Brooklyn Subway Awning Collapse: Investigation into Poor Maintenance and Safety Violations

Awning Collapse at Clark Street Station

• 💥 An awning connected to the historic Hotel St. George collapsed over the entrance to the Clark Street subway station early Sunday morning.
• 📍 The incident occurred just after 7 a.m., fortunately with no pedestrians underneath at the time.

Building Responsibility and Neglect

• 🏢 Councilman Lincoln Wrestler stated that Educational Housing Services (EHS), which provides dormitory housing, is responsible for the building.
• ⚠️ Inspectors from the Department of Buildings (DOB) found the collapsed concrete and steel beam showed signs of poor maintenance, noting severe corrosion.
• 🔍 A second similar awning is also being inspected due to similar signs of neglect.

History of Violations and Complaints

• 📜 The DOB website shows two open violations from 2021 related to the building's facade and a third from 2022 concerning facade safety.
• 🤢 Councilman Wrestler highlighted ongoing complaints from constituents about sewage stench, grime, and filth within the building and station.
• 🚫 EHS has been responsible for the lobby entrance since 1915 and has been unresponsive to requests for improvements.

Impact and Investigation

• 🚇 The MTA is skipping stops for the 2 and 3 lines at the Clark Street station during the investigation.
• 🛍️ A partial vacate order has been issued, forcing small businesses like a shoe repair shop, bodega, and florist to close temporarily.
• ⚖️ The DOB is investigating and indicated that enforcement actions may follow.
• 😥 Residents expressed concern about the near-catastrophe, emphasizing it could have been much worse if it occurred during peak hours.