The number of stalled construction sites in New York City dropped by 8 percent between October 2010 and October 2011, according to the New York Building Congress, but remained 40 percent above the number recorded two years ago. An average of 638 construction sites were identified as stalled in October of this year, compared to 693 in October 2010 and 454 in October 2009.

The average number of stalled sites in the five boroughs has either fallen or remained constant in each of the past 11 months, the Building Congress said. Overall, Brooklyn remains the leader in stalled sites, with a total of 299, or 47 percent of the city’s total; Queens is second with 131; Manhattan has just 126 frozen sites. -- Katherine Clarke [more]

A portion of the map

City Council member Brad Lander has launched an interactive map tracking stalled construction sites in his district, which comprises portions of southwestern Brooklyn, including Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Gowanus and Windsor Terrace, according to Brownstoner. The map includes demarcations for vacant development sites, existing building conversions with stop-work orders, stalled construction sites and those vacant buildings that are in so-called “derelict condition.” The survey found that a total of 39 sites had applied for demolition or construction permits, before halting progress for an extended period of time. The Real Deal’s 2010 Data Book, now available for purchase, also includes a list of stalled construction sites in New York City. TRD

Eastern Consolidated’s David Schechtman and a stalled development site at 75 First Avenue

At least one of the projects on the city’s list of stalled development sites may soon be changing hands. Chinatrust Bank has named Eastern Consolidated as the exclusive broker in the sale of two non-performing commercial mortgages, at 75 First Avenue in Manhattan and 333 Fairmont Avenue in Jersey City. Originally slated to become residential condominiums, 75 First Avenue is now listed by the Department of Buildings as one of nearly 400 stalled construction sites in New York City.  More

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Stalled construction sites, of which there were 362 in New York City as of July 8, can create hazards for neighbors, including increased crime, higher numbers of rodents and a decline in property values. The City Council is now proposing that developers can hold onto their permits for these sites if they keep them secure by locking up unfinished buildings and fencing in any holes in the ground. City officials hope that in addition to improving conditions at stalled sites, the plan would encourage developers to speak up when they encounter problems at their sites. Building permits currently expire after 12 months if no activity occurs at a site. The proposed legislation would issue two-year permits to developers, who would need to submit safety plans to the Department of Buildings.
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