Thor Going Demo-Crazy in Coney Island
Timing is everything. Yesterday we reported on permits being issued for the demolition of the Coney Island Bank building; it turns out that demo permits were also issued for the Shore Hotel. Later in the day we received this photo of the dismantling of Henderson’s Music Hall, another historic structure owned and targeted for demolition…
Timing is everything. Yesterday we reported on permits being issued for the demolition of the Coney Island Bank building; it turns out that demo permits were also issued for the Shore Hotel. Later in the day we received this photo of the dismantling of Henderson’s Music Hall, another historic structure owned and targeted for demolition by Thor Equities. According to this post by the group Save Coney Island, there were no demolition permits on file for the job, which included the use of mechanical devices, nor was there any scaffolding or sidewalk shed to protect pedestrians. As has happened before, though, by the time DOB inspectors showed up the work had already stopped so no violations were issued despite the overwhelming photographic evidence. As for the issue of timing, news of both jobs came on the same day as word trickled out that New York State made a positive Determination of Eligibility regarding the Coney Island amusement district, naming all four of the Thor-owned buildings now at risk in its findings. Unfortunately, even if the area makes it onto the State’s Register of Historic Places, Thor will have already done its damage. Inclusion though could end up providing valuable tax incentives to more enlightened landlords in the area who wanted to go the preservation route.
State Affirms Merits of Coney Island Historic District [Save Coney Island!]
Thor’s Men Hammer Away at Henderson Building [ATZ]
Demolition Begins At Coney Island [Scouting NY]
Thor Taking Hammer to Coney Bank Building [Brownstoner]
Yep Bloomberg made his deal, its over. Move on.
Nothing will happen to Thor here. Remember, Emperor Bloomberg doesn’t want anyone interfering with what his fellow billionaires do. He’s never met a billionaire he doesn’t love.
My fantasy: put Joe Sitt and Bruce Ratner out to sea with one canteen and let them kill each other fighting over who gets the last sip of water.
Its such a shame that this A-hole is gonna tear down everything that was Coney Island. I don’t think we should be preserving every nook and cranny, but the Shore Hotel should be Landmarked, its such a beautiful piece of architecture. Sitt couldn’t do what he wanted with all his property so now he’s gonna make the city regret it Someone needs to post up outside all of his properties with a camera and the buildings dept on speed dial. The demolition companies should be held accountable with fines and penalties as well, and I’m talking STIFF fines that they can’t just brush off. IT’S ONLY HAPPENING BECAUSE WE ARE LETTING IT HAPPEN! This is not like the Atlantic Yards- we don’t have eminent domain abuse to deal with- we have a spoiled Billionaire who thinks he is above the law and can do what ever he wants.
The scene at Thor Equities, as heard by a fly on the wall:
“Oh, you mean I needed a permit to do this??? Who knew? Whaddaya mean ‘scaffolding’, and how else am I supposed to tear this thing down if I don’t use machines? Oops. My bad. Guess it’s too late and now you have to let me finish, cuz I tore the roof off the sucker. Landmarked? I don’t see no landmarks. What am I putting up here? Dunno. It’s just so much easier to imagine if I have a blank slate. Today, tomorrow, what’s the diff? I own EVERYTHING. You can all kiss my you-know-what. I didn’t name the company ‘Thor’ because I can’t spell anything longer. I’ve got the biggest hammer in the world here, and I know how to use it. Bite me.”