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June 7, 2007

Mixed Agendas at Anti-Scarano Rally on Smith Street

We'd guesstimate that about 60 people spent their lunch hour yesterday listening to Councilman Bill de Blasio rail against the proposed design by Robert Scarano for the plaza and adjoining lot at Smith and 2nd Place in Carroll Gardens and call for the revocation of Mr. Scarano's license to practice architecture. In his prepared remarks, de Blasio likened having Scarano do a project in the neighborhood to letting "the fox in the chicken coop." "Scarano's not welcome in our community," he said more than once. Of course, the irony of de Blasio shaking his fist over an eight-story building being built in Carroll Gardens when he has not had any problem with a number of much taller buildings being built in nearby Fort Greene and Prospect Heights was not lost on some of the anti-Atlantic Yards protesters who showed up. In a piece of comedic theatre, two sign-holders from the de Blasio camp were kept on their toes trying to make sure that their anti-Scarano posters blocked the those of the Atlantic Yards protesters from the view of cameras. (Lots of reporters were on hand.) When the conference was over, we heard some locals saying they couldn't give a hoot who the architect was as long as the building ended up being smaller scale. ("An enemy of my enemy is my friend.") Based on an email that has made the rounds and was reported on Gowanus Lounge yesterday, the developer has already agreed to make the facade better integrated with neighboring buildings and has agreed to switch to a brick facade; last we heard, though, he wasn't willing to give on the height of the building, which at its highest point is planned to reach 70 feet. Update: Neighborhood blog First and Court is reporting that DOB rejected the most recent set of plans yesterday.
Scarano Pushback on Smith [Brownstoner]
New Developments in the Battle of 360 Smith [Gowanus Lounge]

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Comments

Did anybody from CB6 attend the rally?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 9:38 AM

It's a nice building in an area that really needs housing more than a section of cement to gather on. I'm not saying Scarano is a gift to Brooklyn; not at all. But we do need people in here building and you can't protest everything that doesn't happen to appeal to you.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 9:47 AM

scarano is the architect no the developer

to protest the architect regarding the scale of a building makes no sense. the architect is hired by the developer.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 9:54 AM

This is a why Robert Scarano should not be aloud to work in our City. Here are a couple projects designed by him. I think the Smith Street building was just being used as a rally point because he was the architect and his plans have been disapproved already four times for that building! I am all four development at that location but pleae keep the court yard and store!

-360 Smith Street, Brooklyn: Proposed plans to go up eight stories denied on four separate occasions. New plans will be submitted soon.

-333 Carroll Street, Brooklyn: Thankfully DOB caught the use of mezzanines and limited the height of the building before construction began.

-614 7th Ave (Minerva Building): The developer Chaim Nussencweig (Scarano Design) argued the building’s foundations were laid before the rezoning took effect. BSA ruled that the building had to comply with new zoning. (Thank you South South Slope and John Burns for making this one happen)

-Bowery Tower, 4 East 3rd St. Manhattan: Filed to be a dormitory building. Questions regarding the plans caused the developer to sell the building and a new architect was hired. It is now a hotel.

-Finger Building, 144 North 8th Street: Designed for 16 stories and required that the developer purchase air rights. The project was stopped at 10 stories after residence clamed he never purchased air rights.

-Washington Condominium: The developer used plywood floors to lower the ceiling height so the developer could label them storage lofts. DOB held the C/O until the floors were rebuilt with concrete.

-441 Grand St./Keap St, Brooklyn: On May 2007 Doris Vila and David Licht were given a copy of the DOB-approved plans. They observe that such plans were “approved” pursuant to the DOB’s Professional Certification Program on 3/29/2007. But Robert Scarano surrendered his “professional certification” privileges last year. They have been told that the structural plans were “accidentally” approved as professionally certified by Robert Scrarano.
In January 2007 Ms. And Mr. Vila found a document with Ms. Vila’s signature forged on an application to underpin their home. This work was required by DOB for the developer to continue work but the homeowner did not authorize the work.

-267 First Street, Brooklyn: Currently a Stop Work Order, 20 complaints, six DOB violations and six ECB violations.

