Engineer Blamed for Bronx Building Collapse Faces 2-Year Suspension, $10,000 Fine

On Thursday, Feb. 22, Mayor Eric Adams declared that an engineer held accountable for inspecting the Bronx Building, which collapsed in the last month of 2023, could face a two-year suspension and a $10,000 penalty. He reportedly has an incorrect identification of the structural column of the building.

(Photo : NYC/James Keivom )

Engineer's Negligence

Following the unanticipated collapse of an apartment building in the Bronx during construction in December, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) revealed that professional engineer Richard Koenigsberg labeled a critical load-bearing column as merely decorative during a pre-work inspection of the structure. This resulted in the corner flats falling apart like a game of Jenga as the crews began their job.

The DOB had intended to revoke Koenigsberg's ability to inspect facades permanently. However, the agreement, which does not constitute an admission of guilt, voluntarily reduced that to a voluntary two-year suspension and stayed a disciplinary proceeding in the city's administrative courts. He also agreed to pay a $10,000 sanction.

In accordance with the settlement terms, the city will provide Koenigsberg with four months to complete the remaining work on his project, which will be evaluated by a different engineering firm, before proceeding with his suspension. Thus, Koenigsberg may be subject to additional legal action due to the ongoing investigation into the collapse conducted by the Department of Business, the Department of Investigation, and the Bronx District Attorney.

Also Read: Construction of HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct Temporarily Halts Amidst Misalignment Challenge

Legal Action of Tenants on Bronx Building's Owners

On Wednesday, Jan. 3, the DOB removed a partial vacate order for 21 of the 46 units located at 1915 Billingsley Terrace, where six apartments fell due to what city authorities called a failed building job. As a result of the move, occupants in a portion of the building can return home.

On Thursday, Jan. 4, several tenants and their attorneys said that the landlord and his accomplices had provided them with agreements containing terms that might hinder their prospects of receiving repairs or set them up for eviction. Accordingly, the owner ordered them to sign documents to access their units' newly installed locks. Nevertheless, landlord David Kleiner said he and his colleagues provided tenants with the documents detailing the rationale behind the wall removals and unit configuration modifications.

As mentioned, three distinct documents were offered to renters requesting access to their residences. A tenant allegedly consented to a rent reduction mandated by the state's Division of Homes and Community Renewal in exchange for dismissing a lawsuit she initiated a month ago to request apartment maintenance, according to one form.

Moreover, a declaration that the renters created prohibited walls in their apartments is included on another form distributed to several tenants. Attorneys specializing in housing law believe this constitutes a potential basis for eviction. Before moving into the apartment, the renter allegedly inspected the property thoroughly and discovered that it was in satisfactory condition. However, the tenant has refuted this assertion.

According to residents, their attorneys, and municipal officials, the landlord is attempting to exploit the key return to obtain signatures and evade accountability for the atrocious circumstances and illegal renovations that they believe the landlord did within the property.

On the other hand, some people living in the building still cannot return there. Therefore, a lawsuit was initiated earlier this month by the Legal Aid Society on behalf of twenty-two tenants, alleging harassment and hazardous conditions against the city and the proprietors of the building. All of the owners, including David Kleiner, Yonah Roth, Moishe "Mo" Doe, and 1915 Realty LLC, were identified in the document.

Related Article: Bronx Building Collapse Faces Seven Violations Due to Unsafe Structural Conditions