South Park Slope Community Group

*Park Slope Courier*

Charles Hack

The Buildings Department needs to consider reorganizing, hiring more staff and holding a review of a procedure that allows architects to self-certify plans for new construction, according to the borough president.

That is in the wake of a string of complaints that developers are putting, quality of life and lives at risk as they rush to develop the South Slope before new downzoning laws take hold, and that the Buildings Department has been unable to police construction sites.

“The Department of Buildings needs reorganization and, certainly in the next city budget, a significant increase in staff,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz at the end of a ULURP meeting on Sept. 22 at Borough Hall to consider the rezoning of South Park Slope and Green-Wood Heights.

“Considering all permits for housing that this borough is experiencing, there needs to be a serious review of ending self-certification.”

The Department of Buildings said they would participate in a hearing if asked to do so, but declined to say whether or not the procedure of allowing architects and developers to self-certify their plans is flawed.

“If we are requested to testify, we will testify,” said Jennifer Givner, the press secretary for the Department of Buildings. At the ULURP meeting, residents had a litany of complaints, including builders working after hours, demolishing buildings without erecting hoarding around building sites, removing asbestos without following safety procedures, and even workers intimidating local residents who complain about noise.

Residents complained that pleas to the city’s 311 have often fallen on deaf ears, as building inspectors often do not follow up on complaints, or respond too late.

“The Department of Buildings needs greater resources to ensure compliance of both zoning and building codes,” said John Burns, of the South Park Slope Community Group.

Givner promises that some help is on the way.

“We are going through a major recruitment program to attract quality individuals to become inspectors and employees of the department,” said Givner.

Alan Richtmyer, who has lived on 21st Street since 1988, complained that construction work proceeded without permits, cracks appeared in his walls after digging undermined his building, and water damaged his property.

“These are our homes. The impact on our lives is daily,” said Richtmyer. “My story must be one of hundreds in this neighborhood.”

“Developers seem to be above the law,” Richtmyer said.

Bo Samadjopoulos, who says he has worked for in construction for 40 years and has worked for 15 years for the NYC Department of Transportation, says that he has seen developers pouring concrete foundations without adding reinforcing steel forms or wire.

“I don