Demolition site in Downtown Brooklyn shut down after equipment collapse; neighbors raise ongoing safety concerns
Residents who live near the site told News 12 they have dealt with persistent noise, dust, debris and what they believe are questionable construction practices since demolition work began.
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A demolition site in Downtown Brooklyn has been temporarily shut down after heavy equipment reportedly caved into the ground last week, prompting an emergency response from the FDNY.
The incident occurred at a demolition project at 245 Duffield St., where neighbors say they have been raising concerns about safety conditions for weeks before the collapse.
Residents who live near the site told News 12 they have dealt with persistent noise, dust, debris and what they believe are questionable construction practices since demolition work began.
"We are smelling all the smoke that wakes us up at 5 a.m., 6 a.m.," said resident Seiky Stephanie. "We're hearing the noise like we can't even get a good night's sleep. I'm suffering from a TBI, and I have lupus, and I have to deal with this too."
Another resident, Keerthan Ekbote, said construction dust has become a constant issue.
"When I moved in just two months ago, I scrubbed down my balcony. Now I step out with my bare feet and my foot is black by the time I go back inside," Ekbote said.
Residents say they were not surprised when demolition equipment suddenly collapsed into the ground, triggering an emergency response.
"This is a human rights and public safety issue," said resident Blacka. "Who is asking these people if they have licenses before they build the buildings that New Yorkers live in? That tourists walk by every day?"
Following the incident, a stop-work order was issued for the site. However, some neighbors remain concerned about what will happen when construction resumes.
"What's next after demolition?" Ekbote asked. "They're going to build a 30-story building on top of that. I'm scared of not wanting to live in my unit anymore."
Others are calling for increased oversight of the workers and contractors involved in the project.
"My concern is when the work resumes, who will be working?" Blacka said. "What is the process of making sure these workers are licensed, skilled and unionized? We have filed dozens of complaints with the Department of Buildings, reached out to the Public Advocate's Office, Lincoln Restler's office and HPD."
The New York City Department of Buildings told News 12 that before work can resume, contractors must correct all cited violations and submit a report detailing how adequate safety measures will be provided and maintained moving forward.
For residents living alongside the project, the equipment collapse has intensified concerns they say have been building for months. They hope the city's review process will thoroughly evaluate conditions at the site before any work is allowed to restart.
