The Leaning House On Third Street In Gowanus

Number 123 Third Street, the three-story house between Bond Street and the Gowanus Canal, has needed some love for  a long time now.  It always seemed out of plum and leaning towards its neighbor at 125 Third Street, but in the last few years, the entire building is separating from its neighbor at number 121, and  leaning precariously towards number 125.
The NYC Department of Buildings has issued multiple violations and hefty fined for "failure to maintain" the building, but so far, nothing has been done to remedy the situation.
Public Records show that the house was sold in 2005 for $505,000.  In April 2010, the property was foreclosed on, and a deed for $1,068,821 was transferred to US Bank National Association.
By November 2010, it was listed by Tom Marco Real Estate for $449,900. The description for the property read: 
"Charming 3 family walk-up being sold in as-is condition, featuring 12 rooms, 6 bdrms, 3 bathrooms. Close to shopping and transportation. No representation,no offers will be considered for first 7 listed days. Days 8-12 seller will consider offers from nsp buyers, municipalities, non profit organizations and owner-occupants."
The listing has been removed. and the house still belongs to U.S. Bank National Associates.
Obviously, the bank is in no hurry to remedy the situation.

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200 Smith Street Gets Served With Complete Stop Work Order

 200 Smith Street In October 2010

Gone by November 14th  2010

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Local residents were more than a bit surprised back in mid-November, when the three-story  structure at 200 Smith Street/325 Baltic Street that once housed Jessie's Brooklyn Kitchen was entirely demolished.  From start to finish, the demolition only took a few days, especially since construction crews worked late into the evening and threw the debris right into a waiting dump truck that carted everything away immediately.   

No wonder crews worked so quickly: it turns out that the demolition of the building was illegal.

The NYC Department Of Buildings had only issued permits for a "proposed horizontal enlargement of the 3rd floor", not a complete demo. After several 311 calls were made by local residents, the agency issued a complete stop-work order on December 6th.  The violation reads:

"Existing three-story building approx. 23'x30' has been demolished to grade level without required permit. Stop work order issued pursuant to 28-2072 and posted at site."

Of course, the former building at the site, with its vinyl windows and red siding, had lost its dignity long ago.  However, one can only imagine what will be built in its place. Stay tuned.

Related Reading:

#200 Smith Street: Now You See It, Now You Don't

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