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…
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.
1:58 is right. Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association is thick with thieves. Its all about old school back room deals in CG. If that neighborhood wants anything to change its going to take a new group of locals who aren’t afraid to hold the politicians feet to the fire. — This is only the beginning with Gowanus and the “Public Placeâ€. I hope the neighborhood can rally.
I don’t know if Joan is a lawyer. She was a public school teacher and was put in (almost literally) when our former assemblywoman Eileen Dugan died. There was a large contingent that wanted our former CM’s (Steve DiBrienza) chief of staff in the position but the IND spoke.
isn’t Bill running for Brooklyn Borough President soon?
1:58,
I think we’re pretty much in agreement. I wasn’t ascribing particularly noble motives to De Blasio.
Bob,
I think the deeper concern is WHY is De Blasio doing this now. I am surrounded by Scarano projects (340 Bond and 333 Carroll) that have had many safety violations. The CM was contacted by many and never returned a call until he was publicly called on it at a CB6 meeting.
My opinion is that he is stepping up to bat because he has to do something and can’t continue to ignore his constituents who have inundated him with calls and letters. I also think that since 360 Smith is on the “right” side of Hoyt St. in so far as that is where many with CG political pull reside/own funeral homes. Many of the CG community groups consist of the same people (an exception being FROGG) and that includes the IND political machine.
If De Blasio can get Scarano’s license revoked that is a good thing but what about the developers? He needs to hold them responsible too.
“The buildings department has revoked Scarano’s right to self-certify applications.”
NO. He surrendered his license in lieu of going through his OATH trial. Deal making, period.
Many legislators are lawyers. I do not know if DeBlasio and Millman are, and I will declare that I am not. I despise Scarano — but will admit to liking some of the buildings his shop has designed — but even I have to ask, what happened to due process? The buildings department has revoked Scarano’s right to self-certify applications. If and when the state revokes his license, he will not be able to submit plans. Until that happens, he has the right to do so, no?
isn’t Bill running for Brooklyn Borough President soon?
Political hack? Perhaps, but IMO Scarano richly deserves whatever trouble De Blasio can give him. Nevertheless, Scarano is the tip of the iceberg and far more has to be done about unscrupulous developers and the hack architects who help them violate the law.