ECB Upholds $40,000 in Fines for Illegal Signs on Bodega

Company argued that two promotional contest signs installed at bodega were accessory signs. On September 9, 2010, the City’s Department of Buildings issued four notices of violation to Contest Promotions NY LLC for two signs installed at the New Grocery and Deli located at 175 Grand Street in Brooklyn. Contest Promotions is a promotional company that works with businesses to promote contests and sweepstakes. The sign featured advertisements for the Nikita television program and … <Read More>


NOV for low parapet upheld

Repairs to building subject to 1938 Building Code triggered new minimum height requirements. In February, June, and October of 2010, Buildings issued notices of violation to the owner of 331 Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. The issuing officer in each instance observed the same violation of the 2008 Construction Codes: brick parapet walls on the roof were not 42 inches in height.

At a hearing, the owner conceded that the walls in question were less than … <Read More>


Apartment building owner defeats facade report NOV

Distinction between basement and cellar explained. The Department of Buildings issued Supreme Company LLC a notice of violation for failing to file a required report concerning the periodic inspection of the exterior walls of its building at 1659 York Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Supreme contested the NOV at a hearing before an ALJ, claiming that it was exempt from the filing requirement since its building did not exceed six stories. Supreme’s architect stated … <Read More>


Bar defeats NOV charging violation of C of O

85 East 4th Street. Image: CityLand.

East Village building’s C of O authorized meeting room, not current bar use. In 1922, the owner of 85 East 4th Street in Manhattan obtained a certificate of occupancy authorizing the building’s second floor to be used as a meeting room. Since 1948 the second floor had instead been used as a tavern space, currently occupied by the KGB Bar. On June 9, 2010, Buildings issued the building’s current … <Read More>


Illegal sign NOV dismissed

329 Wyckoff Avenue Image: CityLand

Building owner unaware that subtenant erected cash loans advertising sign. Buildings issued four notices of violation charging the owner of 329 Wyckoff Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens with illegally erecting an outdoor advertising sign for cash loans. The owner removed the sign from its building immediately after receiving the NOVs. At a hearing, the building’s property manager claimed that the owner had not authorized the sign, and was unaware that the … <Read More>


NOV for falling glass at One Bryant Park upheld

The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant

Board found that prior corrected violations justified increased penalty for glass panel broken by snapped cable. On December 10, 2008 a glass panel fell from the 50th floor of One Bryant Park in Midtown, Manhattan after being struck by a steel safety netting cable. Buildings issued a notice of violation to the contractor, Tishman Construction Corporation, for failing to safeguard persons and property while working on … <Read More>