-578 Carroll Street, Brooklyn: 2 Complaints, 1 DOB Violation.

-340 Bond Street, Brooklyn: 34 Complaints, 2 DOB Violations and 1 ECB violation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/realestate/16cov.html?emc=eta1

Posted by: Jason Rowland at June 7, 2007 10:28 AM

-360 Smith Street, Brooklyn: Proposed plans to go up eight stories denied on four separate occasions. New plans will be submitted soon.-

-333 Carroll Street, Brooklyn: Thankfully DOB caught the use of mezzanines and limited the height of the building before construction began.-

-Bowery Tower, 4 East 3rd St. Manhattan: Filed to be a dormitory building. Questions regarding the plans caused the developer to sell the building and a new architect was hired. It is now a hotel.-

-Washington Condominium: The developer used plywood floors to lower the ceiling height so the developer could label them storage lofts. DOB held the C/O until the floors were rebuilt with concrete.-

-441 Grand St./Keap St, Brooklyn: On May 2007 Doris Vila and David Licht were given a copy of the DOB-approved plans. They observe that such plans were “approved” pursuant to the DOB’s Professional Certification Program on 3/29/2007. But Robert Scarano surrendered his “professional certification” privileges last year. They have been told that the structural plans were “accidentally” approved as professionally certified by Robert Scrarano.
In January 2007 neighbors found a document with their signature forged on an application to underpin their home. This work was required by DOB for the developer to continue work but the homeowner did not authorize the work.-

-267 First Street, Brooklyn: Currently a Stop Work Order, 20 complaints, six DOB violations and six ECB violations.-

-578 Carroll Street, Brooklyn: 2 Complaints, 1 DOB Violation.-

-340 Bond Street, Brooklyn: 34 Complaints, 2 DOB Violations and 1 ECB violation.-

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/realestate/16cov.html?emc=eta1

Posted by: Jason Rowland at June 7, 2007 10:31 AM

Right, per my post on an earlier string regarding Scarano, Scarano's the enabler for developers who want to profit by violating the building code and zoning laws. He signs off on stuff ethical architects won't.

Still, it seems silly to protest an architect. He's not going to change his tune.

Was anyone there? Did BdB promote Assemb. Brennan's package of DOB legislation that seeks to address some of these issues substantively?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 10:34 AM

We're not protesting because the building doesn't appeal to us. We're protesting because the building is out of scale and context with the neighborhood. Everything here is no more than 5 stories and brownstone. It's unique and we'd like to keep it that way.

We're also concerned about them building over the subway, closing the subway entrance to do it, and enclosing the plaza. It's nice to be able to stand outside on a pleasant day and watch the subway come down. Why should we lose that?

Scarano is a problem because he's known for ignoring regulations and having unsafe worksites. He has knowingly damaged other people's property while building next to them and had serious problems with the buildings he's finished. Do you want that kind of person building over the subway? The groundcover is very shallow there. What if it collapses and cuts of the F line from here to Coney Island?

Posted by: BeReasonable at June 7, 2007 10:35 AM

10:34, he will change his line of work if he loses his license to practice.

Second 10:35. Beyond Scarano, this development proposal is not something we have to roll over for.

Develop the parking lot, but do it within the zoning and in proper context to the neighborhood.

Posted by: Gary at June 7, 2007 10:48 AM

"Right, per my post on an earlier string regarding Scarano, Scarano's the enabler for developers who want to profit by violating the building code and zoning laws. He signs off on stuff ethical architects won't."

Perfectly put. He is hired specifically for these reasons and thus attracts the lowest of the low-life developers.

The "I just draw them" excuse just does not fly with Scarano anymore.

If the State would take a closer look, he'd be out of biz. Perhaps he himself could become a developer and hire some of his own staff.

And agreed as well with AM Brennan's DOB package at the State level. With the nick-named "Scarano" bill, he's be out of biz quicker than you can say mezzanine.

As far as CM de Blasio, I wonder why now go after Scarano? Personal vendetta or political positioning? Seems personal to me.

