Red Flags at Ebers-Greene ‘Rehab’

Red flags are being raised by neighbors about what is going on at the “rehab” of the Ebers – Greene project.

The most noticeable thing there is the three-layered monstrosity is gone and all that’s left is a concrete slab and part of a section of the wall – and the old house on the lot, of course.

Neighbors could not help but notice workers in the old house – which has asbestos according to long-time observers of the saga of this project. The workers were without masks or other protective gear. Why should they wear anything? Reportedly, the asbestos expert the contractor hired says there’s no asbestos inside the old building.

The plans are to tear into the old place and convert it into a garage off the alley.

The other red flag is that reportedly, Gerald Barksdale, Jr, the designer told neighbors that additional dirt will be trucked in to build up the grade – in order to build higher. Barksdale referred to the “Emerson project” – which he was involved in – as a model for what he wants do at Ebers and Greene.

Well, the Emerson project at Evergreen was so controversial, that Mayor Faulconer had to issue a stop-work order on the project; it violated the 30-foot law by adding a fourth floor. It eventually had to be removed.

But one of the improper aspects of the Emerson project was the building up of the original grade in order to raise the entire structure. If this is what designer Barksdale intends, we have a problem Houston.

We’re hoping the property’s new owner is not down with this.

Here’s what we reported about one year ago about the new owner:

Apparently, Albert Boyajian bought the place at 2269 Ebers from the primary lender, Center Street Lending, for $925,000 a couple months after the trustee sale. …

And, Boyajian has been sitting on the property [ever since – until now].

Yet, he’s a pretty big deal up in Los Angeles. Boyajian started an ethnic bakery empire, Global Bakeries, Inc., in 1978, located in Pacoima, California. They specialize in flatbread, ethnic pita bread, croissants, and bagels.

However the cookie or croissant crumbles, neighbors need to be vigilant. We look forward to seeing how the general contractor, Marty Romano, evades the OB Planning Board.