Buildings

Melanie E. La Rocca
Commissioner

280 Broadway

Floor

New York, NY 10007
nyc.govlbuildings

build safe live safe

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November 8, 2019

Andy Byford

President

MTA New York City Transit

130 Livingston Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201 

Dear President Byford:

Late this afternoon I received a letter from David Farber of your agency stating that the
inspection and maintenance of the retaining walls along the New York City Transit
Authority's (NYCTA) BIG and lines in Brooklyn are the sole responsibility of the New
York City Transit Authority. I appreciate NYCTA reaching out with this new and
important information.

In order to move fonivard with mutual clarity and understating, the New York City
Department of Buildings (?Department?) will be providing your office with a list of block
and lots in this catchment area. I would appreciate your confirmation that the Authority
will be assuming responsibility for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of those
aforementioned properties.

In order to avoid any potential for this situation moving forward, please provide the
Department with information about any other retaining walls within New York City that
are under jurisdiction and adjacent to other private properties. This information
will ensure that my agency can confirm that the correct responsible parties are
accounted for and that the structures are properly maintained for the safety of all New
Yorkers.

Based on this new information, for all proprieties along the 3/0 and lines in Brooklyn
for which NYCTA has taken sole responsibility for, the Department will be rescinding the
non-monetary violation letters sent out to homeowners.

Thank you for clarifying the ownership and responsibility of the retaining walls in
question. I look forward to working together with you on this matter.

Sincerley/l

x? . 
K) II,

Melanie E. La Rocca
Commissioner

  

Cc: David Farber, Acting General-Counsel