrying.
Get a life for you folk is an understatement.
I can't wait till the AY project intiates just to see how many of you will be perched up high on neighboring rooftops capturing kodak moments

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 1:03 PM

"I got to agree with crawford about the urgency to bust a construction crew and their illegal demolition practices."

Um, not getting this one Anon 1:03pm

Seems cut and dry: see a robbery or an assault, call 911 or the cops directly. If you were a witness, go down to the Pct. and make a staement, or heck, appear in court.

See dangerous and KNOWN illegal activity, call 311 or the DOB. Since they won't call you to be a witness, take photos, video, etc. as proof of what happened since DOB (unlike the cops, though I'm sure that's up for another debate) rarely show up the same day, or same week for that matter.

So, Anon 1:03pm, what am I missing? What are you suggesting we do instead?

Posted by: lostinbrooklyn at January 5, 2007 1:23 PM

Who are the shills posting here who think that a developer/construction co. breaking the law, engaging in illegal activities and endangering children, families and homes in the neighborhood is any less of a threat than drug dealers?

You're probably one of the very real estate assholes who will be talking up the development by high-lighting what a great neighborhood it is, how residents self-police to keep the area safe, and how tight-knit the community is.

When something illegal is happening right outside your window, it doesn't take a helluva lot of time to snap some photos with a digi camera. When it happens consistenly in a neighborhood without any credible action of resolution then it is time for people to be even more vigilant in taking a stand.

Crawford, you are an asshole.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 1:41 PM

Poor (and apparently embarrassed) Anonymous, you proved my point with absolute gusto.

There were no stated allegations of dangerous work conditions. The allegation is simply that a bureaucratic step was not adequately addressed, a gotcha! tactic intended to punish the developer for daring to build housing without the express approval of the self-appointed "Concerned Citizens."

The videotaping brigade is a pathetic embarrassment to the community. Here’s betting they are largely bitter about their lives and gain pleasure in making others miserable.

I hope you take that same camera and alleged concern for "safety" into Key Food, Gorilla Coffee and your neighbors and friends apartments. I’m sure your militant stance on safety extends to workplace OSHA requirements, the fire code and law enforcement. Otherwise you are a joke and a fraud.

Posted by: Crawford at January 5, 2007 2:57 PM

Hey dorkis lostinbrooklyn, the DOB regulates and creates CODES, not LAWS.
The people breaking these CODES are not breaking the law. They are hard working blue collarded folk, unlike your white collar persona.
The world you'd like for us to live in is a world policed for every fucking thing.
You want to police a crime or at least report one, find something that is't constructive. Development is constructive. And the hard working laymen are anything but criminal. Maybe some are misinformed by their bosses on the means and methods of construction, but don't judge them for face value. I bet you judge a book by its cover also, you asshole

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 4:43 PM

I never understand the "get a life" remark made by people to down grade other people's beliefs, concerns, passions, hobbies, vocations, interests...It serves no purpose. It is usually followed by some hostile comment about "being bitter" and then "supported" by some comment referring to ALL the other things in the world they should be doing INSTEAD of the activity the other person judges to be of no value. Its a lazy argument and just plain uncivilized.
What's bugging you, Crawford? What nerve has CCGH struck?
Unfair prosecution/persecution of real estate developers and or demolition contractors?
Citizen activists?
Electronic surveillance?
Amateur video?
Who exactly are the "others" you mention in your post that are "miserable" because of being filmed?
Finally, what is happening at Key Foods, and Gorilla Coffee that warrants investigation? Are you implying that illegal and or unsafe activities are happening in those business establishments with your knowledge? The burden must be overwhelming.

Posted by: Worried about Crawford at January 5, 2007 5:29 PM

"The people breaking these CODES are not breaking the law. They are hard working blue collarded folk, unlike your white collar persona."

What a ridiculous assertion. Building and construction codes are the law. That's why we have a whole department purportedly dedicated to enforcing them. The people doing the actual (illegal, unpermitted, and perhaps unsafe) work may be blue collar, but the people making the money by shortcutting the proper legal procedures are, I assure you, most definitely not blue collar at all. In case you haven't been paying attention, the recent building boom and the attendant lax or non-existent compliance with or enforcement of constrution codes has served to injure and kill blue collar construction workers at an increasing rate.

Gotta love folks who see more danger in people looking out for their neighborhoods and worker and public safety than in people who knowingly violate the law and show little or no regard for the people they employ or the people in the surrounding community.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 5:48 PM

Once again, NOT THE LAW, just a CODE.
CODE and LAW are two different nouns and have two different meanings, otherwise the NYC Building Code, would be known as Building Law Book. Oops thats the other municipality

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 6:05 PM

Anon 4:43 PM:

Nice. I guess your blue collar roots gave you quite a mouth. I always appreciate civil discourse...oh, well.

