Brooklyn developer's plan for taller building under review after neighboring collapse
City officials are investigating whether the developer's request for a nine-story project contributed to the recent collapse of an adjacent historic building that killed eight people.
New York City officials are examining whether a Brooklyn developer's request to expand a three-story project into a nine-story building played a role in the collapse of a nearby 96-year-old structure. The city approved plans in March 2026 for a three-story, eight-unit building at 2625 Bedford Avenue in Flatbush. However, filings dating back to November 2025 show the developer had sought permission for a nine-story development with 64 apartments, a 9,000-square-foot community space and a grocery store. The larger proposal had not been approved when the neighboring building collapsed on Wednesday, resulting in eight deaths, 18 injuries and dozens of displaced residents.
"We have approved plans for a three-story building," said Ahmed Tigani, commissioner of the Buildings Department, adding, "The nine-story plan is something they seek, not what they have approval for."