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Board upholds Trinity’s Fulton Street permit but requires limited hours, asbestos/lead testing and a complaint contact
Summary
After tenants raised health and notice concerns about exterior stucco, window and roof work at 6720 Fulton Street, the Board of Appeals upheld the DBI‑issued permit but imposed conditions: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekday work hours, asbestos and lead testing during demolition and when new materials are disturbed, and a designated contact (Dave Tompkins) for tenant complaints.
The Board of Appeals upheld a Department of Building Inspection permit for exterior repairs at 6720 Fulton Street on Nov. 13 but added conditions aimed at tenant safety and responsiveness after extended public testimony from tenants who live in the building.
Tenants Anthony Byrne and Andrea Ramirez told the board they were not adequately notified about the full scope and duration of the project and said reports flagged possible lead and asbestos in exterior materials. Byrne said tenants had not been given meaningful options for relocation or mitigation and emphasized risks to health and quiet enjoyment during multi‑month work. “We pay a fair market rent, and we understand that construction is necessary,” Byrne said; “however, this should not be done at the expense of the tenant’s health and welfare.”
Property counsel David Silverman and Trinity management said the work was necessary to repair dry rot, stucco and roofing discovered during early repairs and that DBI reviewed and approved the permit. Silverman said the property owner followed typical testing and contracting protocols and that contractors are required to follow lead and asbestos handling rules administered by DBI.
The board voted 4–0 to uphold the permit with three conditions: limit work hours to Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; require continued testing for asbestos and lead during the demolition phase and whenever new materials are disturbed; and require the permit holder to designate a point of contact for tenant complaints (the board recorded the contact as Dave Tompkins). DBI staff confirmed they will enforce lead/asbestos sampling and abatement requirements and that tenants may file complaints for DBI follow‑up.
The board said the conditions aimed to balance the tenants’ documented concerns about exposure, noise and notice with the urgent need to repair a building showing dry rot and other structural deterioration. The decision leaves open other remedies tenants may seek through the Rent Board or other administrative processes.
