In the midst of continued community concern over the proposed homeless shelter project at 2501 86th Street in Brooklyn, yesterday (April 8), the Commissioner of Buildings, Ahmed Tigani, officially responded to City Council Member Zhuang Wenyi and State Assemblyman William Colton, regarding the various inquiries raised by Zhuang Wenyi on March 24.
The response letter first acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and elected officials, reiterating the department’s commitment to enforcing building codes citywide and ensuring public safety. Regarding the property at 2501 86th Street in Brooklyn, the Buildings Department indicated that there is currently a valid permit for the comprehensive demolition of the existing building. Despite numerous inspections conducted in response to a high volume of complaints, no violations of relevant regulations or risks to public safety have been found thus far.
Addressing specific issues raised by Zhuang Wenyi, the Buildings Department responded as follows: First, regarding the alleged falsified ACP-5 asbestos report, the department stated that the ACP-5 asbestos report was submitted by qualified professionals. However, oversight and enforcement of asbestos-related documents fall under the purview of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Buildings Department is only responsible for verifying document completeness in the permitting process and relies on the DEP’s review results. Any doubts about the authenticity of the report or the qualifications of the submitter should be directed to the DEP.
Secondly, concerning irregularities in the permit approval process, the Buildings Department emphasized that the application for comprehensive demolition was submitted according to regulations and approved, currently holding a valid permit status. All requirements were met before issuance, and no special exemptions were granted. Third, regarding the need for a stormwater pollution prevention plan, the response explained that the demolition project did not meet the threshold requirements for triggering such a plan, as it did not involve soil disturbance exceeding 20,000 square feet or the addition of impervious surfaces of more than 5,000 square feet, therefore no relevant permit was necessary.
Fourth, regarding permit expiration and renewal, the Buildings Department detailed the permit history of the project, emphasizing that the permit has not expired but has been continuously renewed as required. The initial permit was issued on February 6, 2024, and the most recent renewal was on January 23, 2026 (currently valid until September 21, 2026). Fifth, concerning the number of complaints and inspection mechanisms, in response to the large volume of community complaints, the Buildings Department stated that all complaints are processed through a triage system to prioritize enforcement resources. Complaints may be closed without reinspection under certain circumstances, including repeat complaints, recent inspections, jurisdictional limitations, or inability to verify on-site. Additionally, issues involving reporting and administrative procedures require internal review and interdepartmental coordination rather than mere on-site inspection.
The response letter concluded by emphasizing that in the overall efforts of the city government to address the housing and homeless crisis, the Buildings Department will continue to ensure that all projects undergo rigorous review and comply with safety and building regulations, safeguarding the safety of future occupants while also considering the quality of life for surrounding residents. The Buildings Department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance, welcoming further communication from elected officials on related issues.