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Turkish consulate at heart of Mayor Adams indictment still lacks crucial safety approvals

By

David Brand

Published Jan 8, 2025

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The newly constructed Turkish consulate building stands opposite the United Nations on November 13, 2023 in New York City. An ongoing investigation by the FBI is looking into whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams received campaign money from the Turkish government after reports that he allegedly pressured city fire officials and others to approve the building despite numerous safety concerns. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

 

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

By

David Brand

Published Jan 8, 2025

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The 35-story Turkish consulate building in Manhattan at the heart of a federal criminal case against Mayor Eric Adams is still missing legally required safety approvals, according to a new report that details a “staggering” number of structures without valid permits in New York City.

The report by the city comptroller's office identified serious “management deficiencies” at the Department of Buildings that have allowed 3,546 commercial structures, including 637 office buildings, to remain open without up-to-date certificates of occupancy signifying they are safe — in many cases for years.

But Comptroller Brad Lander, who is challenging Adams in the Democratic primary for mayor, said the First Avenue consulate building was especially egregious because it was the only structure of its size granted an initial temporary certificate without an approved fire-prevention plan.

Federal prosecutors say Adams pressured then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to have inspectors sign off on incomplete safety systems at the building, known as the Turkish House or Turkevi Center, ahead of a September 2021 visit from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. An indictment charges Adams with receiving luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from officials and businesspeople with ties to Turkey's government, and the alleged quid pro quo is key to the federal case against him.

Adams has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said the prosecution is politically motivated.

In a statement accompanying his report on Wednesday, Lander said city agencies were endangering the Turkish House's occupants by letting the building open despite documented safety concerns.

“By rushing to allow the opening of Turkish House in advance of a ribbon-cutting ceremony with President Erdoğan, DOB and FDNY cut serious corners that could have compromised the safety of the occupants and neighbors of the building,” Lander said.

The New York Post first reported on the comptroller's findings.

City law prohibits structures from opening without a valid certificate of occupancy, or a temporary certificate lasting 90 days, from the buildings department. A spokesperson for the agency said inspectors do not vacate a building if the temporary certificate lapses, unless there are specific hazards.

"We treat the safety of our fellow New Yorkers as a top priority, and if any member of the public has safety concerns about a building, they are strongly encouraged to file an official 311 complaint, so that we can investigate the issue,” said the spokesperson, Andrew Rudansky.

After issuing the first temporary certificate of occupancy for the Turkish House on Sept. 17, 2021, the Department of Buildings granted 12 subsequent 90-day approvals, according to public records. But buildings officials then denied a request for a new temporary certificate on Sept. 26, 2024 — the same day Adams was charged with bribery and other offenses.

The consulate's most recent temporary certificate of occupancy expired in October, records show.

Rudansky said buildings officials objected to the consulate’s application to change occupancy rules on multiple floors. A slew of unresolved violations make the building ineligible for a full certificate of occupancy.

Representatives for the consulate did not respond to emails seeking comment.

Gothamist first reported on lingering safety questions about the Turkish House on Sept. 26. At the time, FDNY spokesperson Amanda Farinacci told Gothamist that the department approved the building’s fire-alarm system in March 2023, nearly 18 months after its opening, and that the building was staffed with fire-safety directors.

Lander’s report found the fire department did not officially approve the Turkish House’s full fire-protection plan until the day of Adams’ indictment. The FDNY did not respond to questions about the report.

Lander requested inspection and safety records from the Department of Buildings and the FDNY on Oct. 1 before initiating the full buildings review, according to his office.

Tagged

new york city

public safety

manhattan

Politics

David Brand

David is a reporter covering housing for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 908-310-3960.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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