Development Botch: 528 Bergen Street
Depending on how good you are at remembering the people who are destroying the borough’s architectural history, you may recall a story last January about one Carl Merola who, according to the original Brooklyn Papers story, illegally demolished the former carriage house at 528 Bergen Street in Prospect Heights. Despite not having a permit and…
Depending on how good you are at remembering the people who are destroying the borough’s architectural history, you may recall a story last January about one Carl Merola who, according to the original Brooklyn Papers story, illegally demolished the former carriage house at 528 Bergen Street in Prospect Heights. Despite not having a permit and having a Stop Work Order slapped on him, Merola brought in the wrecking ball, proving that persistence and a lack of scruples can be a very effective combination. It’s just so comforting to see that he’s replacing the historic structure with such a beautiful building that will bring joy to area residents for years to come.
Illegal Demo on Bergen Street Destroys Old Stable [Brownstoner] GMAP DOB
Hey Mike, how do you know these are going to be rentals? Are there plans posted anywhere on the web?
another example of why capitalism sucks.
Iceberg – your self-serving distinction doesn’t even enter the mind of the scofflaws. But thanks for your ex-cathedra declarations on the matter.
Well iceberg, unfortunately we have to have “positive” law because people like these developers don’t have the scruples or ethics to do the right thing simply as responsible members of society. Things changed because people changed. Greed rules.
They might be rented or sold for lower prices than brownstones or new luxury developments, but they’re still not affordable for low income people. Not as rentals, not as homes to buy.
the argument isn’t being made about “affordable housing” specifically. I don’t think this is affordable housing but these types of developments are usually cheaper than a building with more “character” and I’m certain that they will be much cheaper than if the original building had been restored. although the developer is looking at the bottom line and I’m sure isn’t concerned too much about the poor the fact remains that these types of developments are usually rented for a far cheaper price than a brownstone apartment or building maintained in its original form especially if it needs to be restored.
For the record, this building will be rentals.
Maybe it’s time to start picketing these illegally or unethically developed buildings, at the time they are marketing and trying to sell the units inside. Doing that even just once or twice could move the balance of power more to the center, away from being SO totally developer-focused.
These developers aren’t building affordable housing, in these new construction condos! What kind of crack are you people on?? HELLO. Every time you all want to win an argument, any argument, whether it applies or not, you whip out the ole “affordable housing” defense because it makes others sound like ogres for criticizing these buildings.
The guy who said breaking the law is breaking the law, was right. That post should have been the very last comment on this thread. ‘Nuff said. If the permits take too long then developers should be working with the DOB to make the process faster. Not breaking the law. And if developers don’t like it there are plenty other professions they can enter. They need to be grown, adult, responsible members of society and just deal with the situation properly.