We could honor 1059 Manhattan Avenue as a Construction Site Du Jour because of its vile condition. We could also note that it appears to have caused a crack problem in a neighboring building. We will do both of those thing, but we will also focus on the fact that it has erected an obstacle course that many senior citizens that live in a nearby building have to negotiate in order to go out to buy groceries or do much of anything else. Here is our Greenpoint Correspondent’s description of the issue:

I would like to point out that this site is located between Freeman and Eagle Street. I mention this because “Mary D’s Housing for Seniors”, a rather large facility, is located around the corner from this death trap. The closest grocery store is located between Huron and India Street. So in order to eat, purchase toilet paper, etc.–things most people are used to doing without negotiating an obstacle course–the residents of this center (and they are MANY) are either relegated to walking around this mess (in the street) or take alternative route.

Not that anyone at the Department of Buildings would be concerned that a senior citizen breaks his or her face because of the vile conditions here. After all, urban life presents challenges to those in their 80s and they should have thought about it before opting to stay in Greenpoint rather than going to a retirement community in Boca Raton. Complaints about the fence (which, admittedly is only one of a host a issues here on the list of complaints to DOB) date back to spring. Back in March, however, an inspector found no problems, writing “OBSERVED NO STRUCTURAL DEFECTS AT CONSTRUCTION FENCE AT TIME OF INSPECTION.” No problem, then.