Construction on 108th Street

April 2020 WSFSSH at West 108th Street is 100% affordable housing with a shelter for older adults. It is considered by both New York City and New York State to be an essential construction project and is therefore allowed to continue construction (New York State stopped all non-essential construction at the end of March).

In order to continue work, the West 108th Street project registered with the Department of Buildings (DOB) as an Essential Active Construction Site.  The General Contractor, Procida-Butz, adheres to all COVID-19 worker safety requirements that have been issued by both the State and the City DOB for workers on the site. While construction continues, the work is proceeding more slowly than usual.

Update November 2019 108th Street construction is on schedule. We should see the building erection completed by the end of March. Street closures on 108th between Amsterdam and Columbus will continue. The first inhabitants are expected to arrive by October.

Update September 2019  Procida Construction is slightly ahead of schedule. In support of the steel and concrete work that is underway, a mobile crane will be on-site several days each week beginning this month and continuing for approximately 5 months.  Street closures on West 108th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus may be required during steel and concrete work.  They will be done as approved by the Department of Transportation. The crane operation will Department of Building safety protocols.

Dr. Elster has made preparations for the buses that use West 108th Street. Please note that representatives from Booker T meet regularly with the construction team with the next meeting scheduled for October 15th.

Update August 2019  Procida Construction is slightly ahead of schedule. Excavation and foundation work will be completed this week.

We anticipate that steel and concrete work will begin in early September. Street closures on West 108th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus may be required during steel and concrete work. They will be done as approved by the Department of Transportation.

Dr. Elster has made preparations for the buses that use West 108th Street. Please note that representatives from Booker T meet regularly with the construction team with the next meeting scheduled for September 10th.

Update June 2019 After discussion with the contractor and review at the last PTA meeting, it was decided that barring an increase in particulate levels, three air monitors will remain on site and the monitors at the school will be removed.

Update Feb. 2019 Demolition is moving along smoothly and is expected to be complete by April. Teachers have not had any complaints about noise.

Update as of 01/04/19  The West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) has received all approvals needed to begin demolition. Demolition preparation, including the installation of all protective sheds, is underway with demolition scheduled to begin on January 7th, 2019.

Update as of 12/18/18 At the Construction Advisory Group meeting for the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) project on Tuesday, Dec. 18th, MS54 representatives were informed that all demolition permits are expected in by next week, with demo beginning after the holiday break and predicted to be conducted for approximately three months. Protocols for monitoring air quality and noise will continue. Excavation, the next phase of work, will follow for six to eight months, according to WSFSSH’s contractor.

Update as of 11/20/18  Sidewalk barricades and scaffolding are expected to be in place on the north side of 108th Street the week of November 26TH with demolition expected to begin the week of December 10TH. A protocol for sharing air quality information has been established and the school crossing guard at 108th and Amsterdam continues to have regular contact with Dr. Elster.

Update as of 10/25/18   The contractor is in process of securing final permits with demolition expected to begin within the month. We can expect a two month demolition and six month excavation process. Air quality monitors have been placed on and around school grounds and base line readings established. Protocol for sharing data if dust levels exceed warning levels was agreed to. Crossing Guard has been established at 108th and Amsterdam and is in regular contact with Dr. Elster (mostly about the kids' cell phone habits).

Additional news and information is available on the developer's website: http://wsfsshatwest108.org or by phone at 212-721-6032 x 1066

Any concerns or questions can be directed to co-presidents@ms54pta.org

MS54 Booker T. Washington
103 West 107th Street
New York, NY 10025
Phone 212-678-2861

MS54 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. MS54 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.