UPDATE: Since this press release was sent, Mr. Gillett's family has been located and notified of his passing. We thank the media for their assistance in bringing closure during this difficult time.
--
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse
(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.
Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.
###
Showing posts with label collapse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collapse. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
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.
###
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.
###
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
CM James Joins BK Tenants to Protest Collapsing Building
On August 17th, Council Member James joined tenants at a press conference for a building on Grand Avenue in Brooklyn to address long-standing maintenance issues, and to protect their shaky, collapsing building. The tenants noted that the building had been neglected by management for the past decade.
Read more here: Council Member Letitia James Joins Brooklyn Tenants To Protest Shaky, Collapsing Building
Read more here: Council Member Letitia James Joins Brooklyn Tenants To Protest Shaky, Collapsing Building
Monday, July 27, 2009
ATTENTION: Ryerson Chimney Collapse
Regarding the brick crumbling on 132 Ryerson posted on the NYT Local yesterday, here is the most up-to-date information we have at this time-
132 Ryerson is a privately-owned building. It was evacuated on Sunday (7/26) after significant heavy rains caused brick falling (the building borders, at the rear, 499 Myrtle Avenue, which houses La Stalla restaurant). A violation was issued that day to the owner for not properly maintaining the building. Building will remain closed until contractor completes emergency repairs (should be made within 48 hours). [summary of information posted on The Local]
The brick falling was due to the collapse of a "dead chimney" (out-of-use) onto the neighboring restaurant. On Sunday, the DOB Deputy Commissioner was out with representatives of the owner and an engineer examining the building. Additionally, part of neighboring building (with the restaurant) was temporarily evacuated.
Three families were evacuated from 132 Ryerson. The Red Cross has stepped in to deal with families. 132 Ryerson's owner is obtaining an engineer, and putting together a plan to repair building damage. DOB will take further steps to re-inspect building at that point.
All information may be altered to reflect current details. Please contact the office of Council Member James at (212) 788-7081 or aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov if you have any further information (or want to correct any inconsistencies stated above).
132 Ryerson is a privately-owned building. It was evacuated on Sunday (7/26) after significant heavy rains caused brick falling (the building borders, at the rear, 499 Myrtle Avenue, which houses La Stalla restaurant). A violation was issued that day to the owner for not properly maintaining the building. Building will remain closed until contractor completes emergency repairs (should be made within 48 hours). [summary of information posted on The Local]
The brick falling was due to the collapse of a "dead chimney" (out-of-use) onto the neighboring restaurant. On Sunday, the DOB Deputy Commissioner was out with representatives of the owner and an engineer examining the building. Additionally, part of neighboring building (with the restaurant) was temporarily evacuated.
Three families were evacuated from 132 Ryerson. The Red Cross has stepped in to deal with families. 132 Ryerson's owner is obtaining an engineer, and putting together a plan to repair building damage. DOB will take further steps to re-inspect building at that point.
All information may be altered to reflect current details. Please contact the office of Council Member James at (212) 788-7081 or aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov if you have any further information (or want to correct any inconsistencies stated above).
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Things We May Have Neglected To Mention
Our apologies for not updating for a while...
Town Hall
Last night, Council Member Letitia James held a Town Hall to address infrastructure in Clinton Hill following the Myrtle Avenue building collapse at St. Luke's Church on Washington Avenue between Willoughby and DeKalb Avs. Representatives from City Agencies were present, and were able to speak about what's happening at this point, as well as how to report structure-damage that is potentially dangerous. There will be additional communication after the appropriate City agencies have completed the necessary investigations into these matters. You can see more on NY1's report here.
Infrastructure in a majority-historic district is always a concern, but we urge people not to be unduly alarmed by these events. Responsibility for the care of property lies with the property owner. We encourage renters to sign legal leases, and attain renters insurance when possible.
Donating Money/Items
Our office has the donation list that can be accessed on the Chez Lola website. If you have items or goods to donate, please complete the form on the website. We are sending this information to the displaced residents, who can follow-up on the items they are interested in. There was a similar list set-up for Anh Nguyen and Andrew Schneider here: http://itpedia.nyu.edu/wiki/Myrtle_Avenue_Collapse_Benefit_page. Unfortunately, there is no general place to hold your donated items at this time. The search for housing remains the main concern for displaced residents.
