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,…
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]
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?
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.
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.
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.
smpm 1:14, I think of him more as a marchitect. or maybe he’s a scarchitect. Now I wish you hadn’t asked
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.
by now, many of us are familiar with the term, “starchitect.” can we call scarano a FARchitect?
“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.
“Developers hire scarano because he gets things done.”
Which makes the developers as dangerous and stupid as Scarano.