4 minute read
Career/Business
Brooklyn since 2015. “They were in financial trouble,” said Zinerman. “They were offered money and they took it.” The BKReader reported that Erlich had filed a permit for demolition back in May before the sale of the building was finalized. In a hail mary, electeds and the community tried to get the mansion landmarked to prevent developers from destroying it. On June 7, Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) held a hearing about landmarking the building. Zinerman said that it was a 74-2 decision, the dissenting votes being that of the developers and the masons. That delayed any action on the building for the required 40 days while LPC deliberated, even though there was already a cease and desist order from the Department of Buildings (DOB).
“Apparently what happened was the developer was the only one looking at the clock,” said Zinerman.
LPC did not decide whether or not to landmark the mansion within 40 days, which was on July 17. Two days later, on the 19th, the demo permits were approved. Henry L. Butler, district manager for Community Board 3, said that this was the “most disappointing part” of the whole ordeal.
“The question everyone should be asking is why LPC did not make a decision,” said Butler, “Why call a hearing and then don’t make a decision.”
Under the ‘Landmarks Law,’ said a mayor’s office spokesperson, a DOB demolition permit issued prior to designation is valid and the work can move forward. Zinerman said that the mayor’s office learned of the demo permits then and reached out to Ossé. She said that “legally” the mayor told her that he couldn’t stop DOB or LPC. So she pivoted to file for an injunction with affidavits instead. But it was too late.
“I went over there and literally stood there while they just demolished the build-
ing,” said Zinerman. “And the crime is, what I’m calling environmental violence, the fire chiefs were there. Somebody called them, because there was no covering around that building, no sheeting or anything that could protect anybody living on the block.” Zinerman said she was across the street, in a yellow white polka dot dress, and 32 • May 26, 2022 - June 1, 2022 was covered from head to foot with debris from the building. “How does DOB allow a permit for something that’s being contested [and] not come on site to ensure that all the necessary precautions were taken care of? Are you kidding me?” said Zinerman. DOB did receive a large number of 311 complaints for illegal and dangerous construction occurring at 441 Willoughby Avenue, said the mayor’s office. DOB inspectors investigated the complaints and at the conclusion of their inspection of the property “determined the complaints were unfounded.” However, in response to calls, they routed inspectors back to the scene, said the mayor’s office. On scene, the inspectors found that the contractors were using an ‘unpermitted’ excavator on site to assist with the permitted demolition work. DOB then issued a Full Stop Work Order at the site, which was more or less pointless at that point considering the building had already been caved in. “As the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered this building for potential designation as a landmark, the developer was able to legally obtain demolition permits. We will continue listening to and working with the community to help address any concerns about the future of this site,” said a mayor’s office spokesperson, who declined to be named.
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Business Directory
www.amazon.com/author/reginaj
AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES EVERYWHERE
Author Deborah Battle's “For Children and the Young at Heart”
SHARON DASH
Spreading awareness, helping and serving others in need has been my personal mission, especially when it concerns our children. My books will focus on social issues facing children.
Available at amazonbooks.com
Executive Security & Executive Exotic Limo Limo Service
Fleet: Fleet: Custom Mercedes Benz Sprinter Custom Mercedes Benz Sprinter Cadillac Escalade ESV Cadillac Escalade ESV Mercedes Benz S550 Mercedes Benz S550
Funerals, Wedding, Tours, Casinos Funerals, Wedding, Tours, Casinos Special Events & Occassions Special Events & Occassions Office: 212-531-3792 Office: 212-531-3792
Mobile: 917-560-6838 Mobile: 917-560-6838 www.executiveexoticlimo.com www.executivesecurityprotection.com
Are you raising a troubled teen?
Know someone who is?
Get: Teen Preganancy & Teen Drug Abuse Its’s a 60 minute DVD full of sound insight. To order send $29.95
Mercedes Benz Sprinter Limousine plus $3.50 shipping and handling to: Funerals, Wedding, Tours, Casinos A. Nat Curtis Special Events & Occassions 212.531.3792 P.O. Box 306, New York, NY 10026-0306 paypal: axnatxx@gmail.com www.executivesecurityprotection.com (Delivery in 3 weeks)
Announcing An African American Philosophy of Medicine
by Frederick Newsome, MD, MSc
An examination of race, medical knowledge and history based on the author’s life as a physician in West Africa and Harlem, New York.
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Dorrance Publishing Company
TO DISPLAY YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT William J. Atkins
(904)442-3810
Dawnmcdermott32218@yahoo.com
PARTYMUZIC.COM
WE’VE GOT WHAT YOU NEED FROM ALL MUSIC TO VINTAGE CLOTHING, AROMATHERAPY & MORE. WE SELL 80 MINUTE CONTINUOUS-PLAY PARTY MUSIC. (ALL GENRES) STOP BY THE SHOP, OR VISIT US ONLINE
WE ARE NOT JUST A RECORD STORE, WE ARE YOUR MUZIC BOUTIQUE STOP IN AND ASK FOR TYRONE
438 MARCUS GARVEY BLVD BROOKLYN, NY 11213 (646) 406.9102 WWW.PARTYMUZIC.COM
Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w
