Illegal Addition at 515 East 5 Street

On July 15, I was joined by Council Member Rosie Mendez, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh in submitting joint testimony to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) opposing a variance to legalize the sixth and seventh floor addition landlord Ben Shaoul built without proper permits at 515 East 5th Street. Residents and their advocates have been fighting this illegal addition since it was constructed in 2006. We noted Mr. Shaoul’s pattern of flouting Department of Buildings’ rules, and the occupancy and building code violations at the property, which put tenants at risk. Please see our testimony below.