For the record, last time I checked, breaking the law IS breaking the law. Illegal acts like disreguard of building codes, by laws, zoning indexes, robbing banks, assault, murder, you name it (obviously not all of those need to be in the same level of severity, but you get my point) are still illegal.

Whether you are the boss-man (blue or white) or the worker (blue or white) if you get busted for something YOU know is illegal or wrong, you pay the price.

It's all about culpability, plain and simple. Not rich or poor or blue color vs. a desk job.

On that note, this here a-hole (as you called me) is barely pulling down enough to pay my bills, so don't pull class B.S. with me. It don't fly.

The time I, my wife and other working class stiffs devote to catching folks doing BLATANT (no snooping needed) illegal and unsafe activity in OUR 'NABE (not yours) is on our dime and our pockets. We put our $$ and efforts where it counts.

Now, who's the a-hole?

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 6:12 PM

Opps, that was me at 6:12pm

Geeze, I'm such an a-hole ;)

Posted by: lostinbrooklyn at January 5, 2007 6:19 PM

Seems you might have a major criminal/asswipe on your hands in the south slope:

From the permit on acris for the site -

Rigas Gregory Man.Memger
Gap Realty Group, LLC 26 Delevan Street
Brooklyn NY 11231
12/12/2006

From another DOB permit collection: www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/excel/per010606.xls

ANGELO RIGAS ARC ELECTRICAL & MECH.CONTRS PARTNERSHIP Zorizno Associates
Gregory Rigas 26 Delevan Street Brooklyn NY 11231 (718) 222-8162

From a village voice article: http://www.villagevoice.com/news/9818,barrett,169,1.html

The most recent job on Marrone's resume was with Hercules Construction, a company that was barred from doing business with the agency and was under federal investigation for bribing and defrauding Board of Ed and SCA officials at the time of Marrone's hiring. Hercules president Gregory Rigas--another associate of Mike Long's, who contributed the legal maximum years earlier to Atanasio's congressional campaign--pled guilty to two federal felonies four months after Marrone left the company to join the SCA. Rigas agreed to pay $189,000 in restitution to the agencies he'd defrauded, most of it to the SCA.

Marrone's resume describes him as project manager for Hercules's New York City Housing Authority work from 1992 through 1995, and Rigas was charged with filing false certified payrolls with NYCHA for precisely that period. The SCA IG's office played a pivotal role in developing the criminal case against Rigas.

Rigas was also accused of setting up Aim Construction--a phony WBE (Women's Business Enterprise)--to win affirmative action contracts. NYCHA records indicate that after Hercules was forced to drop the allegedly fake WBE in 1994, Rigas briefly replaced it with Builder Nine, a company that listed Fran Marrone as president and Gary Marrone as vice president.

Posted by: lalaland at January 5, 2007 9:42 PM

Wow, you guys are my heroes, NOT
Next time I'm at Gorilla Coffee, I'm bringing the camera ready to load up on those liberals behind the counter, esp when they are not wearing latex gloves handling food and beverages.
The DOH will hear about this. Sorry to rain on your cafe lostinbrooklyn, and yes you are an asshole

Posted by: Anonymous at January 5, 2007 11:32 PM

Anon 11:32

Glad I'm an A-hole, but at least I can contribute to the thread a bit more "on topic."

Have fun with your vid fest at "Gorilla Coffee" (talk about having time on yer hands...or paws) sure you'll find far more fun stuff than we did...is that DOH or DOB? Gee, am I off topic as well?

But, wait, what do I know, I'm the a-hole! ;)

Posted by: lostinbrooklyn at January 6, 2007 1:33 AM

Oh, I forgot to add, since I and "one other unknown anon" are the only ones throwing around "Gorilla Coffee" on this thread, has "crawford" suddenly gone anon?"

Gee-wizz. Nite, shills!

Posted by: lostinbrooklyn at January 6, 2007 1:39 AM

Well, I guess I'm a little late on the rebuttal, but I couldn't let that one slide, even though I know it's just bait and here I am taking it...oh well.

dd: My background and class stauts is irrelevant. I don't call 'working men' animals, I call men who sexually harrass and demean and belittle women animals.

Hope that clears things up.

Posted by: houseowax at January 8, 2007 10:35 AM

UPDATE: stop work order on the property!

Not quite the complaint we were looking for, but a Stop Work Order and ECB violations all the same, this one for expired permits and inadequate construction fence leaving the site open to the public.

http://tinyurl.com/yy5apa

Perhaps they'll go legal from now on...perhaps not. We'll be watching :)

Posted by: ccgh at January 8, 2007 12:09 PM

UPDATE AGAIN:

DOB allowed the developer to remedy the issues, stop work lifted today, 1/10/07

Hopefully they'll work legally from now on...

Posted by: ccgh at January 10, 2007 3:21 PM