Additionally, we are strongly encouraging monetary donations. Here are some individual donation sites:
To donate to the Diaz/Nunez family, see our post here- http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2009/06/attention-building-collapse-on-myrtle.html
Andrew Schneider's donation information can be found here- http://greylockarts.net/andrews-home
Anh Nguyen's donation information can be found here- http://savemang.org/
Jess Banning's donation information can be found here- http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-06-22.8270203664
Our office has collaborated with the Myrtle Avenue Revilatization Project (MARP), a registered non-profit, to collect donations for all the 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue residents. Donations will be evenly distributed to all families affected. If you are donating funds, please make checks/money orders out to MARP. Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle Emergency Fund” in the memo field-
472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11205
A Tree Falls On Cambridge...Yikes!
A tree limb fell on Cambridge Place (where your blogger happens to reside), which we noticed last night around 9:00PM. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation have been notified, and they should be out there as soon as possible. If you still see that thing hanging around, please call our office at (212) 788-7081.
Town Hall
Last night, Council Member Letitia James held a Town Hall to address infrastructure in Clinton Hill following the Myrtle Avenue building collapse at St. Luke's Church on Washington Avenue between Willoughby and DeKalb Avs. Representatives from City Agencies were present, and were able to speak about what's happening at this point, as well as how to report structure-damage that is potentially dangerous. There will be additional communication after the appropriate City agencies have completed the necessary investigations into these matters. You can see more on NY1's report here.
Infrastructure in a majority-historic district is always a concern, but we urge people not to be unduly alarmed by these events. Responsibility for the care of property lies with the property owner. We encourage renters to sign legal leases, and attain renters insurance when possible.
Donating Money/Items
Our office has the donation list that can be accessed on the Chez Lola website. If you have items or goods to donate, please complete the form on the website. We are sending this information to the displaced residents, who can follow-up on the items they are interested in. There was a similar list set-up for Anh Nguyen and Andrew Schneider here: http://itpedia.nyu.edu/wiki/Myrtle_Avenue_Collapse_Benefit_page. Unfortunately, there is no general place to hold your donated items at this time. The search for housing remains the main concern for displaced residents.
Additionally, we are strongly encouraging monetary donations. Here are some individual donation sites:
To donate to the Diaz/Nunez family, see our post here- http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2009/06/attention-building-collapse-on-myrtle.html
Andrew Schneider's donation information can be found here- http://greylockarts.net/andrews-home
Anh Nguyen's donation information can be found here- http://savemang.org/
Jess Banning's donation information can be found here- http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-06-22.8270203664
Our office has collaborated with the Myrtle Avenue Revilatization Project (MARP), a registered non-profit, to collect donations for all the 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue residents. Donations will be evenly distributed to all families affected. If you are donating funds, please make checks/money orders out to MARP. Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle Emergency Fund” in the memo field-
472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11205
A Tree Falls On Cambridge...Yikes!
A tree limb fell on Cambridge Place (where your blogger happens to reside), which we noticed last night around 9:00PM. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation have been notified, and they should be out there as soon as possible. If you still see that thing hanging around, please call our office at (212) 788-7081.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Update: Following-up On Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue/Fundraising & Donating Info
We have some important info concerning fundraising activities for the Myrtle Avenue displaced residents.
First of all, for all the wonderful residents who emailed us concerning Caitlyn Nunez, we were made aware yesterday that her principal was kind enough to offer to buy her graduation attire. The family is still collecting donations for their additional needs, and again that information can be found here. As spotted on the NYT- Local blog, a local resident noted the various individual fundraising/donation activities planned for displaced residents in the community, so please check that out.
This community has really shown an incredible amount of support towards our neighbors, and we ask that you join our office and community this Sunday:
Let’s Lend a Heart & Helping Hand
To 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue…
SUNDAY, June, 28 2009
5PM – 7PM
Chez Lola
387 Myrtle Avenue (by Vanderbilt)
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Chez Lola will be hosting a fundraiser for the tenants of 491 and 493 Myrtle Avenue.
If you have services to provide, clothes to spare, furniture that is collecting dust, come on by to Chez Lola on Sunday and let us know. Please do not bring it. We can take down your contact info and approximate location and help coordinate the transfer of goods. You can also go online to www.bistrolola.com as of Thursday (June 25, 2009) to post any services/materials you'd like to provide.
The Office of Council Member James will be assisting Chez Lola in these activities, and will be on-hand at this Sunday's event.
Chez Lola will be serving light food and refreshments.
Please bring your check book, wallet, donating spirit and helpful hand to give our neighbors get their lives back together!