But, if he gets the job done, I'm all for it, regardless the motive.

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 10:54 AM

In this week's Brooklyn Papers:

http://tinyurl.com/282el3

I love:

“I know what they’re saying out there,” Scarano said. “But now we’ve studied the area, and the building is going to be less modern.”

Whatever. As long as there are no worker deaths, we'll all be happy.

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 11:00 AM

These NIMBYs never give up. After loosing on the Atlantic Yards Mega project, now they are going after the little guys. Well Hopefully the city wont listen to them and let Scarano and the developer build their building there. You buy the lot you built on the lot. Simple as that.

Posted by: Garrison at June 7, 2007 11:05 AM

Seems to me 2 different factions.
DiBlasio and other anti-Scarano people because of very questionable professional practices of the 'architect' and probably would not have been there if someone else had been architect on this deal.
Then the neigbhorhood people who could care less about architect...just don't want 8 story building.
2 different issues don't make a good fit. Each trying to use each other for own agenda.

Frankly, this comment "It's nice to be able to stand outside on a pleasant day and watch the subway come down. Why should we lose that?" sounds too self-serving. Someone should not be able to develop his property because you waon't be able to stand outside and watch the train coming? Gimme a break.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 11:08 AM

ActionJackson,

Given some of the people who attended yesterday's rally such as a certain funeral home owner and members of the Carroll Gardens Assoc., Gowanus Canal CDC, and the IND (a lot of these groups are the same people - different names) I would say this is politically motivated. Many people have called our CM in the past about other Scarano projects and have been ignored (or they have blamed the lack of response on staff message taking skills). It is only by telephoning and emailing en masse that those of use who live on the wrong side of Hoyt have been able to get our CM's attention.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 11:12 AM

You design an ugly building out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood and people protest. As they have a right to do. Simple as that.

Posted by: Carol Gardens at June 7, 2007 11:12 AM

If Scarano quit architecture tomorrow, do you think the 8-story builder would go away? The developer would just find a new architect to build that big. Would the opponents be any happier with that?

Not that I like his buildings, but I think (thanks partly to this blog) he's just become shorthand for "I'm just so sick of everything that's happening in Brooklyn!" But focusing on him here just muddles the issue.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 11:13 AM

ActionJackson,

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 11:14 AM

Garrison,
This has nothing to do with Atlantic Yards, and these are not the "little guys". I understand that they own the property and want to develop it. More power to them. I'm sure it will look better than an ugly parking lot.

But I live RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the proposed project. I don't want this guy anchoring his building to mine and either breaking my foundation, cracking my walls or having part of his building fall down on top of mine. These are all things that have happened at other Scarano building sites.

Get a responsible architect who will abide by the regulations, because while the owner has a right to build on the lot, he does NOT have the right to damage my property or endanger my house.

It's as simple as that!

Posted by: BeReasonable at June 7, 2007 11:15 AM

Did someone just refer to Scarano as the "little guy"...good one.

I know I wrote de Blasio about this guy in the past because Scarano has been causing problems with the building at 333 Carroll street. He was going to pull the same old tricks until DOB caught up to him and made him change his plans.

There is still a SWO on that site today!

I was able to read some of the ideas that will be going to the assembly and support them, hopefully our other state reps do the same. We need something like that at the state and city level.

Posted by: Jason Rowland at June 7, 2007 11:25 AM

BeReasonable: So you are entirely driven by your own personal interests. You should have realized that the lot next to the house you bought would be developed at some point. Bad choice as it turns out. But that realy depends on how you look at it. Your property will continue to go up in value.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:01 PM

Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:01 PM

BeReasonable's house may go up in value, but bad argument (posted way too much on brownstoner), unless they are going to sell their home.

personal motivation to not have your backyard in shadow and the threat of your property damaged due to the track record of who said architect tends to work with says volumes...

Self serving? Yes. NIMBY? I don't think so.

