New safety measures installed around Brighton Beach lot where solar panel fatally struck woman
Crews were seen inspecting rows of solar panels still standing above the lot. The Department of Buildings said it ordered the property owner to install protective structures following the incident.
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New sidewalk sheds, scaffolding and barriers now surround the Brighton Beach parking lot where a loose solar panel fatally struck 76-year-old Lyudmila Braun.
Crews were seen inspecting rows of solar panels still standing above the lot. The Department of Buildings said it ordered the property owner to install protective structures following the incident.
Residents expressed grief and concern for Braun’s family.
“He is a family man, a good man. This is like a terrible punishment,” said Amelia, a neighbor who knew her husband.
Despite the new safety measures, the Department of Buildings confirmed that Shorecrest, the property group responsible for the site, missed a deadline last Thursday to submit a report detailing the conditions that led to the fatal accident. A violation has since been issued.
In a statement to News 12, the DOB said that "Once the engineering firm conducting the investigation and compiling the report confirms that there is no longer any hazard, then DOB can rescind the order requiring the safety equipment following standards protocols."
Some pedestrians say they feel safer now that sidewalk sheds have been installed on three sides of the lot, including the area where Braun was walking.
Others remain uneasy.
“I think they have a big problem. Why go through all this trouble if it was just one loose panel?” said Frank, an area resident.
“They have the same solar panels on the roof. God forbid a strong gust of wind. If we walk in, there’s no protection,” said Yadviga, resident of 3000 Ocean Pkwy., adding that when walking to the subway on the path now covered by the barriers, “We walk the other way. We are afraid.”
The DOB said a new architecture firm is now working on the required report.
News 12 reached out to Shorecrest for comment but did not receive a response about what caused the delay.
The DOB tells News 12 its investigation remains ongoing and further actions against the building's owners may be taken.
