RAMPING UP RAGE
Ritzy residents: FedEx on slippery slope
FedEx will do anything to make the world run on time — even risk New Yorkers’ safety, angry Financial District residents claim.
Owners of the luxury building 20 Pine, which has drawn buyers like Jennifer Aniston and “True Blood’s” Nelsan Ellis — are at war with the city and commercial tenant FedEx over a ramp they fear will create a security hazard.
Residents of the condo, where a twobedroom lists for $ 3.8 million, say the city Department of Buildings had a November meeting about the 74footlong, 5footwide ramp without including any tenants.
A copy of the attendance record includes representatives from the Buildings Department, the Department of Transportation, FedEx and The Klein Group, a New Jerseybased commercial realestate firm that owns the groundfloor unit.
Pine Street resident Heather Curatolo told The Post that the ramp will take up half the sidewalk.
“God forbid if something like 9/ 11 happened again, people can’t get away or get to safety,” said Curatolo, a former advertising executive who now runs a dogwalking business.
The ramp is slated for installation along Nassau Street up to the corner of Pine Street, 100 feet from a security checkpoint leading to the New York Stock Exchange.
The 400unit building is also three blocks from theWorld Trade Center and across the street from Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office.
The facility will serve foot couriers who use package carts to make deliveries, a FedEx spokesman said.
The ramp will provide “quick and simple access for our team,” said the spokesman Scott Fiedler.
He explained that the carts fit in elevators and reduce traffic and pollution.
The Buildings Department fasttracked approval in February under a part of the city code reserved for wheelchair accessibility.
A department spokesman said, “Any plans submitted for a work permit at the site will need to be in compliance with the building code and zoning resolution.”
Klein Group representative Mark Kessler declined to comment
The residents are considering legal action if FedEx doesn’t change course.
Condo attorney Steven Sladkus added FedEx never seriously considered alternatives including using an existing ramp off Pine Street.
“It’s most unfortunate that the commercial unit owner and FedEx aren’t acknowledging my client’s wellfounded concerns,” he said.