Bushwick Buildings Evacuated After Cracks Discovered

Residents who live at the building said the cracks were weeks in the making as a result of a construction project next door

Building officials shut down construction and evacuated two buildings in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn Wednesday after receiving calls of severe cracking in the foundation. 

The big crack at 420 Melrose appeared to have formed overnight, but residents who live there said they were weeks in the making as a result of a construction project next door. 

"In the past month, there has been shaking. Like serious vibrations," said Mariesa Conmay, who said she called 911 over the weekend because of the heavy, continuous shaking.

The Department of Buildings has not officially determined what caused the crack in the foundation, however. There have not been previous issues at the job site.

Residents at 418 Melrose were allowed to return home, but the over dozen residents at 420 Melrose must stay out. The building is under a mandatory vacate order after concerns of instability. 

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