Big Drill Gets Down On Bridge St, Prelude to Mystery Tryst

Remember that 760,000-square-foot tower that could be built at the corner of Willoughby and Bridge streets in Downtown Brooklyn? We received word yesterday that a massive drill is parked outside El Tio Pio Restaurant, the last remaining retail hold-out in the would-be footprint of that building. A check with the Department of Buildings revealed no jobs have been filed on the 11 lots within the footprint, but El Tio Pio owner Javier Espinoza said the drill was testing the ground for demolition. Candace Carponter, who is representing Espinoza in a legal dispute over his eviction, said a clause within the lease allowed for eviction if there’s a contract of sale, even if it’s not finalized (so far, nothing in city records). Although a confidentiality agreement restricted her from revealing the partners in the new project, she said Laboz was offered financial incentives if he could deliver the property vacant by a certain date. “It’s a big development and they have big partners … They’re going to level the area and they’re going to build a very large residential and commercial project,” she said. Espinoza has until April 30 to move out, and is in the process of signing a lease for space down the street. Meanwhile, Espinoza said business has dwindled to almost nothing because the drill is parked three feet from his door. Laboz did not return calls yesterday.
Massive Bridge Street Tower In The Works? [Brownstoner]