DOB's Sudden Interest in Pumping

Last summer things got a little uncomfortable in the South Slope for those living near work sites with water accumulation. Turns out Stop Work Orders are a mosquito’s best friend as they prevent a developer from doing even basic upkeep on the affected site. After not addressing the Catch-22 to the satisfaction of residents and local activists who hounded the department last summer (some of whom resorted to pouring bleach into the ecosystem that developed at 182 15th Street), we hear that DOB has been out in front of the issue this year. After an inspector noticed a large collection of water at the problem-ridden 230 16th Street last week, DOB exercised some common sense and authorized a “partial lift” of the SWO that’s in effect. The result? The contractor was able to pump the water out yesterday. Another ripe candidate for getting drained: 614 7th Avenue (the Minerva building), which has been flooding two adjoining new condo buildings at 320-321 23rd Street. According to DOB, all it takes is a call to 311 about a situation like this and they will send an inspector. So put down the bug spray and pick up the phone.
When “Stop Work” Means Jack [Brownstoner] GMAP