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July 31, 2007

Development Going Up Next Door -- Advice Needed

I live on a side street off fourth avenue and have just learned that a developer has purchased much of the land they will need to build an enormous 12 story. When the development does go up, we will be just a few doors down. Does anyone have any advice that will assist us in being proactively protected and prepared for this unfortunate turn in events (i.e. beefing up insurance, commissioning a comprehesive engineering study in order to document any potential structural shifts caused by the contruction etc.) Any guidance/advice much appreciated and welcome.

Comments

Move. no joke.. there is nothing that you can possibly do. Move.

Posted by: Anonymous at July 31, 2007 10:56 PM

or just relax, all that's happened is someone bought some land. It may well be that your house will suffer no "structural shift" and that all you will have to endure is a couple of years of noise and an increase in the value of your property (since I presume you have noticed that the lack of anything but gas stations and empty lots on 4th avenue is decreasing rather than increasing your property value). Prepare thyself - all that free money. (oh, yeh, and your 100 year old house was decrepit and falling apart irrespective of the soon to be construction - so chill)

Posted by: Anonymous at July 31, 2007 11:15 PM

Depends on how many other homes are between you and the actual construction site. All adjoining properties should receive 5 day notice of foundation work prior to start. If i lived next door i would prepare for the worst case scenario. This advice comes from someone who currently lives near a building site and who owns property/home that has been damaged by the construction. Time frame= Two years? Plan on a minimum of 3 years with multiple stop work orders in between. Forget the engineer for now. I would call the second you see any damage though. I would also notify contractors via certified mail as to damage. Engineers are expensive, Our bill is already somewhere in the $10,000-$20,000 range. Although, the developer SHOULD be sending over his engineer to appraise the condition of neighboring properties before the work starts, at HIS cost by the way. You should check your home owners insurance. Most likely you will have zero coverage against this kind of damage. That why you need to take lots of pictures/video. Even of stuff you think there is no possible way anyone could damage it. Sidewalks, trees, your roof, your car... Make clear and detailed complaints to 311 whenever something seems unsafe. Noise levels, vibrations, sinking or tilting of the ground, utility poles shifting, ground water changes. Also, video foundation work as many contractors cut corners and don't work according to approved plans. Use 311 as your official record. DO NOT DEPEND ON THESE CALLS TO PROTECT YOU OR YOUR PROPERTY!!! THE DOB WILL NOT HELP YOU AND MAY ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR DAMAGES!!! These calls are only for documentation and to create a log and helpful timeline. Contact your neighbors and have them call as well. Bookmark the DOB BIS page on your computer. Check it daily.
Expect noise? That's an understatement. Expect work past allowable hours 7-am 6-pm and on weekends. Expect all available street parking to be used by contractors, construction equipment and supplies. If you choose to confront workers personally about anything that bothers you, expect threats against your person and property. Expect no help from the 72nd police precinct concerning quality of life complaints.

You are not alone, however. Call Community Board 7 and ask for help. They have many concerned and helpful people who will listen and try and solve your problems, especially useful in getting the ear of the DOB. Join the SSSLOPE yahoo group/community web site. Call Assemblymen Jim Brenan's office.

Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2007 9:30 AM

I forgot to mention that you can borrow against the equity in your home to pay for the engineer+lawyer. Then in three, hopefully, years you will be able to pay for the repairs to your property. Unless you are forced to vacate your home...

Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2007 9:55 AM

Anonymous 9:30,

Do you know why OP shouldn't expect to have insurance coverage. I would think if OP's house is damaged that his insurance would cover it and that his insurer would in turn seek compensation from the developer's insurer?

Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2007 11:37 AM

Anonymous 9:30,

Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2007 11:38 AM

get a cat - because you will get mice

Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2007 6:18 PM