? A construction boom in Brooklyn has many communities working to protect the character of their neighborhoods by pushing for new zoning regulations to limit the height and look of new buildings. But South Park Slope residents say their plan backfired, leaving them with even bigger construction problems.

South Park Slope resident Bo Samajopoulos says developers often build quicker and break other laws to get more work done before the new zoning restrictions take effect. One resident videotaped a construction crew working well past the cut off time of 6 p.m., which left many residents fighting noise, dust and unsightly debris.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) regulates construction in the city and officials say they take complaints from residents seriously. However, Brooklyn Buildings Commissioner Susan Hinkson admits that architects even lie to her. Hinkson says the architects? goal is to construct higher buildings quickly so developers can create more apartments and make more money.

Many South Park Slope residents are upset, saying the reason developers want to build in their neighborhood is because the community has worked hard for years to keep the very same architects and crime out.

In the event that the DOB finds developers have not made enough progress on their new building before re-zoning regulations take effect, developers can still appeal to the city?s Board of Standards to continue building.

Related article: In Depth: Zoning Regulations in Brooklyn, Part I