Crews begin demolition on partially collapsed building in Yonkers
Crews worked around the clock on Sunday to demolish 9 North Broadway in Yonkers following its partial collapse on Friday.
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Crews worked around the clock on Sunday to demolish 9 North Broadway in Yonkers following its partial collapse on Friday.
"The lower foundation wall let loose Friday at approximately 10:45 in the morning. It resulted in a 30-foot section of shared masonry exterior building walls that are currently unsupported," said Christoper DeSantis, the deputy chief of fire prevention for Yonkers.
Officials said the collapse injured two people who have since been released from the hospital. After the collapse, DeSantis said officials had to make the difficult decision to demolish the building.
"We’re going to do some hand demolition at the top, we're going to try and roll the structure in, little by little, while protecting the adjoining structures on either side," DeSantis said.
He characterized the operation as "dicey" and "dangerous." However, he reassured people that they are working as safely as possible. The street could be shut down for several days due to debris removal.
"What makes the situation even more challenging is this building sits directly on top of the Saw Mill River. So, the collapse has actually dropped through the basement into the Saw Mill River," DeSantis said.
DeSantis added that time is of the essence to get this debris out of the river and alerted the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Residents like Glenn Sanguinetti thanked the crews for their hard work.
"I guess they want to make sure everything is secure, it's a good thing," Sanguinetti said.
Other residents said they were sad to lose the building because of its beautiful facade and old age. Mayor Mike Spano said he shares their concerns.
"It's sad, but you know what…maybe we'll have another daylighting project," Spano said.
