New struggle proceeds at Underground Railroad building

A developer added a fifth floor to this former Underground Railroad site despite being told not to by the city.

The city’s Board of Standards and Appeals will determine Tuesday whether a developer can keep a fifth floor at the only known Underground Railroad site in Manhattan.

Neighborhood politicians and historic preservationists have long fought against the addition to the building, located on W. 29th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, which once housed Quaker abolitionists.

According to news reports, the developer continued with construction even after being ordered to stop by the city.