Crane strikes scaffolding at 775 Columbus Avenue

A crane this afternoon struck a piece of scaffolding at 775 Columbus Avenue, a rental building under construction as part of the new Columbus Square complex, city officials said. There were no injuries, according to a fire department spokesperson, but emergency personnel were on the scene following the 2:15 p.m. collapse, making sure the crane was secure. It was not clear at press time what caused the collision. Columbus Square, developed by the Chetrit Group and Stellar Management, is a complex of five new glass rental buildings going up around Columbus Avenue between 97th and 100th Streets. It faced years of opposition from neighbors before construction began. A spokesperson for Columbus Square confirmed that no one was hurt and that leasing has not yet started at 775 Columbus Avenue. Two other buildings in the complex, 808 Columbus Avenue and 801 Amsterdam Avenue, have started renting. [more]