Construction Problems in Brooklyn Cause Residential Evacuations
You certainly don’t have to work on a construction site to be affected by poor practices. Several Brooklyn residents understand this particularly well after they were evacuated from their buildings due to trouble at the construction site next door.
Two four-story brick buildings at 418 and 420 Melrose Street in Bushwick had to be evacuated after cracks formed in the buildings. The FDNY quickly moved to get all residents out in a matter of minutes. In all, more than three dozen people are out of their homes for the time being.
According to residents, they knew the next-door construction project was causing problems. Several had to call 911 and/or 311 to report frightening vibrations in days past.
According to ABC 7, the trouble started soon after the excavation and pile driving started next door, where workers are building another four-story apartment building.
Residents have complained about shaking and vibrating, as well as cracks. The Department of Buildings admits to having made several visits to the worksite after numerous complaints. The city has issued five violations thus far, including one for failure to monitor vibration.
Matt Brogan, one resident and architecture consultant who lives in the building, called 311 to report damage in his apartment prior to the evacuation. ABC 7 reports:
“We have an exposed brick wall and we noticed 1 inch to 1 and a half inch gaps right where that brick wall goes against our interior wall separating, so, in the windows, large very,” Brogan said.
When construction occurs close to existing structures, extra precautions must be taken not only to keep workers safe, but to keep residents and everyone else safe as well. Digging, blasting, and other heavy duty construction work can compromise the stability of surrounding structures. This is something that must be monitored by the workers and those in charge of the construction project.
While no one has been hurt due to the damage caused at this particular Brooklyn job site, the risk is always present.
About Ginarte Law Firm, NYC Construction Accident Attorneys
At Ginarte Law Firm, we know that construction accidents are most likely to affect those people who work in the construction field. However, we also know that passersby and those who live and work next to construction sites are at risk, too.
Whether you work in construction or are injured because of a nearby construction site, we can help. Contact our NY / NJ construction accident attorneys today to discuss your rights in a situation like this. You deserve someone who is looking out for your best interests, and the attorneys at Ginarte want to be there for you.