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 12:09 PM

scarano is not building anything

he is an architect not a developer

you people are confused

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:21 PM

yes. who is the developer?

and, in any case. big deal on the new building. carroll gardens isn't a landmarked neighborhood. it is home to some really bad construction and fugly shortened windows and awnings on old buildings.

plus, not everything scarano does is bad. i like the washington condos and the new building on driggs and manhattan. both scarano i think.

anyway, do believe that the people who will buy these condos will help to make the neighborhood more and more desirable.

property values will rise, not fall because of the building.

Posted by: condo dweller at June 7, 2007 12:29 PM

I am not going to defend the architect for his ugly buildings but for your information Architects are not contractors. Architects are not responsible for construction workers injuries or deaths, they are not responsible for damage to adjacent property and most likely he is not a structural engineer so will not design the structure over the subway or on top of other peoples buildings. That is absurd. Developers hire Scarano because he is cheap and b/c he stretches the rules. The developers also hire the contractors, usuallly the cheap ones, and it is they who do the said damage listed above, not the architect. If you think you are going to get anywhere by getting the architect replaced, don't be so sure. You are unrealistic and don't know the process.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:33 PM

You are wrong. Developers do not hire scarano because he stretches the rules or because he is cheap. Developers hire scarano because he gets things done.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:54 PM

"So you are entirely driven by your own personal interests."

Are you implying that BeReasonable does not have the right to protect her own property from a reckless cowboy architect. The bad choice was when the developer chose Scarano to be his architect. She is doing what any smart home owner would do--protecting her home.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 12:58 PM

"Developers hire scarano because he gets things done."

Which makes the developers as dangerous and stupid as Scarano.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 1:02 PM

"Architects are not responsible for construction workers injuries or deaths, they are not responsible for damage to adjacent property"

Anon 12:33 PM, in this thread you are wrong. During his prof. cert. days, he signed off on EVERYTHING. Culpability to the max. Just Google our man of the day or even search this blog. NYDN, NY Times, various Bklyn news outlets have documented all of it.

Perhaps now he is less involved with the projects he's hired for (though I find that hard to believe due to his legendary ego), but you cannot escape the past. Ask the family of Anthony Duncan what they think about Scarano's involvement. Too bad the dead cannot talk.

As for other architects, developers and their contractors, you may be right for other parts of the country, but here in the "Wild West" of Brooklyn, anything is possible. And probable with the Scaranos, Raduskys and Van Brodys of the borough.

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 1:11 PM

by now, many of us are familiar with the term, "starchitect." can we call scarano a FARchitect?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 1:14 PM

In fact he was in the shadow of another illegally built Scarrano project. I hope some one pointed it out to him. It's funny that Mr. Bill would show up now. Portraying himself as the champion of communities being run over by illegal over development. Where the "F" has he been for the last 5 years. I guess the thought of being off the public dole in the near future is beginning to get to him. Now he wants us to believe that he cares. He and Marty should remember what they said when they ousted the CB6 members. What was it - "it's time for some new blood" - Same holds true for the 2 of them. They should both kiss the ground that they walk on and be happy that they aren't in jail for some of the bull crap that they've pulled over the years.

Posted by: questionsman at June 7, 2007 1:39 PM

smpm 1:14, I think of him more as a marchitect. or maybe he's a scarchitect. Now I wish you hadn't asked

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 1:51 PM

To all you people who have never built anything in your life. Scarano did more than you will ever do. You just keep complaining and wining. Scarano should be rewarded for rebuilding Brooklyn. This place used to be a dump. Look what happened over the years.
And to all you "architects". Just list your projects on this site so we can compare your design to his.

Posted by: Abraham Zvi at June 7, 2007 2:26 PM

Anonymous 12:01
Of course I'm driven by my own personal interests - as are we all. You're probably driven by your own personal interests to have more housing available.

I am not some johnny-come-lately who is looking to make a quick buck in the real estate market. I've lived in this house for over 13 years - long before this was the desirable neighborhood for Yuppies and developers.

I have an absolute right to protect what's mine! If I don't, are you going to? I don't think so!

I bought this house. I live in it. I don't want it collapsing on my head because some greedy developer uses cheap labor and shoddy construction practices! If you can't understand this basic argument, you're a moron.

