Pols aid Hatzalah’s stalled Woodmere garage

Construction projects are prone to surprises and setbacks. Look no further than Hatzolah of the Rockaways and Nassau County volunteer ambulance corp’s near-decade effort to construct an ambulance garage in Woodmere. After many challenges, however, just as the weather started getting warmer this spring, the project finally seemed ready to cross the finish line.

Then came the surprise — and then the setback.

Hatzalah’s plan to convert a former mechanic shop on West Broadway in Woodmere into a modern, three-bay ambulance garage is an ambitious project, which includes replacing a deteriorating roof and adding a third parking bay. While dismantling the roof, the contractor recognized inherent weaknesses in the unreinforced brick walls that comprise the existing structure. As soon as the roof was completely removed, fearing imminent collapse, the contractor preemptively demolished two of the three existing walls. 

Though a necessary precautionary measure, the unplanned demolition and resultant need for reconstruction went far beyond the scope of the approved plans Hatzalah filed when applying for a Town of Hempstead building permit.

Municipal governments carefully regulate the design and construction of any structure by requiring and retaining accurate, comprehensive documentation of all building projects for many reasons — including ensuring that the structure is consistent with local zoning laws; that it meets town building codes; and that it complies with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, environmental laws and workers safety requirements.

Because the nature and parameters of the Hatzalah garage project changed so dramatically — from renovating an existing structure to constructing a brand new structure — Hatzalah suddenly faced the prospect of having to halt all construction and virtually restarting the entire permit application process.