REMARKS
Council Member Sanchez raises concerns about building safety and DOB's capacity to enforce regulations
2:23:46
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3 min
Council Member Sanchez expresses concern over recent building collapses and increasing construction fatalities in New York City. She questions DOB's ability to fulfill its core mission of safety with reduced headcount and highlights specific incidents that underscore the importance of proper inspections and enforcement.
- Construction fatalities in New York reached a 10-year high in 2023 with 22 deaths
- Recent incidents include a building collapse at 1915 Billingsley Terrace and the tragic death of Juan Danzi
- The council member emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement and prompt action against owners who violate DOB orders
Pierina Ana Sanchez
2:23:46
In light of too many recent building collapses, an increasing construction fatalities.
2:23:51
The administration's proposed headcount cuts.
2:23:54
Headcount cuts are troubling and must be closely examined.
2:23:59
DOB's lower head count raises concerns over how it can fulfill its core mission of safety.
2:24:04
Nearly all collapsed buildings have had a number of DOB violations issued against against them.
2:24:10
This includes 1915 Billingsley Terrace, which we have worked very closely on in my district.
2:24:16
We're a structural column misclassification as decorative, made over 50 families homeless overnight days before their cherished holidays.
2:24:25
And on February 2, the tragic death of thirty three year old, Juan Danzi, leaving behind a ten year old son and his pregnant wife shook us all.
2:24:35
DOE inspectors had recently visited the home in December after receiving 2 complaints, but they were unable to gain access.
2:24:44
When inspectors return in January, they saw excavation being done and ordered a halt.
2:24:49
The city had not been given plans for the construction.
2:24:52
A stop work order was then violated.
2:24:56
This is in the context of OSHA data revealing construction fatalities in New York are at a 10 year high last year in 2023.
2:25:04
There were 22 construction related fatalities.
2:25:07
The 2nd most deadly year was in 2015 with 20 recorded deaths in the city.
2:25:12
We, I believe, and we all can see are trending in the wrong direction.
2:25:17
Nevertheless, in a city of over 1,000,000 buildings to expect and attend to.
2:25:22
Owners are seeming to refuse to make necessary repairs, and as we can see in the tragic case of Mister Ganzi.
2:25:30
They're not following DOB orders.
2:25:34
Today, the committee hopes to hear learn more about what actions are taken against owners who refuse to correct hazardous violations even after violations have been written.
2:25:43
Additionally, we would like to explore whether stronger enforcement would help reduce dangers and delays in prompt enforcement while also strengthening the city's bottom line.
2:25:53
DOB has key roles to play, not just in inspections and enforcement, but also in sustainability, sidewalk sheds across our city and many other issues.
2:26:02
For example, DOB is tasked with ensuring that the city's over 50,000 buildings covered under local law 97.
2:26:10
Meet their demands and ensure the greatest benefits to our planet planet and achieve our sustainability goals.
2:26:17
Welcome Commissioner Otto to the committee and look forward to continued work together to achieve a safe and livable New York.
2:26:24
Thank you once again to all the staff who worked so hard to prepare today's hearing.
2:26:28
As a reminder, after DOB, we will hear from the public.
2:26:32
I would like to remind everyone that if you would like to testify today, you must fill out a witness slip with a sergeant at arms so that we can place you on the queue.
2:26:40
I will now pass it out to our committee council to swear and DOB leadership before turning it over to testimony.
