364-Henry-Street-0410.jpgThe Landmarks Preservation Commission has slapped the owner of a Cobble Hill townhouse and carriage house with a lawsuit for failure to maintain the historic structures that could amount to more than a million dollars in fines. The LPC suit charges that the owner of 364 Henry Street, cement tycoon John Quadrozzi “failed to maintain these historically significant buildings in a state of good repair despite repeated requests.” Beyond the preservation issues, the buildings also pose a serious safety risk. “There is an ongoing risk of progressive collapse that may endanger the public,” a DOB inspector wrote to Quadrozzi in January. The head of the Cobble Hill Association summed up how most residents probably feel about it: “It’s certainly been an eyesore. The longer he lets it sit there, the more of a danger it becomes.”
City Sues Homeowner Over Crumbling Historic Buildings [NY Daily News]GMAP


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. As a previous tenant on that same block, my understanding was that he and his family (wife, 2 kids) live in the basement of 360 Henry. He inherited both properties from his father, tried to buy 362 Henry but when the owners refused to sell, would harass them in little ways by throwing garbage in their garbage, kicking the cans down, etc. I also heard him screaming at his wife a few times. Didn’t know he was a cement tycoon.

    Yes, @Petebklyn, all the units on that side of the block were sold off by Lich, I believe.

  2. What Carol Gardens said. This type of neglect in a historic district is usually a deliberate dodge to avoid LPC requirements on repairs. Once the building has collapsed, LPC can’t preserve it. Any new building will still have to conform but it’s a much lower bar for new construction.

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