Department of Buildings

Hidden Illegal Excavation Uncovered in West Village

The dig went 7 feet deep and undermined the building's footings

An innocent-looking tarp in a West Village backyard actually concealed an elaborate - and unpermitted - excavation that threatened a building's safety, city officials said. 

The Department of Buildings uncovered the work at 35 Perry St. on Monday. Photos released by the department show a detailed effort to hide the dig and the debris, including the use of a rental moving truck to haul out the refuse. 

After receiving a tip and discovering the dig site, DOB officials called for Fire Department assistance to gain access to the building, but were ultimately let in by day laborers who had been hiding there.

The landmarked four-story building was undermined by the work, which had gone 7 feet deep and was being done without a permit or design plans there. 

The department said it issued a full vacate order until emergency stabilization work can be performed. 

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