De Blasio Continues To Go After Scarano

We just got back from the anti-Scarano rally hosted by Council Bill De Blasio on the steps of the Department of Buildings offices at 210 Joralemon Street. As you may recall, De Blasio started calling for Robert Scarano’s license several weeks ago just as the controversy over the architect’s design for the corner of Smith Street and 2nd Place was heating up. This morning’s rally was specifically to call upon the Department of Buildings to suspend work on all current projects and not approve any submitted projects by Scarano while he continues to be under investigation. De Blasio called the suspension only “common sense” and likened Scarano’s continued activity to that of a doctor with multiple cases of malpractice being allowed to continue to operate. He was joined by an aide of Assemblymember Joan Millman who read a statement that said, among other things, “Given Mr. Scarano’s consistently poor track record, it just makes sense for the Department of Buildings to put a moratorium on Scarano projects until the essential question of his license is resolved.” What remains unclear is whether DOB has the legal authority to comply with this request. Update: Check out the statement on the jump that DOB sent over to us late in the day in response to the press conference.
Mixed Agendas at Anti-Scarano Rally on Smith Street [Brownstoner]
Scarano Not Making Fans on Smith St. and Beyond [Curbed]
Another Anti-Scarano Rally Today [Gowanus Lounge]

DOB Statement 7/17/07:

We have been and will continue to monitor Mr. Scarano’s permit applications closely. When warranted, the Department will issue violations and Stop Work Orders and revoke permits. If a professional has a license with the State Department of Education, the Buildings Department is required by law to issue a permit if his or her application is compliant. At the request of the State Department of Education, the Buildings Department has sent information on construction applications filed by Mr. Scarano to the Office of Professional Discipline, the division of the State DOE that issue architects and engineers licenses. We are prepared to continue assisting the State Department of Education in any way we can to pursue revocation of licenses of repeat offenders who violate the Building Code and Zoning Resolution.