Posted by: BeReasonable at June 7, 2007 2:37 PM

I actually feel kinda bad for Scarano. I know, I know. I've read all the horror stories. But still, a protest against an architect?? Wow.

Posted by: blah at June 7, 2007 2:41 PM

Because I have never built a building I am not allowed to criticize a lunatic builder. Since I have never started a war, I suppose I can't criticize Pres. Bush either?

Are you a developer Abraham?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 2:52 PM

To be fair the architect is not responsible for any worker related injuries during construction unless the design inheritly caused the unsafe condition. As for the structural stability of neighboring properties it is the responsibility of the engineer of record to sign off (a TR-1) on this. It is also the responsibility of the GC or CM to oversee the safety during means and methods. All that being I have no problem protesting Scarano or Gehry or any other architect who aligns themselves with ruthless developers. And Abraham, please don't think that those who are against Scarano are merely historicists who like nothing other brownstones. Some of my favorite buildings in Brooklyn are the Adjaye Fiberglass House on Vanderbilt and that Wooden house on Pacific and Hoyt. Neither look "old" but each fits into their repsective neighborhood in creative ways.

Posted by: JGNY at June 7, 2007 3:13 PM

To 2:52

It's hard to criticize what you don't understand. I am not a developer and have no interest either way. If Scarano designs a building "as of right" then it's "as of right". If you have issues with the height and bulk take it up with city planning not the architect, who is doing what he is suppose to do, design buildings. I doubt that you and other commentators know a single thing about zoning and the building code.

By the way, Scarano is an architect not the builder.

Posted by: Abraham Zvi at June 7, 2007 3:14 PM

subparchitect, vulgarchitect . . .

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 3:15 PM

To be fair the architect is not responsible for any worker related injuries during construction unless the design inheritly caused the unsafe condition (say an improperly designed stairway). As for the structural stability of neighboring properties it is the responsibility of the engineer of record to sign off (a TR-1) on this. It is also the responsibility of the GC or CM to oversee the safety during means and methods (construction). All that being said I have no problem protesting Scarano or Gehry or any other architect who aligns themselves with ruthless developers. And Abraham, please don't think that those who are against Scarano are merely historicists who like nothing other then brownstones. Some of my favorite buildings in Brooklyn are the Adjaye Fiberglass House on Vanderbilt and that Wooden house on Pacific and Hoyt (by Bergan St. Studios). Neither look "old" but each fits into their repsective neighborhood in creative ways.

Posted by: JGNY at June 7, 2007 3:17 PM

Seems to be recurring issue here of mixing up builder and architect.
All sorts of slander against the builder and not one mention of who the owner (developer) is or who the contractor even is.
I would think their reputation/history is more pertinent to issue of safety of workers or the next door neighbors concern over any damage to his/her house.
Also, any indication of what DofB problems are with current plan?
I wouldn't jump to any assumptions just because they have been rejected.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 3:17 PM

The so called plaza out front of the Carroll Street subway is junk - completely trashed out.

8 stories is fine for that corner, especially considering it's over a subway entrance.

Posted by: Anon at June 7, 2007 3:34 PM

how many employees in Scarano's office do you suppose are dedicated full time to responding to attacks on the web? or is it just a single, highly dedicated acolyte?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 3:36 PM

Ok, lets say Scarano is not Synonymous with Bad contractors and developers…put that aside…what about:

-360 Smith Street, Brooklyn: Proposed plans denied on four separate occasions. New plans will be submitted soon.

-333 Carroll Street, Brooklyn: Thankfully DOB caught the use of mezzanines and limited the height of the building before construction began.

-Bowery Tower, 4 East 3rd St. Manhattan: Filed to be a dormitory building. Questions regarding the plans (architect does the plans…right) caused the developer to sell the building and a new architect was hired. It is now a hotel.

-Finger Building, 144 North 8th Street: Designed for 16 stories (architect does the designs…right) and required that the developer purchase air rights. The project was stopped at 10 stories after residence clamed he never purchased air rights.

