Lower Manhattan Construction Noise

MYFOXNY.COM - John Street between Broadway and Nassau Street in Lower Manhattan has five major construction projects all going on simultaneously. The trucks, saws, and cement mixers are loud.

Barbara Minsky's apartment building has a crane next to it. Pace University is building a dormitory on the corner of John Street and Broadway. Across the street the MTA is restoring a landmark building connected to the future Fulton Street transfer station. A hotel is under construction on John. Con Edison is putting in new gas lines beneath the street. And the city is putting in new sidewalks and water lines by John and Nassau.

Who allowed so many projects? Answer: the city's Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center and Department of Buildings. A spokesman said DOB gave permission for construction work from 6 a.m. to midnight at 182 Broadway by John Street. But the spokesman claims DOB has received no complaints.

Catherine Hughes, the vice chair of Community Board 1, said dozens of people angrily complained at Tuesday's board meeting. Hughes said some concessions have been made. Con Ed will finish in two weeks, and deliveries will begin at 7 a.m. -- not 6 a.m.

Local small businesses are hurting. Roxy Diner has been on John Street for 40 years, and now the construction has driven away customers. Thomas Tsolomytis, the owner, said he worries he may have to close the shop. He said business is worse than after 9/11.

Some construction workers say these projects means hundreds jobs for them and when completed would aid in he economic recovery of Lower Manhattan after 9/11.

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Lower Manhattan Construction Noise