The New York City Council voted on legislation to improve parking garage safety and building integrity by requiring the Department of Buildings (DOB) to conduct a loadbearing capacity study of garages, increasing the frequency of inspections, and doubling the standard civil penalties for certain DOB-enforced violations. The Council passed today’s bill package to proactively identify and address structural vulnerabilities to prevent tragedies like last year’s parking garage collapse at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan.
“Addressing structural safety issues in our city’s parking garages by keeping them in good repair can save lives and prevent future tragedies,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These comprehensive solutions will result in more frequent inspections and prompt garage owners to quickly address any problems that are identified to keep people safe. I’m also proud to pass legislation today to increase transparency and oversight of the JFK International Airport redevelopment plan, which has a tremendous impact on surrounding communities in Southeast Queens. By requiring annual reporting on the $13 billion project and related community benefits, the Council and local community can be better informed about its progress. I thank my Council colleagues for their leadership and hard work on these important bills.”
Improving Parking Garage Safety and Building Integrity
On April 18, 2023, a parking garage located at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan collapsed, resulting in the death of the garage manager, Willis Moore, and injuring five others. At the time of the collapse, there were various open violations for loose, defective, and cracked concrete throughout the building structure. Following the collapse, the Department of Buildings (DOB) inspected hundreds of garages across the city and issued multiple full and partial vacate orders. The Council’s bill package aims to address gaps in the safety of parking garages to prevent any future tragedies.
Introduction 135-A, would require DOB to conduct a loadbearing capacity study for parking garages. DOB would be required to assess factors of building integrity, such as the size, age, materials, and structural design of the parking structure. DOB would also be required to submit these findings and accompanying recommendations to the Mayor and the Council, and post them to its website as a report.
“The safety of our New Yorkers is a critical priority, and this bill is an important step in preventing future tragedies.” “By requiring a loadbearing capacity study for parking garages, our city will better identify structural issues before disaster strikes. This legislation is a proactive measure to bolster our infrastructure to make it safe, reliable, and capable of withstanding everyday use. Our commitment to rigorous inspections and oversight will save lives and build greater public confidence in our city’s facilities.”
Introduction 170-A, would double the standard civil penalties for certain DOB-enforced violations when issued to the owner of a parking structure to promote improved compliance that better maintains the safety of parking garages.
Introduction 170-A, is to serve as a key deterrent for parking structures across New York City. It will double all initial violations related to parking structures with the exception of sections 28-301.1 and 28-302.1; which had varying fees dependent on class and violation description. This is to create uniformity around parking structure violations and ensure the fees New York City have in place are a strong deterrent from mismanagement. With the passage of today’s bills we remember the Ann Street garage last April that resulted in the death of one worker, 59-year-old manager Willis Moore, and injured five more people.
Introduction 231-A, would increase the frequency of parking structure inspections from a six-year inspection cycle, as mandated by Local Law 126 of 2021, to a four-year inspection cycle. It would also require that follow-up assessments be conducted within two years after a parking structure is deemed safe with repair or monitoring.
“Just over one year ago, we witnessed a parking structure collapse in the heart of the Financial District, claiming the life of one of our neighbors mere blocks away from City Hall,” . “In the wake of this tragedy, the city scrambled to inspect other parking structures, ultimately finding that dozens of other buildings had similar hazardous defects. It is the government’s responsibility to guarantee the integrity of the infrastructure that shapes our communities—including parking structures. Doing so keeps our neighbors safe, and the passage of Int. 231 will help us bolster New Yorkers’ sense of security and serve as a tangible step toward ensuring our city’s government is a proactive force to prevent future tragedies like that of 2023.”
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