-441 Grand St./Keap St, Brooklyn: On May 2007 neighbors were given a copy of the DOB-approved plans. They observe that such plans were “approved” pursuant to the DOB’s Professional Certification Program on 3/29/2007. But Robert Scarano surrendered his “professional certification” privileges last year. They have been told that the structural plans were “accidentally” approved as professionally certified by Robert Scrarano.ß----derrrrrr

Posted by: Jason Rowland at June 7, 2007 4:00 PM

Jason...

Snort!

I love the "accidentally approved." Were they "accidentally submitted" as well?

Keeps getting better. Anyone know where Scarano can buy a shovel?

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 4:07 PM

Hey, Mr. Zvi,

It's not as of right if you mislead DOB as to what you are actually building, as Scarano has done on many occasions, hence the loss of self-cert privileges and many of the above cited problems he has run into.

Everyone who is complaining about mixing up the developer with the architect is missing the point. Scarano is the go to guy for developers who want to build more than the law allows because Scarano is willing to put in false filings that allow the developer to do so. So in criticizing Scarano is a useful shorthand for criticizing the developer and the project.

At this point, he has played it fast and loose on so many projects, and thankfully gotten caught on some of them, that his mere involvement raises eyebrows.

For you pro-development types, he is not responsible for the boom in new condos. That would have happened whether Scarano or someone else was the architect. What Scarano is responsible for is a bunch of problematic development that exceeds what the law really allows.

So don't come complaining about "as of right" -- lots of architects can do that. Scarano goes beyond that and that's why people are unhappy about him.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 4:33 PM

Mr. Anonymous and others,

You should be going after the DOB and not the hard working people who make things happen. The DOB is confused, tired and they can't deal with the amount of new bulidings going up. If you have problems with bulk go to city planning.
Scarano did not break any laws. He just sat down and read the zoning resolution.
By the way I am a zoning attorney.
Other archiects, I assume are just envy of him because they don't have the wit to interpet the zoning resolution.
I assume they never went through it.

Posted by: Abraham Zvi at June 7, 2007 5:06 PM

By the way I am a zoning attorney who ofter works with Robert Scarano.

Posted by: Abraham Zvi at June 7, 2007 5:18 PM

360 Smith- Lots of plans are rejected several times ....we don't know the reason nor does it prove much. My neighbors are trying to get permit for addition ...several times rejected. Means little.

333 Carroll...yes, Scarano rightfully gets flack for trying to find loopholes. And probably deserves getting his self-certification revoked.
And some major fines.

Bowery, Finger and Grand. I see nothing in what your claim to fault architect. Sounds like owner/developer and lawyers to me.

My opinion is Scaranot should have punishment and that he is a bit 'nutty'
(he has written me silly emails after criticised him on this blog awhile back). But I think most of his buildings are attractive and creative.
I may not like the height/size of some of them where they are built but nonethless I don't think any are POS or whatever other childish remarks are often made here. I've not seen any inferior in quality or design.

And to this development on Smith, whetner he is architect or not, I find nothing wrong with 70' (not sure if this is 6 or 8 story) at this location if is built 'as of right'.
On commercial street, right after elevated track structure,etc. I would object if middle of block of President between Smith/Hoyt but am amazed at objection to this spot. Maybe only small # of whiners no matter what is proposed.

Posted by: petebklyn at June 7, 2007 5:24 PM

Hi
The developers hired scarano because his product was sellable to the buyers period .

All the buyers loved his plans its a fact.

and the DOB teached him the loopholes up until nobody knew, the minute pepole started complaining thats when they turned their back on him.

the CODE language is written in a way that dosen't suit todays developments when scarano came up to the dob a few years ago and made plans according to his understanding of the code the DOB had no problem with it, THEY even urged to become self certified,
when noise came up about his projects all of a sudden things became ilegal,

reminds me from my hometown RUSSIA

Posted by: Paul at June 7, 2007 5:27 PM

TO 5:18

1. I have never worked with Scarano before.
2. Don't use my name.
3. Present yourself. Let's see what have you done.
4. Spell check. "often" and not "ofter".

