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District Leader and 9th City Council candidate Cynthia Doty demands moratorium on Extell construction on 100th Street in wake of tragic building collapse
"Once again, we owe a debt of gratitude to our brave and efficient fire, police and EMS personnel and to ordinary New Yorkers for their prompt action in rescuing victims of this morning’s building collapse at 100th Street and Broadway.
"I demand a moratorium on further construction in order for the authorities to fully investigate the causes behind the collapse.
"My concern is that these 30-40 story skyscrapers will destroy this neighborhood. Those of us in the community who have been protesting the construction of such huge towers on this site generated considerable attention as we investigated whether Extell had obtained the proper permits. Yesterday hundreds of residents rallied against building these skyscrapers in a neighborhood where the tallest buildings are only 15 to 20 stories.
"I urge the Mayor and Buildings Commissioner to ask all the necessary questions:
"Did Extell irresponsibly rush demolition in order to avoid public scrutiny of the skyscrapers planned for the site and to prevent community groups from intervening to reduce the size of the buildings?
"Was the backhoe used at the time of the collapse the same specific machinery as identified in the permit?
"Was the scaffolding properly constructed and secured? "Unfortunately, it has taken this tragedy to halt construction of this ill-conceived and poorly-planned project. Going forward, I urge the authorities to scrutinize the activities of Extell and their construction company Safeway at this site every step of the way." [Read the New York Times article] |
Cynthia Doty for New York City Council