More than 800 city buildings still not subject to safety codes

Following recent Deutsche Bank fire case acquittals, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and State Senator Daniel Squadron have reiterated their call to address a legal loophole saying that state or federally-owned buildings, including the United National and federal courthouses, are exempt from city safety codes.

According to DNAinfo, more than 800 buildings, including the former Deutsche Bank building, which was completely destroyed, are not subject to safety inspections or to penalties for violations.

“It’s time we extend basic code protections for all New Yorkers to all of our buildings — so these tragedies become a thing of the past,” Stringer said.

Last year, State Sen. Squadron sponsored legislation that brought together a state-city panel to address the loophole. Squadron expects the panel to begin meeting later this year. “We can’t ever undo what happened, but we can learn from it,” Squadron said soon after the last Deutsche not-guilty verdict was announced Tuesday. “This legislation is the first step in saving lives in the future.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, owner of the World Trade Center site, has already agreed in advance to meet all city safety codes. [DNAinfo]