Posted by: Abraham Zvi at June 7, 2007 5:33 PM

3:36 actually all the critics sound ignorant of zoning, architecture, building, and codes, while the defenders sound informed about the issues.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 6:17 PM

Its not necessarily the 8 story buildings that'll get ya, more like the 6 foot 8 councilman.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 6:45 PM

I don't understand what the whole issue with Mr. S. is these days.
He lost many jobs because he used to push the envelope but no one can take his talent as an architect.
In my opinion he design very nice looking building and he is not related to the unsafely incidents in the sites.
Most of the people here can like or dislike his style, but establishing a hobby of criticizing and complaining of new construction is a different issue. Let's face it for these guys - participating in this blog is a social act. So one guy complain - like sheep - all the others do so. It became a trendy to point on MR. S. but he is not the target.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 6:54 PM

"He lost many jobs because he used to push the envelope but no one can take his talent as an architect."

Does "pushing the envelope" equate to breaking the law?

Anon 6:54 PM, Please answer that quandary for me.

"It became a trendy to point on MR. S. but he is not the target."

Actually, he's made himself and his firm a perfect target. You can spit on the building as you walk/bike across the Man. Bridge.

Though the windows are always obscured by paper...not with $$ though. Times must be tight in DUMBO.

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 7, 2007 7:08 PM

I don't understand how you hold an architect responsible for unsafe conditions at the site. That is the developers responsibility isn't it? What really does S do other than build what the owner of the land wants within the existing zoning laws? You certainly are not paying him, nor is the city. He serves his clients adhering to the zoning laws.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 7:18 PM

Action -
What do you do for living?
You can claim till tomorrow that he broke the law, and I’ll show you that every other architect did things that can be interpret as breaking the law. I GUARNTEE.
Pick a name and I’ll show you jobs that are against the code, zoning - you name it.
The examiners at the DOB do mistakes like any human being, some other get $$$ to not pay attention to other things.
So before you put your target at MR. S. do some homework, pick up a name and than you will have to point your angriness to other hobbies.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 7, 2007 8:44 PM

This is not about a building it is about politics, simple, but not so pure. Bill DiBlasio is running for Borough Prez. Feels the neighborhood NIMBYs beat him up pretty bad because of Atlantic Yards. Wanting to be all things to all people he tells the Building Trades (Union guys) that he is in favor of greater density and development in parts of Brooklyn. Then he tells the NIMBYs that he favors downzoning. And he tells ACORN (apparently the only people who care about rents) that he is doing both for "affordable housing". He takes credit from the NIMBYs for stopping "out of context" development, irrationally downzoninng and takes credit for "creating jobs" with the building trades in other areas and takes credit for "affordable housing" with ACORN. Formula for election. Plus there is the added benefit of increased segregation as lower income people are pushed off to the industrial areas. Who could be against it.
This building is going to get build becaue it is legal. He will change a few things around but it will get built. Then it will become the demon tip of the spear for downzoning the neighborhood.
Density is to New York what oil is to Houston. This is entirely appropriate density for a lot next to a subway stop. In fact anything less would be inappropriate. It is called Transit Oriented Development. Other neighborhoods should be so lucky.

Posted by: Niccolo Machiavelli at June 7, 2007 10:53 PM

Density is to NY what oil is to Houston?
Not true! I can't speak for Houston as I have never been there, but I have been in Brooklyn all my life and the reason I love Brooklyn is: it IS NOT dense like MANHATTAN!

If density is such a necessity here in NYC, then how do you explain Brownstone neighborhoods, brick house (3-4 stories) neighborhoods, wood-frame house neighborhoods, and even all the one family mansions along Bedford Ave? Come on, most of Brooklyn is not dense and that's what people like about it. On the other hand Downtown Brooklyn has gotten denser and denser in the past five years because (!) real estate is hot here and developers are seizing land often too expensive for lay people to buy in order to make as much profit as possible, and (2) Bloomberg is encouraging the fastest building possible with new laws and regulations that have been seriously called into question by the Daily News two weeks ago. Developers are even buying single homes in groups of three on blocks and knocking them down to make one, large-scale, high rise building, which should be immediately outlawed.

