June 15, 2017

Rick D. Chandler, P.E.

Commissioner
New York City Department of Buildings
280 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

Dear Commissioner Chandler:

I am alarmed to learn that the Stop Work Order at 45 Rivington Street, also known as
Rivington House, has been lifted per the Department of Buildings (DOB) Building Information
System (BIS). The description of the violation, issued April 5, 2016 and numbered
040516CCER01AJ, read that BOROUGH COMMISSIONER HAS ORDER ALL WORK
STOPPED. However, the violation for this Stop Work Order appears to have been dismissed on
May 30, 2017 according to the Violation Display.

I would like to request a copy of the Rescind Letter issued, as well as an explanation of
the original request to lift this Stop Work Order. As you know, this building has been a major
flashpoint of controversy in the neighborhood, and the circumstances surrounding the removal of
the buildings deed restriction and subsequent sale were subject to numerous investigations. For
this reason, I am perplexed as to why my office did not receive direct notice from DOB
regarding the change to the Stop Work Order on this property.

After inquiring, my staff did learn from DOB that the Stop Work Order was partially
rescinded and limited to permitting an examination of structural elements of the building.
However, there is now no sign of any Stop Work Order, full or partial, on the front page of
Rivington Houses Property Profile Overview on BIS. I request that DOB clarify this apparent
discrepancy and make any necessary updates to BIS, so that the public can understand the status
of the property.

The Stop Work Order, #040516CCER01AJ, was a source of great relief for the
community and for me, considering whats still unknown about the transactions around
Rivington House and the widely-held hope it may be returned to a community use. Without a
compelling reason for rescinding the Stop Work Order that, according to job #123067698
approved on June 6, 2017, allows REMOVAL OF SELECTIVE AREAS OF FLOORING,
WALLS & CEILING, I hope the Stop Work Order will be reinstated.
If you would like to discuss further, please contact Andrew Lombardi of my office at (212)669-
8774 or andrewlombardi@manhattanbp.nyc.gov. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Gale A. Brewer
Manhattan Borough President