FCR Fined Over Ward's Collapse

Forest City Ratner knew that Prospect Heights’ historic Ward’s Bakery was structurally unsound and yet did not adequately inform its demolition crew of the building’s condition, according to a report issued by the Department of Buildings and reported this morning in The Daily News. In late April a section of the building’s parapet collapsed as Forest City’s contractors were preparing to demolish the structure, which is in the Atlantic Yards footprint. The accident forced the evacuation of around 300 people from a homeless shelter next door. The DOB has hit Forest City with fines for not maintaining an exterior building wall and cited the developer for removing a sidewalk shed outside the building. “The Building Code requires contractors to safeguard the public and property during construction,” said DOB spokeswoman Kate Lindquist. “At the same time, it requires the owners to maintain property in a safe and lawful condition.” After the collapse, the ESDC pledged that an ombudsman would be put in place to oversee demolition and construction work at Atlantic Yards. The state has yet to appoint someone to the position.
Building’s collapse no surprise [NY Daily News]
Sidewalk Covering A Few Days Late [Brownstoner]
Ward’s Bakery Collapse: The Photos [Brownstoner]
Photo of Ward’s Bakery by threecee