The issue for 360 Smith Street is mostly one of zoning, and land use, not Scarano, per se, altho he is clearly in trouble for breaking the law himself.

To get a look at how much FAR TOO BIG! the proposed building is, simply spend the time to take a walk down Second street then look back up to Smith. There you will see brand new, pretty darn ugly (!) building: a private school building housing the Hannah Senesh School that already added a third floor onto a former two story D.O.E. building and used every color and almost every building material in the book.

Now, picture an eight(!) story building next to the that to the left and you will see how insanely high that building would be...unless it was well set back from the sidewalk (which was NOT Scarano's intention) Such a high building would create a huge physical barrier by way of a giant, vertical wall.

I doubt any of you would like to live in the shadow of that building, or anyplace near the mass of it!

Smith Strret is not wide enough to support that kind of vertical height and has absolutely no building that size nor should it! It's not Fourth Avenue after all and the traffic on Smith has already reached the over the top conjestion level daily. Try driving down Smith Street on your way to work on any given morning and you will see what I mean.

Ironically, the old building that used to occupy that now vacant lot was taken down by the MTA.....for the subway entrance and was a gorgeous five story brick building....(the MTA created the vacuum when it had the old building torn down)....notw it's the MTA that has also given the green light to a new 8 story out of scale monster. Nice 'replacement' for the neighborhood, huh?

Scarano is simply the guy chosen to get the job done by Mr. William "Billy" Stein who no doubt hired him knowing his reputation was already tainted. What does that say about Mr. Stein, I wonder, besides he sound like the typical opportunist developer type guy who will never live on that corner or anyplace remotely near it.

"As of right" can and should be changed when "as of right" does not support the people that make up the neighborhood. An example: even if I could "as of right" add three more floors to my Brownstone I would not becuase I am part of an entire street of buildings my size; I am not alone in the middle of miles of empty land where I ccan do as I please. And: it would hurt all of my neighbors! That's what gives any neighborhood its glue: the respect for each other despite differences.

When an arcane law allows an outside developer to come in and do something "as of right" that does not benefit the surrounding streets/community as well, then that law has got to be amended, for everyone's sake. Laws have to exist for eveeryone, not just a few individuals.

Brooklyn is known for "neighborhoods"...not "density". That's what sets us apart from Manhaatan. Why should we allow our boro to become another Manhattan when there is already one? That's why the pople who want to live there do live there.

Posted by: athena at June 8, 2007 3:55 PM

The issue for 360 Smith Street is mostly one of zoning, and land use, not Scarano, per se, altho he is clearly in trouble for breaking the law himself.

I doubt any of you would like to live in the shadow of that building, or anyplace near the mass of it!

Posted by: athena at June 8, 2007 4:00 PM

What a Borough! The haves and those that will never have.

I work hard for my clients and our work will always be contested.

Thanks to those for the support and those who are still afraid of me, SORRY. I am going nowhere.

Posted by: Scarano at June 9, 2007 6:43 PM

Haves and Have nots???
Okay so let me get this right: Mr. Scarano the "sports car driving architect is a....hmmmm...a "have"? or a "have not"? (see Brooklyn Papers link cited above). And myself, a long-time Carroll Gardens resident with my used Ford 1996 I am a...."have" or a "have not"? Using the good ole "haves and have nots" guilt trip on residents of what was a middle class neighborhood until the wealthy developers and architects came here trying to capitalize on the place because it's near Wall Street is the ultimate load of pooh-pooh!

Posted by: Mr. Have Not at June 10, 2007 12:22 AM

Correct Bob!(may I call you "Bob?")

"I am going nowhere."

By your and the buildings "you do" own doings ;)

Posted by: ActionJackson at June 10, 2007 7:53 PM

« Federal Eminent Domain Lawsuit Rejected Four Views Inside the Domino Sugar Factory »

June 7, 2007

Mixed Agendas at Anti-Scarano Rally on Smith Street

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