GUT RENOVATION NEXT DOOR - CIGARETTE SMOKE PENETRATING MY BROWNSTONE

Hi everyone, A developer is doing a gut renovation in the brownstone next door. His workers are smoking while working and my entire house smells like cigarette smoke. Does anyone know how the smoke is penetrating through the walls? I am concerned because if the smoke goes through the walls the way it does during the renovation, it would continue going through once he rents the units (assuming his tenants smoke). Thank you in advance for your help as I am extremely worried about this. We do not smoke and it is extremely annoying and unpleasant to have to deal with this cigarette smoke. It feels as if someone is smoking in my house – this is how bad it is! Thanks and look forward to hearing from you. Best, Rebekah

Guest User | 9 years and 4 months ago

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Augustiner | 9 years and 4 months ago

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The problem is not so much the current disturbance but cooking smells and such for the next years. Sniff around where it is most prevalent, maybe in the morning when they just start to smoke. My guess is the chimney or other gaps in the wall.

slopefarm | 9 years and 4 months ago

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I agree first step is to talk with owner or GC. Developer might not want all that smoking in the house for the more self-interested reason that the smell might linger after completion, which might affect potential buyers’ reactions to the house.

BSDOD | 9 years and 4 months ago

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Grow a pair and talk to them…geez.

neweco | 9 years and 4 months ago

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A Simple talk with the GC should be enough to address your concerns . If he doesn’t comply, then 311 would be an option . Smoking on a job site is a big no no and they can be fined .

daveinbedstuy | 9 years and 4 months ago

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I agree with Bob. The passive-aggressiveness these days (by mostly Millennials) is rather ridiculous.

BobMarvin | 9 years and 4 months ago

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BTW, I would never call 311 on a neighbor, unless it was for something VERY serious and they were unresponsive. A developer is a different animal IMO and merits less consideration, but even then I’d make an attempt to speak with them before “dropping a dime.” If they were not responsive I’m feel no guilt about making a complaint.

BobMarvin | 9 years and 4 months ago

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You might try calling 311 and complaining that smoke, or fumes, from the worksite next door are coming into your house. A stop work order might make the developer more careful.

carmenf | 9 years and 4 months ago

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It is extremely illegal for them to be smoking on a worksite, fyi.

Arkady | 9 years and 4 months ago

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Once the bricks on the party wall are pointed &/or sheetrock is installed, it shouldn’t be a problem.