Ensuring Safety: City Takes Action Following Bronx Building Collapse

In a shocking turn of events, the city of New York has suspended the inspection authority of a licensed professional engineer responsible for a catastrophic partial collapse at 1915 Billingsley Terrace in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx. The incident, which occurred this week, prompted swift action from Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner James Oddo. Investigations revealed that the engineer misdiagnosed a crucial load-bearing column as decorative in filings submitted to the DOB in June 2023.

The Adams Administration, along with the Department of Investigation (DOI) and the Bronx District Attorney’s office, is collaborating on a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. The city has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the engineer’s authority to inspect exterior walls of buildings, with plans to permanently revoke this privilege through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. The gravity of the situation has underscored the importance of a thorough review of the engineer’s previous filings and a reevaluation of the inspection process to ensure the safety of New Yorkers.

The Collapse and Swift Action:

On December 15, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and DOB Commissioner James Oddo addressed the public regarding the recent building collapse in the Bronx. The incident at 1915 Billingsley Terrace raised concerns about the competence of the licensed professional engineer responsible for assessing the structural integrity of the building. The misdiagnosis of a load-bearing column as decorative in the engineer’s June 2023 filings has led to a suspension of inspection authority, and the city is actively seeking to permanently revoke this privilege.

The city’s immediate response reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents. Mayor Adams emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “When those who are entrusted to keep us safe cut corners and make catastrophic mistakes, we’re going to take swift action and hold them accountable.” The licensing and certification process for professional engineers, he noted, is crucial to ensuring New Yorkers can trust the safety of every building they enter.

Collaborative Investigations:

To address the complexities of the situation, the city is collaborating with the Department of Investigation and the Bronx District Attorney’s office. These agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The collaborative effort aims to unravel the details of the misdiagnosis, shed light on any potential negligence, and hold accountable those responsible for compromising the safety of the building and its occupants.

Mayor Adams highlighted the significance of collaboration, stating, “We’re working with both the DOI and Bronx DA Clark as their investigation continues.” This joint effort ensures a comprehensive review of the incident, considering both engineering aspects and potential legal implications.

Suspension of Inspection Authority:

The immediate suspension of the engineer’s authority to inspect exterior walls of buildings sends a strong message about the seriousness of the situation. Commissioner Oddo emphasized the moral and civic duty to take such action, stating, “The engineer failed to recognize a clearly structural column as such, and he can no longer be out there making assessments of the structural integrity of exterior walls of New York’s buildings.”

This unprecedented move reflects the city’s commitment to prioritizing public safety over professional privileges. The suspension not only serves as a punitive measure but also as a precautionary step to prevent further lapses in judgment that could compromise the safety of buildings across the city.

Review of Filings:

In addition to the suspension, the DOB is conducting an expedited audit of all 368 recent Local Law 11 Façade Inspection and Safety Program reports filed by the engineer. This comprehensive review aims to assess the accuracy of the engineer’s previous assessments and ensure that other buildings are not at risk due to potential misdiagnoses.

Commissioner Oddo emphasized the urgency of the audit, stating, “We are reviewing all of his filings in New York City — a total of 368 Façade Inspection and Safety Program filings in the most recent cycle — and will continue that process until it is complete.” This meticulous examination demonstrates the city’s commitment to identifying and rectifying any oversights that may have occurred in the engineer’s previous inspections.

Scope of Building Inspections in New York City:

The incident has also prompted a broader examination of the building inspection process in New York City. With over 1.1 million buildings and more than 540 building inspectors, ensuring the safety of structures is a monumental task. The city relies on registered design professionals licensed by the state to inspect structural and façade conditions, with the responsibility to file paperwork with the DOB attesting to the conditions of such structures.

The DOB is tasked with overseeing this process, and any lapses in judgment or misdiagnoses can have severe consequences, as evidenced by the recent collapse. The suspension of the engineer’s authority and the subsequent audit highlight the need for a rigorous and effective oversight mechanism to maintain the safety of buildings across the city.

Conclusion:

The recent building collapse in the Bronx has prompted swift and decisive action from the city of New York. The misdiagnosis of a load-bearing column as decorative by a licensed professional engineer has led to the suspension of inspection authority and a collaborative investigation involving the DOI and the Bronx District Attorney’s office. The city’s commitment to accountability and public safety is evident in its actions to hold the engineer responsible and to thoroughly review all of his recent filings.

The audit of 368 Façade Inspection and Safety Program reports underscores the city’s dedication to identifying and rectifying any potential oversights in previous inspections. The incident has also prompted a broader examination of the building inspection process in New York City, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities associated with ensuring the safety of over 1.1 million buildings.

As the investigations unfold and corrective measures are implemented, the city aims to restore public confidence in the inspection process and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the safety of its residents. The outcome of this incident will likely have lasting implications for the regulation and oversight of building inspections in New York City, setting a precedent for ensuring the highest standards of safety in the construction and maintenance of buildings across the city.