Can I stop construction work on neighbor's building?

My four-story house is adjacent to a six-story apartment building. Workers are repointing the brickwork on the apartment building by first mechanically grinding out the old mortar and then replacing it. There’s lots of brick dust, grit, old mortar debris and new mortar constantly dropping down covering our roof, skylights, and backyard. Complaints to the building management company result in ‘sorry for the inconvenience’ and ‘thank you for your patience’. The work so far has been at the back of the building but I’m concerned that if they work on the front side, then they will destroy our front courtyard, window ledges, and especially the stoop which is right next to this wall (and which we recently had repaired). I’ve asked if work is planned on this wall but they will not answer. The construction workers do not speak English and are unresponsive. Can I prevent them from working on this wall if they start?

Pat

in Construction 12 years and 8 months ago

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NeoGrec | 12 years and 8 months ago

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It sounds like nothing bad has happened yet other than the dirt and incovenience. But if you really need to get an answer from the management company about their on-going plans, have your lawyer send them a letter. Sounds like overkill but it will at least guarantee a response.

STARGAZER | 12 years and 8 months ago

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dont be such a PITA and let them do their jobs. repairs do have to happen.

grimacenyc | 12 years and 8 months ago

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One other thing to note..  Calling 311 and complaining is always an option, but that will not STOP the work from taking place.  In many cases, it will only temporarily stop it and delay it, causing the entire process to take longer.  I would definitely try to work with the management company first and get them to protect your property better / clean any dirt that winds up on your property.  If they are still unresponsive, then you can move to 311\.  Just keep in mind, that if they have the permits, the work is going to happen no matter what, and complaining to 311 or trying to get a stop work order will only delay the entire job..

Pat | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you all very much for your suggestions. plg30

allans | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I second documenting your concerns.  Have proof that you contacted the company doing the work and with calling 311\.  Also it’s extremely important you take photographs daily of the damage of debris falling on your property.  I would actually have some good “BEFORE” shots to show any damage done AFTER they are finished.  So again per the post above – **Put your complaints to the building management company in writing and cc: it to DOB. Take photographs and document your calls, complaints and any property damage the work is causing.** Good Luck, Allan S.

philipyeung25 | 12 years and 8 months ago

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You should keep records as others have mentioned….and complaining to 311 is a great idea. The fact that they are entering your property beyond boundaries is of concern. Definitely keep  calling the management until they are ready to take action. Sorries wont do it.

snowman2 | 12 years and 8 months ago

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You  cannot stop the work but they are required to protect your property as best they can.  If they do not do so then call 311 with a building department complaint.

cupolacoffee | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Sounds like they’re doing required Local Law 11 work. Check DOB BIS for their permits. Even if permitted work (it might not be), call 311 and complain. Get information from 311 on who you can call at DOB. Put your complaints to the building management company in writing and cc: it to DOB. Take photographs and document your calls, complaints and any property damage the work is causing.

boredatwork | 12 years and 8 months ago

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If they have appropriate permits, you can probably not “stop” them.  Sounds like another call to the building management company with specific requests that they protect your property during the work then clean it of any dust and mortar is not unreasonable.  Typically, when this kind of work is done, contractors install tarps to keep in the water used during power washing and and mesh screens to prevent dust and debris from traveling beyond the property.