NYC's Long-Standing Scaffolding Saga: A Partial Victory?

For over a decade, a city-owned scaffolding shed at 2720 Broadway on the Upper West Side has been a major eyesore. Finally, in June 2025, part of it came down. But, the removal was only partial, leaving a significant portion of scaffolding and construction equipment still blocking the street and creating ongoing issues.

This isn't just an aesthetic problem. Local business owners and residents are frustrated. The shed has become a haven for homelessness and other issues. One cobbler, Fernando Andrade, expressed his relief when part of the shed was removed, only to have it replaced by a new one on a neighboring building.

A bodega worker, Ali Abdul, also highlighted the problem of people sleeping under the scaffolding at night.

The remaining scaffolding is slated for removal in August, according to the Department of Design and Construction. They attribute the delay to late shipments of materials for the building's restoration. However, many residents, like Linda Wright, are skeptical, considering the years-long delay in the first place. They feel the city's explanation is insufficient. Michael Dulin, whose business is affected, describes the situation as "ridiculous" and a "blight" on the city. He compared the amount of scaffolding in NYC unfavorably to other major European cities.

The city's "Get Sheds Down" program, launched by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to address the city-wide problem of excessive scaffolding, which covers about 400 miles of sidewalks. The program includes measures to shorten permit lifespans and increase fines. However, some residents argue the city needs to start by addressing its own scaffolding issues on city-owned buildings.