Queens building owner issued violation after facade collapse injures 3
New York City Department of Buildings inspectors have issued a violation to the owner of a Queens building after a furniture store's facade collapsed Wednesday, injuring three people, including two young girls.
Residents in the Bellerose neighborhood said they are in disbelief after the facade collapse on Jericho Turnpike. Some 175 linear feet of the parapet wall came down onto the sidewalk and street below, the DOB said.
So far, the cause of the collapse is not known.
Inspectors issued what's called an OATH/ECB violation to the property owner for "failure to maintain the building," according to the DOB. They ordered the building owner to construct a tight board fence in front of the property to protect the public.
A complaint in June said the building wasn't up to date and there were holes in the ceiling and floor. It's not clear if that's connected to Wednesday's collapse.
However, Joe Marino, who has owned the building for 11 years, said the maintenance was up to date.
"My heart dropped," Marino said. "We haven't had any prior issues. Inspections are up to date. I believe it's a yearly inspection for this."
Contractor Satwinder Singh said the parapet, which is the heavy railing around the roof, could have needed further repairs.
"This metal beam, it was rust and leaked. It was pushing the parapet. We repaired many times," Satwinder said. "It was covered with stucco, insulation and canopy. I'm a contractor 30 years and in my experience [more repairs] was needed."
"I just opened the store two weeks ago, and this thing happened," Plaza Furniture owner Billy Rashid said.
The facade on Rashid's store fell on the three people, whose injuries were said to be non-life threatening. Cars parked next to the building were crushed.
At least five businesses on Jericho Turnpike between 245th and 246th streets have been given vacate orders.
"I stopped at the light down there, heard a loud boom. I looked behind me all I saw was smoke in the air and people running toward the building," witness Victoria Craig said.
As the inspectors do their work, Marino said he is offering support to those injured.
"I hope their well-being is in top shape. We are here for them. We are not going anywhere," Marino said.
