Construction Project Faces Structural Failures
A serious structural failure occurred recently at a high-rise construction site in Midtown, Manhattan. Specifically, two columns inside the building located at 235 East 42nd Street buckled. This incident led to widespread panic and evacuations in the surrounding area.
Ties to Individuals with Troubled Histories
Companies involved in this construction project have connections to individuals with checkered pasts. Notably, Ronald Lattanzio, a former city official, is implicated. Lattanzio previously served as an assistant commissioner for the Buildings Department in the 1980s but resigned amid allegations of misconduct, including cocaine-fueled parties at his office. Later, in the private sector, he pled guilty to bribery charges and became a cooperating witness in a corruption trial.
Domani Inspection Services’ Role
Domani Inspection Services, founded by Lattanzio, was responsible for supervising structural alterations at the construction site. The company was tasked with ensuring that the conversion of the building from office space to apartments adhered to structural safety standards.
Criminal Inquiry Underway
Following the column failures, the Manhattan district attorney and the city’s Department of Investigation have launched a preliminary criminal inquiry into the incident. Though spokeswomen for both agencies have refused to comment, the investigation seeks to determine the root cause of the structural issues.
Engineering Concerns
Engineers who reviewed the structural drawings and photographs identified a lack of proper reinforcement with steel plates for the failing columns. GACE Consulting Engineers, the project’s structural engineers, confirmed that their plans required additional support for the columns, but the necessary work hadn’t been completed.
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