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July 17, 2007
De Blasio Continues To Go After Scarano
We just got back from the anti-Scarano rally hosted by Council Bill De Blasio on the steps of the Department of Buildings offices at 210 Joralemon Street. As you may recall, De Blasio started calling for Robert Scarano's license several weeks ago just as the controversy over the architect's design for the corner of Smith Street and 2nd Place was heating up. This morning's rally was specifically to call upon the Department of Buildings to suspend work on all current projects and not approve any submitted projects by Scarano while he continues to be under investigation. De Blasio called the suspension only "common sense" and likened Scarano's continued activity to that of a doctor with multiple cases of malpractice being allowed to continue to operate. He was joined by an aide of Assemblymember Joan Millman who read a statement that said, among other things, "Given Mr. Scarano's consistently poor track record, it just makes sense for the Department of Buildings to put a moratorium on Scarano projects until the essential question of his license is resolved." What remains unclear is whether DOB has the legal authority to comply with this request. Update: Check out the statement on the jump that DOB sent over to us late in the day in response to the press conference.
Mixed Agendas at Anti-Scarano Rally on Smith Street [Brownstoner]
Scarano Not Making Fans on Smith St. and Beyond [Curbed]
Another Anti-Scarano Rally Today [Gowanus Lounge]
DOB Statement 7/17/07:
We have been and will continue to monitor Mr. Scarano’s permit applications closely. When warranted, the Department will issue violations and Stop Work Orders and revoke permits. If a professional has a license with the State Department of Education, the Buildings Department is required by law to issue a permit if his or her application is compliant. At the request of the State Department of Education, the Buildings Department has sent information on construction applications filed by Mr. Scarano to the Office of Professional Discipline, the division of the State DOE that issue architects and engineers licenses. We are prepared to continue assisting the State Department of Education in any way we can to pursue revocation of licenses of repeat offenders who violate the Building Code and Zoning Resolution.
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Comments
I am not going to defend the actions of scarano but this protest is pathetic. Oh and it's not going to stop the building.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 12:43 PM
De Blasio is playing his smoke and mirror game. The real problem are the developers not one single architect. Scarano is no Saint but certainly Deblasio could spend his time and maybe actually do something for his constituency! Realestate is politics and we would all be wise to pay more attention to what these idiots are doing.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 12:48 PM
This is getting ridiculous. There are more important issues our tax dollars should be used for, not going after an architect. Get a life deblasio, this is not why your in office!
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:03 PM
I have to agree with the posters above. DeBlasio would do better to go after slumlords in his district, or advocate for more affordable housing and senior citizen affordable housing. How about lobbying for a board of standards for all developers and architects, to prevent the fuglification of all of Brooklyn? Scarano is not the architect of all of the misery in DeBlasio's district, pardon the pun.
Posted by: Sterling Silver at July 17, 2007 1:19 PM
Fu**ing Ridiculous
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:24 PM
What a political hack
Posted by: David at July 17, 2007 1:29 PM
Politics has become more interesting than "Hollywood" what a load of crap.....go get a life Bill!!!! Why don't you work on fixing other problems in Brooklyn other than Scarano! How about the homeless people, or taxes, or healthcare! JERK!
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:38 PM
Political hack? Perhaps, but IMO Scarano richly deserves whatever trouble De Blasio can give him. Nevertheless, Scarano is the tip of the iceberg and far more has to be done about unscrupulous developers and the hack architects who help them violate the law.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at July 17, 2007 1:38 PM
isn't Bill running for Brooklyn Borough President soon?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:45 PM
Many legislators are lawyers. I do not know if DeBlasio and Millman are, and I will declare that I am not. I despise Scarano -- but will admit to liking some of the buildings his shop has designed -- but even I have to ask, what happened to due process? The buildings department has revoked Scarano's right to self-certify applications. If and when the state revokes his license, he will not be able to submit plans. Until that happens, he has the right to do so, no?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:46 PM
"The buildings department has revoked Scarano's right to self-certify applications."
NO. He surrendered his license in lieu of going through his OATH trial. Deal making, period.
Posted by: Action Jackson at July 17, 2007 1:56 PM
Bob,
I think the deeper concern is WHY is De Blasio doing this now. I am surrounded by Scarano projects (340 Bond and 333 Carroll) that have had many safety violations. The CM was contacted by many and never returned a call until he was publicly called on it at a CB6 meeting.
My opinion is that he is stepping up to bat because he has to do something and can't continue to ignore his constituents who have inundated him with calls and letters. I also think that since 360 Smith is on the "right" side of Hoyt St. in so far as that is where many with CG political pull reside/own funeral homes. Many of the CG community groups consist of the same people (an exception being FROGG) and that includes the IND political machine.
