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.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 17, 2007 8:10 AM

Comments [rss]

schmod

Crimes against Architecture seemed to be a good enough justification on its own....

Reality Czech

Here's the real deal - because this makes money (and some under the table), because this brings jobs, because jobs mean more money being spent, less people on welfare etc., than this is allowed to happen. This is overlooked, oversighted, over whatever. It all comes down to following the money trail. That is all that matters. When you figure out what part of any problem money plays in greasing hands, employing people, you usually will find the reason things happen. It's simple, it's the American way!

guest

scarano is evil. EVIL.

guest

so what if De blasio is grandstanding, scarano messed with the wrong neighborhood.

We citizens are behind you one hundred percent against this scumbucket.

guest

That's a nice rendering.

Tim N.

I'm groping for the joke about Scarano working in Brooklyn, which is lead by Marty Markowitz, a "self-certified" public servant... if anyone can help, please do...

guest

same guy who adds extra floors to his plans calling them mezzanines?

Toby von Meistersinger

Saying "Scarano designs" is an act of charity. It is like saying Frank Ghery is an architect. Both should be designing parking structures in Flin Flon and Moose Jaw.

guest

Is this the guy that was adding lots of extra square feet and height to his buildings by designing high ceilings and large landings off of the stairways?