Buildings Dept. Broadens Construction Inspection Authority
By Charles Rogers

Proper shoring is evident on left side of the excavation site on Canarsie Road house construction. Neil S. Friedman

Only one week after the Courier ran a story about a family on Canarsie Road whose home was in danger because of alleged construction mistakes on an excavation site next to her home, the city's Buildings Department announced a new rule that, if it had been in effect a month ago, would have easily prevented any problems before they began.

The story concerned the home of Mrs. Eldora Philips, whose home is at 1608 Canarsie Road - right next door to the excavation. The construction crew allegedly had inadequate shoring against Mrs. Philips' house, thus infringing into her land. Officials from the Department of Buildings were called and eventually cancelled the permit for the construction until proper shoring was established. The work has since been started again.

On October 25, Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster announced a rule that requires 24 to 48 hours notification to her department before any excavation or earthwork begins.

Commissioner Lancaster said the required notification provides her with "the information needed to send inspectors to sites to examine the work and make sure it is being done safely in the early stages." She said inspectors would photograph the excavation work and adjacent areas "and they will be monitored for compliance."