Workers were taking down the building to make way for a residential project, to be developed by the Jack Parker Corp. The development had been the focus of a year-long battle by Community Board 1 and local activists against what they said was out-of-scale development. While the size was finally reduced, opponents lost their bid with the city to force the developer to conduct an environmental impact study.

Albert Capsouto, a nearby resident and co-owner of Capsouto Frères restaurant, spoke to the Trib.

He said that there are potential dangers to neighboring buildings when the city allows large-scale development—especially in a landmark district—without requiring an environmental study. He said that combustibles might have been present in the former auto shop that was being torn down.

“Accidents can happen,” said Capsouto, who witnessed the fire. “[Parker] didn’t do a proper study and then we have to bear the consequences.”