This morning at 9:45AM, a portion of the parapet of the Ward Bakery building collapsed onto the sidewalk of Pacific Street. Asbestos abatement by Forest City Ratner had been underway in the building for several weeks.

No one was injured. However, the incident highlights the lack of independent monitoring and publicly-accountabble oversight that have been a hallmark of the Atlantic Yards project since its approval by the ESDC and the Public Authorities Control Board in December 2006.

PHNDC reiterates its call for the ESDC to delay further demolition activities at the Atlantic Yards site until a framework for oversight and coordination of construction activities by publicly-accountable authorities can be established with the participation of local representatives and elected officials.

PHNDC is particularly concerned about this morning's accident given the asbestos abatement work underway in the building. We further call upon the New York City Department of Buildings to stay the approval of any permits for the demolition of the Ward Bakery building to prevent further harm from occuring pending investigations by the DOB, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the New York City Fire Department.

Related information:

• Section of building under demolition crashes onto street [ABC Eyewitness News]