City Councilman Vs. Brooklyn Architect

City Councilman Bill de Blasio, whose Brooklyn district covers Borough Park, Carroll Gardens, is asking the Department of Buildings to stop all of architect Robert Scarano's current projects. According to the Sun, DeBlasio says Scarano, who has hundreds of projects in various stages of progress, "should not be allowed to build while under investigation by the State Education Department for professional misconduct."

It seems that one part of misconduct claim might due to the fact that Scarano has been able to "self-certify" his buildings - as in, architects can vouch for the legal status of his/her designs. Gowanus Lounge has analysis of the self-certification process and says that though "there are many issues with Mr. Scarano's work," DeBlasio's attempt seems opportunistic, since the Councilman has been absent during other community outcry about similar projects in the past: "The time would be better spent working to change individual developments that are problematic and on reforming and entire building approval and monitoring system that are in need to deep, systemic, top-to-bottom reform." Still, neighborhoods are not very happy with Scarano designs, especially Carroll Gardens lately.

Scarano did not have any comments. The DOB revoked his ability to self-certify last year, after being accused of many violations.