New Contruction covered up side of my brownstown and all windows

Hello Everyone, Im new to this very informative forum and I have a question regarding steps to procede with my issues. Three years ago the side of my brownstone had a view on all 4 floors to the outside. Now a new construction townhouse came up and covered all windows up to the half of the 4th floor window. The new building was built right up to the side of my home leaving no gap. Years ago there was a building instead of the emptly lot (which is now the new constructon) that was condemed but I always had a 4 foot space between me and my neighbor. Now I have issues of cracks on the side of my building, water leaking into 3rd floor window  that developed after the construction. Not to mention that during the construction, they were digging a basement and didnt prep my side of the building after they dug up the dirt. They only built up cylinder blocks all the way to the top. Is there anything that can be done as far as recourse? Can the new landlord be resposible for my cracks?
Thank you Roberto

brooklynight

in Zoning 12 years and 10 months ago

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anndeborah70 | 12 years and 10 months ago

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you cant do much about the windows but you need to hire a lawyer for the cracks/leaks.

shahnandersen

in Zoning 12 years and 10 months ago

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You have no rights in terms of the windows.  Lot line windows (in most zones) have no protection.  Nor can the legally count as a required window.  The cracks and leaks are a different story.  The builder is required to protect your property.   They certainly had to file plans for underpinning your building.  It would have been prudent for you to have hired an engineer (at your expense) when construction began to see that they were doing everything correctly, but that is water under the bridge.  Now, you need to see a lawyer and an engineer real quick to assess the situation and prevent it from getting worse.  Also have you ever met with the builder?  If so have you discussed any of these problems with them.