NYC High-Rise Evacuated Due to Collapse Risk, 44 Prior Complaints Cited

The New York City high-rise, deemed at risk of collapsing Tuesday, has 44 prior complaints against it, including allegations that a worker was blowing material off the roof, according to the city’s Department of Buildings.

In March, the building located at 229 East 42nd Street in Midtown, Manhattan, received an anonymous complaint that a worker was “blowing material off of the roof… with a leaf blower.”

The emergency response team that responded to the complaint dismissed it, saying there was no construction activity at the time nor any worker blowing material off the building.

Weeks later, in April, another complaint said there was “falling debris” from the building, which an emergency response team later said they had not observed.

On Tuesday morning, law enforcement and city officials ordered an evacuation of all construction workers and people in nearby buildings after determining that the 1970s-era building, which was being converted into apartments, was at risk of collapse.

Construction workers had found a steel beam compromised on the 21st floor and at least one support column buckling.

MetroLoft, the developer of the building, said in a statement Tuesday was aware of problems with the building and is working with the Buildings Department to “understand the full scope of the situation.”

"The safety of our workers and the public has always been, and remains, our top priority," the developer said, according to ABC7

The Independent has asked MetroLoft for comment.

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