Breaking: ESDC Halts Atlantic Yards Demolitions

The Empire State Development Corp. has temporarily halted the demolitions on the Atlantic Yards site following yesterday's "parapet collapse" at Ward Bakery. Curbed reported the development a few minutes ago, and a release from the ESDC is now circulating. Here's the text of the release:

The partial collapse Thursday at the Ward Bakery building created serious disruptions. We’re thankful that no one was hurt and we recognize the need for the Atlantic Yards project to continue to progress safely, without causing disorder in the lives of residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.

To that end, the Empire State Development Corporation and developer Forest City Ratner have agreed that the developer will temporarily suspend all abatement and demolition activities until the City’s Department of Buildings concludes its preliminary investigation or the City directs us otherwise.

This incident requires a reassurance to the community of the buildings’ soundness before work can proceed at the site. We are in frequent contact with the developer and various city agencies to make sure that we have fully addressed all safety concerns before activities resume. The State remains committed to the project and to its timeline for completion.

No word on the length of the investigation and whether the delay will be for a day, a week or a month.