burnt/bricked up buildings on 9th St

Does anyone know anything about the fires that have taken place at 493 and 495 9th St. in between 7th and 8th Avenues? The last fire was March '05, if I remember correctly, and there was one in February '04 at the same place. I witnessed both, but never got an answer as to what the story was.

I know this is old news, but I'm really curious. Anyone know anything?

Subject: Re: burnt/bricked up buildings on 9th St

Anonymous wrote: Does anyone know anything about the fires that have taken place at 493 and 495 9th St. in between 7th and 8th Avenues? The last fire was March '05, if I remember correctly, and there was one in February '04 at the same place. I witnessed both, but never got an answer as to what the story was.

I know this is old news, but I'm really curious. Anyone know anything?

I live on that block, but fortunately not near those buildings. The 1st fire was supposedly due to electrical wiring in the roof. The building was empty and under renovation.

The fact that there was a second fire, makes it look really suspicious, IMO. And I would hazard a guess that the two buildings are owned by the same guy. This is pure speculation, but I smell an unsavory motive. I is sickening to think that someone would put so many in harms way for profit. I hope that is not the case.

they are own by two diffrent people according to pshark.

http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/Reports/showsection.html?propkey=146300
http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/Reports/showsection.html?propkey=146299