A fence coming on Dean as demolitions planned; 664 Pacific will obliterate memory of Dean Street scale

491, 493, 495 Dean, Oct. 20

They've been doomed for a while. Now three houses on Dean Street just east of Sixth Avenue, and an industrial building on Pacific Street behind them, are getting closer to the wrecking ball.

So forget 491, 493, and 495 Dean Street, the addresses of a smaller-scale, older-time Brooklyn. They will be obliterated for 664 Pacific Street, the address of the building known as B15, a 27-story tower filled with market-rate rental apartments, with a public school at the base.

At the Community Update Meeting Oct. 14, Forest City Ratner executive Ashley Cotton said that an 8-foot-high plywood fence--not unlike the one across Sixth Avenue for the B3 site--should go up on Dean Street in front of the homes, where abatement (not demolition) work is ongoing.

Then comes demolition by the contractor, Russo Demolition, after permits are issued. That means a fence (purple in the slide below and at bottom) just three feet from the curb (yellow).

The first building will be the two-story 495 Dean Street, which will be demolished using hand tools, given that it stands next to the extant apartment building, 497 Dean.  (The fence, according to the large slide near bottom, will apparently go partly in front of 497 Dean.) The four-story buildings to the west will be demolished via mechanical demolition.

Cotton said the demolition method for 666 Pacific Street and the adjacent building on Sixth Avenue has yet to be determined.

493 Dean, last night

"We have noticed all the neighbors about windows, air conditioners [offered by the developer to be installed], so all sorts of protections are in place," Cotton said, noting that "we made special outreach to all constituents" that Peter Krashes of the Dean Street Block Association "brought to our attention."

Other safeguards?

Krashes, noting that even hand demolition causes impacts such as noise and dust, asked if any other provisions had been put in place, because neighbors already have double-pane windows.

"There's no needed extra special provision... because we're doing sorts of stuff that’s really helpful," Cotton said, citing (again) air conditioners, windows, and public notices, "and the rules that regulate the rest of the site" regarding regulation of dust and noise.

Krashes reiterated that the building has elderly people who have health conditions in the building.. "Any steps that the developer can take to ensure their health is protected would be appreciated."

Cotton said that flaggers will be present 7 am to 5 pm to help pedestrian access. Why not later?

"There won’t be work after 5," responded Forest City executive Jane Marshall.

"I think this must be what the regulation is, I’d be happy to follow up," Cotton said.

Chainlink Fence on Concrete Barrier to Be Demolished As Necessary
Parking Lot To Be Used As Staging Arena
Chainlink Fence To Be Removed For Access
Sidewalk Closed. Pedestrians To Cross At Crosswalk
Iron Railing To Be Removed During Demolition
Neighbors Railing To Remain
Sidewalk Closed. Pedestrians To Cross At Crosswalk
From meeting presentation

Krashes asked about the designation of 666 Pacific as an "e" building, with a history of hazardous materials.

Cotton said she had no further information, but "we know it’s an 'e' building… everything safe and environmentally sound will be done."

He also asked if the B15 site, which includes a parking lot originally designated for satellite TV trucks, would be used for construction staging or arena operations or parking.

"Will there be potentially arena activities on the future site of the school building, I will say yes.. and will there potentially be construction siting, yes.

"That’s why I'm asking, it's all very impactful," Krashes said.

"It's all very impactful, that’s why we’re coming here," Cotton responded, as if exasperated that pesky residents didn't see the big picture.

Krashes noted that the lot's use has already expanded, apparently to included suite parking and other arena-related uses not originally disclosed.