Brooklyn – At Councilman David G. Greenfield’s request, the New York City Department of Buildings has issued a stop work order preventing ShopRite from constructing a driveway from the rear of its property to the dead-end at 19th Avenue near 50th Street. Councilman Greenfield has been in close communication with the Buildings Department on behalf of residents in this section of Borough Park since construction work began suddenly on the ShopRite property earlier this winter without notice to the community. This led to concerns among nearby residents that the dead-end street would be opened up to truck traffic making deliveries to ShopRite and to customers accessing the parking garage behind the store, inundating the quiet area with traffic.
In response, Councilman Greenfield immediately reached out to officials at the DOB, which has since issued a stop work order preventing ShopRite from creating a curb cut for the new driveway and connecting it to 19th Avenue. In addition, Department of Transportation officials recently inspected the property at Councilman Greenfield’s request and issued several violations for improper construction at the site. Greenfield was particularly upset that ShopRite did not approach his office or Community Board 12 regarding this project before breaking ground to the surprise of neighbors, and will continue monitoring the situation.
“Opening up this quiet dead-end to traffic would lead to substantially more traffic for the residents and families in this area, creating serious safety concerns and destroying their quality of life. I am disappointed that ShopRite did not come to the community first with this proposal, considering the serious impact it would have on the neighborhood. My thanks to the Buildings Department for their quick action in response to the many residents who contacted my office after noticing work at the property,” said Councilman Greenfield.
Work is allowed to continue on the driveway being constructed on the ShopRite property between the parking garage and 19thAvenue. However, ShopRite cannot legally connect this driveway to 19th Avenue unless the stop work order is lifted and it receives a street access permit from the Department of Transportation, which Councilman Greenfield adamantly opposes.
“Considering the enormous impact this project would have on the surrounding neighborhood, I will continue to oppose ShopRite connecting their driveway to the roadway on behalf of neighbors living nearby. I am very supportive of the needs of businesses large and small in my district, but at the same time they must be good neighbors, and unfortunately that wasn’t the case here. I will continue working closely with city agencies to monitor this project in the coming days and weeks,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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One Response
There is a bus stop outside my house. I don’t want it there. Can I stop them?!?!?!? NO I cannot. That’s life. Having the rear entrance will save so much time and aggravation. I hate that parking lot and avoid going if I don’t need to. The rear entrance will be a life saver…..