High Line Condo Developer Gets Called Out By Councilman

Feb. 17, 2015 — JDS Development Group, which plans to build a condo near the High Line at West 24th Street between 10th and 11th avenues, is in hot water. DNAinfo cites New York City Department of Building (DOB) records that state the developer has received 14 violations and been fined more than $18,000 for unsafe construction building 210 West 18th Street. City Councilman Corey Johnson reportedly tried to visit one of JDS's construction sites following reports of two accidents, but said was denied access. So Johnson wrote a letter stating his concerns to Michael Stern at JDS. "I would ask that JDS adopt strong safety protocols on the site and only hire contractors and subcontractors with strong safety records," Johnson wrote in a letter dated Feb. 9 obtained by DNAinfo. "I also believe that employers should provide adequate training to employees and compensate them with a fair wage as well as benefits necessary to support a family in this city." Johnson's not the only one calling out Stern and JDS, either. In January, Crain's reported that JDS built a series of Manhattan luxury towers without union labor. And Gary LaBarbera, president of the NYC Building and Construction Trades Council, reportedly said, "We don't believe JDS is working as a responsible developer."