Tuesday, May 11, 2021

32 Avenue C is now shorter

Several readers have pointed out the demolition on the southeast corner of Avenue C and Third Street... where the long-empty three-story building (32 Avenue C) is now down to one level...   
Once upon a time, there were development plans for this parcel... with the filing of permits with the city in July 2005 for a new 6-floor residential building. The city disapproved the plans in May 2006, and nothing more happened with the project... and the building sat in disrepair.

Years later, the landlord filed a permit in the fall of 2017 with the DOB to "rebuild exterior walls; replace windows and sistering of floor joists to address" the various violations on file.

And now — several years after the initial repair work? According to recently issued work permits, plans call to "partially demolish the building" ... specifically the "second, third and roof floors." It wouldn't be entirely surprising if there are new permits filed one of these days to add a second and third floor.

Public records list the landlord as Abraham Benelyahou of Fairfax Management Corp. In 2014, the Daily News referred to him as "Manhattan's worst landlord."

As previously reported, residents have long complained about the drug activity on this corner. On Jan. 18, a 36-year-old man was shot and killed here. Since then, the NYPD has parked a patrol car nearby. (A vehicle from the 9th Precinct was on Third Street at the time of this photo mid-Sunday morning.)

The sidewalk bridge has helped give cover to any activity here... for the past eight-plus years. 

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