NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The oldest known sidewalk shed on a New York City–owned building was razed this week after it “darkened the doorway” of a medical examiner’s office building on Manhattan's East Side for over 15 years.
The shockingly old structure had been up at 520 First Ave. in Kips Bay since at least 2009, officials said in announcing the shed’s demolition as part of the city’s year-old “Get Sheds Down” initiative.
The Department of Buildings has worked to remove 268 sidewalk sheds since Mayor Eric Adams launched the multi-agency effort last summer. Of those removed so far, 14 have been on city-owned buildings.
The ubiquitous structures are seen by many as a blight on the city’s streetscape, often lingering for years as building owners stall the necessary work to have them removed.
The shed torn down this week had obscured the façade of the Manhattan Forensic Pathology and Family Services Center and supporting laboratories.
"The people who walk through the doors at OCME are frequently in profound need -- or serve people who are,” said Meera Joshi, the deputy mayor for operations. “By maintaining this building we show respect to the work done inside, as we continue to fire on all cylinders to get sheds down.”
Officials said the city has been working with design teams on improved “pedestrian safety equipment” and looking at reforms to Local Law 11 façade inspection regulations, all while bringing private property owners to court to compel them to fix their buildings so the sheds can be removed.
The New York City Council is also considering legislation that would give the DOB new enforcement tools to compel building owners to start long-delayed façade repairs so their sheds can be removed.