Workers hoisted the boom of a crane Saturday, replacing one that was left damaged and dangling over a Midtown block during Hurricane Sandy.
Several streets were closed Saturday morning and residents of nearby buildings had to leave their homes while the crane was erected on 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
Six months ago, high winds from Sandy damaged the original crane at the under-construction luxury tower One57, and the block was shut down for a week.
On Friday night, the building's developer, Extell Development Company, gave residents who were forced to leave two buildings checks for $1,500 to cover expenses during the time they were forced out. A school on the block was also evacuated.
Extell released a statement Saturday afternoon saying the replacement of the boom now allows "for the safe completion of the building."
Local
Crews started lifting the boom into place at 4 a.m. on Saturday and people in the neighboring buildings were expected to be allowed to return to their homes by early evening.
Residents who had to leave their apartments said they were nervous about the new crane being installed.
"There is amongst all of us a sense of justifiable anxiety and concern that nine tons of steel could, with a bad wind and bad luck, come crashing down on our building and exert a lot of force," said Matt Mazer, the president of one of the building's condo boards.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