Please make checks/money orders out to Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.
Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle emergency fund” in the memo field. MARP has offered to temporarily hold your donations until they can be disbursed to the affected tenants.
For more information concerning the event and fundraising, please call at 718-858-1484 and ask for Edit.
Team Tish can be reached for any other purposes at teamtish@gmail.com
First of all, for all the wonderful residents who emailed us concerning Caitlyn Nunez, we were made aware yesterday that her principal was kind enough to offer to buy her graduation attire. The family is still collecting donations for their additional needs, and again that information can be found here. As spotted on the NYT- Local blog, a local resident noted the various individual fundraising/donation activities planned for displaced residents in the community, so please check that out.
This community has really shown an incredible amount of support towards our neighbors, and we ask that you join our office and community this Sunday:
Let’s Lend a Heart & Helping Hand
To 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue…
SUNDAY, June, 28 2009
5PM – 7PM
Chez Lola
387 Myrtle Avenue (by Vanderbilt)
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Chez Lola will be hosting a fundraiser for the tenants of 491 and 493 Myrtle Avenue.
If you have services to provide, clothes to spare, furniture that is collecting dust, come on by to Chez Lola on Sunday and let us know. Please do not bring it. We can take down your contact info and approximate location and help coordinate the transfer of goods. You can also go online to www.bistrolola.com as of Thursday (June 25, 2009) to post any services/materials you'd like to provide.
The Office of Council Member James will be assisting Chez Lola in these activities, and will be on-hand at this Sunday's event.
Chez Lola will be serving light food and refreshments.
Please bring your check book, wallet, donating spirit and helpful hand to give our neighbors get their lives back together!
Please make checks/money orders out to Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.
Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle emergency fund” in the memo field. MARP has offered to temporarily hold your donations until they can be disbursed to the affected tenants.
For more information concerning the event and fundraising, please call at 718-858-1484 and ask for Edit.
Team Tish can be reached for any other purposes at teamtish@gmail.com
Update: Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue
We are saddened to give an unfortunate update on Sunday's building collapse. As of yesterday evening, the residential building next door to the collapsed building- 491 Myrtle- was being demolished floor by floor. Apparently, this demolition continued as of this morning. The Department of Buildings and other City agencies have communicated to local business owners that all businesses on the north side of Myrtle must continue to stay vacated until this process is completed. From what we have been told, residents in most of the buildings on the block have been allowed to return for now.
Update:
As of yesterday evening, Myrtle Avenue from Hall to Emerson will remain closed for 3-4 days as debris is removed.
Our office is currently looking into the possibility of holding a fundraiser for victims. If you are interested in assisting, please email teamtish@gmail.com.
teamtish
Update:
As of yesterday evening, Myrtle Avenue from Hall to Emerson will remain closed for 3-4 days as debris is removed.
Our office is currently looking into the possibility of holding a fundraiser for victims. If you are interested in assisting, please email teamtish@gmail.com.
teamtish
Monday, June 22, 2009
ATTENTION: Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue; 6/21
*On June 21, 2009, a four-story building on 493 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill collapsed in the midst of construction around 2:00PM. The building housed Vespers Bar. The few people in the building at the time suffered minor injuries, and all appropriate City agencies responded quickly. Everyone on Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson Streets were temporarily evacuated following routine precautions, and bus line were re-routed (also temporarily). Council Member Letitia James was also at the scene to survey the damage.
The building had a list of violations on it, including an unrepaired crack running along the side. The collapse damaged a residential building next store, leaving those residents without a home. A young woman, Caitlyn, who is graduating from public school this Thursday was a victim of the collapse, and now needs attire appropriate for her graduation. If you are interested in helping her, please make-out your donation to “Jose Nunez”. All checks can be brought or mailed to PS 157 at 850 Kent Avenue [Principal Torres]. If you can donate clothing to Caitlyn, or wish to donate to any victim, please email us at teamtish@gmail.com where we may be able to facilitate such a donation. We will expand on this situation as more details come forth.
For more information:
See NY1- http://ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=101115
The NYT-Local- http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/vesper-building-on-myrtle-collapses-no-major-injuries/
Brownstoner- http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/06/fourstory_build.php
McBrooklyn- http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/06/myrtle-ave-building-that-collapsed-had.html
and Gothamist- http://gothamist.com/2009/06/21/brooklyn_building_on_myrtle_avenue.php
*Photo courtesy of the ClintonHillBlog (lesterhead).
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