ATTENTION: CM James Comments on Collapse of FG Townhouse Roof

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.

The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.

The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.

“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”

The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.

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