Downturn Blight Solution Gains Ground
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With 500 construction sites abandoned citywide, lawmakers are trying to encourage developers to keep lots safe.
The economic downturn is mostly to blame for the empty lots, which some say are a magnet for drug activity, homeless people, garbage and rats. And with no permits posted, it's unclear who's responsible for securing the area.
In response, the City Council is looking to adopt legislation that would make it easier for developers to resume building.
"Developers participating in our new program would be allowed to renew building permits at stalled sites for up to four years as long as they met all of the safety and quality of life plans they've submitted to the Department of Buildings," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
"If builders lose their financing, they don't want to go have to go back to the drawing board. And I think they'll gladly take a proactive approach to safety for the good of the project," said City Councilman Daniel Garodnick.
Some residents, however, say the bill only benefits developers, not communities.
"To tell us to accept up to four more years of blight so developers can do what...they have a moral obligation to do already which is to protect this community, I find that totally unacceptable and outrageous," said Williamsburg resident Phillip DePaolo.
If the bill passes, the city would be responsible for overseeing the program.