If De Blasio can get Scarano's license revoked that is a good thing but what about the developers? He needs to hold them responsible too.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 1:58 PM
1:58,
I think we're pretty much in agreement. I wasn't ascribing particularly noble motives to De Blasio.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at July 17, 2007 2:06 PM
isn't Bill running for Brooklyn Borough President soon?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 2:06 PM
I don't know if Joan is a lawyer. She was a public school teacher and was put in (almost literally) when our former assemblywoman Eileen Dugan died. There was a large contingent that wanted our former CM's (Steve DiBrienza) chief of staff in the position but the IND spoke.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 2:08 PM
1:58 is right. Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association is thick with thieves. Its all about old school back room deals in CG. If that neighborhood wants anything to change its going to take a new group of locals who aren't afraid to hold the politicians feet to the fire. -- This is only the beginning with Gowanus and the “Public Place”. I hope the neighborhood can rally.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 2:26 PM
shut down the Developers Group !!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 3:11 PM
Scarano receives another architect award -->
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=5&id=14121
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 4:27 PM
I'm not a lawyer or an architect, but who the heck is the New York Society of American Registered Architects? Isn't AIA the industry association? Isn't that who you want to receive an award from? Has Scary-Scarano ever received an AIA award?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 4:55 PM
Here's what I found:
"The Society of American Registered Architects can best be understood in relationship to the American Institute of Architects. SARA is a much younger institution, established in 1956 (the AIA was founded in 1857).
SARA shares some characteristics with the AIA. Like the AIA, the SARA hosts conventions, subsidizes student competitions and giving awards to architectural professionals. However, the SARA is primarily driven by economic interests - the profitable success of its members. Conversely, the AIA is more interested in promoting good ethical and civic design.
At best, the SARA can be seen as a supplementary organization to the AIA. Most architects belong the to AIA and not SARA, but few if any belong to SARA and not the AIA. As such, as a professional, client or student, the AIA is an ideal point of first contact, while the SARA a good secondary option."
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 5:03 PM
There were A LOT of new people at the last CGNA meeting. So maybe this will mean that in the future it will be less of "backroom deal" situation. I do not have any knowledge of the history you are referring to since I was one of the new people.
Posted by: Carol Gardens at July 17, 2007 5:10 PM
All you really need to ask yourself is what has CGNA goten done for the comunity lately? Why is the nabe not landmarked? I hope
Posted by: Anonymous at July 17, 2007 7:13 PM
So many comments here reek of a certain baseball scenario I just love to see. It's when fans boo and hiss and only focus on the bad things people have done in the recent past.
Getting the picture?
Instead of whining on a blog. Call Bill's office and ask questions. Get involved.
What's more pathetic than someone who looks like they're wasting our time? A person who does little about changing that situation.
(WHAAAAAAAAAA!)
Posted by: Simon's Geezer at July 18, 2007 8:58 AM
Hey Simon's Geezer - it is a little difficult to ask questions when phone calls, letters, and emails go unanswered and I for one have been incredibly involved and even did my time on CB6 not to mention the numerous BSA and other hearings I have attended regarding other development projects.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 9:37 AM
I'm not sure it convinces me of anything, but for what it's worth: of the 18 awards listed on the AIA Brooklyn chapter website, Scarano has received over half including both Awards of Excellence, three of four Awards of Merit and five certificates of appreciation.
Posted by: July 17, 4:55 back again at July 18, 2007 10:21 AM
isn't Bill running for Brooklyn Borough President soon?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 12:03 PM
New York Post article on press event
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07182007/news/regionalnews/b_klyn__heights_regionalnews_rich_calder.htm
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 5:13 PM
New York Post article on press event
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07182007/news/regionalnews/b_klyn__heights_regionalnews_rich_calder.htm
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 5:13 PM
New York Post article on press event
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07182007/news/regionalnews/b_klyn__heights_regionalnews_rich_calder.htm
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 5:13 PM
New York Post article on press event
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07182007/news/regionalnews/b_klyn__heights_regionalnews_rich_calder.htm
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 5:13 PM
Di Blasio is seriously undermining his potential constituency by these inane theatrics. What a loser.
Posted by: borough rat at July 18, 2007 9:48 PM
And to think Deblassio changed his name to be more Italian?
Posted by: Anonymous at July 18, 2007 9:56 PM
A quote from the NY Post article above:
"Millman, like many others, is especially critical of a Scarano-designed eight-story building at 360 Smith St., which would tower over nearby Carroll Gardens brownstones." Wow, you gotta love these politicians!!
Over the last six weeks she has done absolutely nothing (!) to help the CG neighborhood with their real, pressing concerns over the proposed 360 Smith Street development project except to repeatedly say "It's a done deal!" "It's a done deal!" And by the way, she is not! running for Boro Pres so what is her excuse? Bill deBlasio is only one of many POLS who should look for a new job very soon.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 19, 2007 4:10 AM
A quote from the NY Post article above:
"Millman, like many others, is especially critical of a Scarano-designed eight-story building at 360 Smith St., which would tower over nearby Carroll Gardens brownstones." Wow, you gotta love these politicians!!
Over the last six weeks she has done absolutely nothing (!) to help the CG neighborhood with their real, pressing concerns over the proposed 360 Smith Street development project except to repeatedly say "It's a done deal!" "It's a done deal!" And by the way, she is not! running for Boro Pres so what is her excuse? Bill deBlasio is only one of many POLS who should look for a new job very soon.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 19, 2007 4:10 AM
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