Last I heard ^[1], architect Robert Scarano had 25 real estate development projects ^[2] “On Hold” pending an administrative trial set for to begin July 12th ^[3]. I’ve scoured the news and the blogs and have found nothing about the results of this trial that should have started over 2 weeks ago. So what’s the status?

Quick recap ^[4]–if you remember, the hearing was to decide whether Scarano had crossed the line self-certifying his own projects that were all WAY too big ^[5] based on the square footage allotments. The big question was whether or not Scarano was just going to get a slap on the wrist or if some of these tremendous and nearly complete buildings would need to knock a few floors off. Scarano also came under fire for supposed negligence at 3 job sites in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan, where excavations he was supposed to be supervising left neighboring properties “structurally unsound” and in one case resulted in the death of a construction worker.

Now, I live within a few blocks of two of these properties, The Casa at 92 Conselyea Street ^[6] and the monstrosity that used to be 59, 61 and 63 Conselyea Street ^[7]. As you can see, according to the building department’s website both these projects are still “On Hold”. That doesn’t explain why we’ve seen work going on every day, or am I misinterpreting the meaning of the words “On Hold”? Regardless, if they are allowed to still work while the project is “On Hold” surely they can’t apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) right? Right?!?

Passing by The Casa last night, I witnessed some lights on. Upon further inspection you can see furniture, lamps and houseplants. This afternoon, there were curtains up on the windows. Has someone moved in? Surely they can’t do that without a C of O. Or I guess you can if you pay off the right people, huh?

More infuriating discoveries after the jump…

We’ve been watching progress at The Casa for months and every day we see more and more work being done, even after the project was cited. Since the project was put on hold this apartment has had the stairs, kitchen and bathroom installed. Looks like they are just finishing up the paint now. “On Hold” indeed.

In front of 59-63 Conselyea you see a container and a porta-potty, sure signs that things aren’t “On Hold” There’s a full crew there working on it every day of the week.

What the hell is going on here?