Tuesday, May 29, 2007


Photo from Curbed

Wherever Architect Robert Scarano, Jr. is building in Brooklyn, controversy is sure to follow. Known for pushing the envelope when it comes to zoning laws, Scarano buildings mostly end up taller and uglier than most buildings in the neighborhoods in which he builds. His creative interpretation of New York City's system of zoning which regulate such things such as height, floor area, setbacks, and number of dwelling unit has led to many lawsuits and fines. In February 2006, the Department of Buildings charged Scarano with "violating zoning or building codes on 25 projects in Brooklyn, including several cases in which it alleged that new buildings he designed were larger than they should have been.
Now this same Scarano has set his sights on the corner of Smith Street and 2nd Place right here in my nabe of Carroll Gardens. The site happens to also be the gateway to Carroll Gardens because the main subway entrance happens to be there. And we are not even talking about his other residential building on Carroll Street between Hoyt and Bond which was slapped with a work- stop order and has been in limbo ever since.
Needless to say, the neighborhood is up in arms. A group is forming which is planning a demonstration at the site very soon. You can bet I will be there, because not only is the building a veritable horror, the mere idea tha Scarano has not lost his architecture licence after all his unlawful constructions is more than surprising. He must know what hand to grease.
You can be sure that I will be at the protest. If our elected officials are already dragging their feet about downzoning our neighborhood, we as residents need to take matter into our own hands by letting developers know that they can not build any piece of sh-t here.
I will post further info about protests and meetings regarding this building site.
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