We like in Brooklyn, New York and due to a Construction company doing extremely aggressive excavation (felt like multiple earthquakes) in the adjacent lot next to my block (retaining) wall. Excavation caused my wall to lean to the left, as well as some cracks in the wall. Originally this construction company wanted to demolish our wall so they could complete their excavation and foundation work easier and faster for the 6 story Community Center they were building, we told them they could not tear down our wall, in return they damaged our wall which we have had since before 1968. The construction company were served with a violation for not protecting our property. Afterwards, the construction company attached something to our blockwall, which I assume was something they should have done from the start, and it took them off the hook for a fine. Shortly afterwards the construction company called the buildings dept and said we did not maintain our property and the wall is leaning over and will fall down, as well as they said our wall is illegal. Wall is 10 feet high and was built before the building codes were changed regarding height. To make a long story shore we want to keep the wall this height, we have a hearing coming up soon regarding this issue and we need to take care of it. Any advice would so greatly be appreciated. We are fighting for our neighbors as well on this issue. We do not have the kind of money to hire lawyers to fight city hall for us. This Community Center construction has caused more then just damage to our property, it has caused us many problems including privacy problems which will get worse when this building is erected they will be able to see in our backyard even with a fence around it, as well as look in our windows, etc.
Thanking you in advance for any assistance.
Libby garofalo

Sorry for the trouble Libby. Iam no expert in this area by any means but I will offer an outside perspective. Unless you have good pictures of the wall prior to the work next door I suspect the city will side with the construction company. If you don't, it might be worth checking out aereal tax maps or Google street view to see there is something that can back you up.

10' high block wall does not sound very attractive and the fact that they are building a community center makes it sound like you will get no love from elected oficials.

Dear Springfield Homes,
Just wanted to say thank you for your reply. I do have some pictures, which we will show at our hearing. I will try to fight City Hall, and maybe we will win (wishful thinking). Also, you are so right about the politians, lol.

Libgar