12 Years Of Scaffolding: BK's Oldest Sidewalk Shed Is In Crown Heights

CROWN HEIGHTS, NY — Kings County Hospital in Crown Heights was home to Brooklyn's oldest sidewalk shed scaffolding permit, Buildings department records show.

A scaffolding permit for Winthrop Street near Brooklyn Avenue that was first issued in 2011 was still good through 2024, records show, making it Brooklyn's oldest allowable stretch of scaffolding.

And the Winthrop Street permit was not alone. Buildings data show central Brooklyn has over 100 active sidewalk shed permits — many of which were well over five years old.

Nearby on New York Avenue, a scaffolding permit first issued in 2012 remained active. Near Schenectady Avenue and Winthrop Street, two permits issued in 2015 also remained active.

On Monday, city leaders came together to announce a plan to rid the unsightly sheds and scaffolding from city streets in a more timely manner.

“We have nearly 400 miles of scaffolding in New York City, taking up public space that belongs to New Yorkers," said Mayor Eric Adams.

While it is rarely the case, a sidewalk shed permit being active does not necessarily mean there is a shed standing at the location, as occasionally there is a delay in the Department of Building's tracking.

Other parts of Brooklyn saw far more permits, and the city's mitigation efforts announced Monday would initially focus on Downtown Brooklyn, authorities announced.

"Downtown Brooklyn, like much of New York City, is beset by sidewalk sheds that have far outstayed their welcome — creating dark, dirty, and unsafe spaces that pedestrians actively avoid and that are disastrous for our businesses,” said Regina Myer, president, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.