Daily News du lieu suivant : New York, New York • 253

They're tearing New York down continued from page 20 1 Vs! Lrj a H) bj i I A I r4x Acta tically overestimates his potential salvage income, he could wind up paying for the privilege of tearing down the building." By these salvage standards, a landmark of the East Side for over a century is now nothing more than four square blocks of red-brick "nuisance." The complex of 35 fortress-like buildings which formed Yorkville's Ruppert Brewery will soon be as flat as yesterday's beer. Occupying 70 of the area from 90th to 94th between Second and Third the antiquated brewery had to go because it was believed to be on the largest site in Manhattan suitable for an urban renewal project without the need for large-scale residential relocation. Less than 400 people lived in the few walk-ups which shared the site with Ruppert. Founded in 1867 by Jacob Ruppert, a young German immigrant, the brewery grew slowly, building by building, over a number of years. But it's going to disappear a lot faster.

'Ten or 15 years ago, more men would have had more work for a much longer period of time on a job as big as the Ruppert project," "says John Senyshyn, president of Local 95 of the House Wreckers Union and a union representative on the Demolition Industry Board. "Besides the dangers of the work, automation has driven hundreds of fellows out of this industry. We used to have more than 4,000 men in our local alone. Now, even though more demolition is going on, we have only about 1,200 active members." The "hob-knocker" and the "payloader" are among the machines which Senyshyn cites as men-replacing innovations. The hob-knocker is a mechanical battering ram which is used to pound away at flooring in order to expose salvageable steel girders.

According to Shenyshyn, one hob-knocker takes the place of 40 men working with jackhammers and shovels. The payjoader is a kind of baby bulldozer which pushes and carries debris from the scene. Operated by one man, it replaces dozens who formerly did the same job with wheelbarrows. "Nobody's against progress," says Senyshyn, "but we're certainly not happy about the loss of employment opportunities. It's a problem that is common to many industries, and management and labor will have to work together to solve it." Senyshyn also is somewhat dismayed at the modern office buildings which are replacing those that are demolished.

And his objections have nothing to do with architectural taste. "Look at them," he says. "They're nothing but a whole lot of glass and bits of steel. When we get around to tearing them down, it won't take us more than a couple of days." Scaffolding protects jackhammer team from fall as they chip away wall of Ruppert Brewery at 91st St. off Third Ave, PAGE 22 NEW YORK SUNDAY NEWS MARCH 2.

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