Turkish building in mayor scandal lacks safety permits


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Federal auditors revealed that the Turkish Consulate on the Upper East Side, a focal point in Mayor Eric Adams’ recent indictment, has been functioning without proper city authorization for several months.

City records indicate that on September 26, the Department of Buildings denied a renewed temporary certificate of occupancy for the 35-story First Avenue structure, which has since operated without valid safety inspections beginning in October.

The building stands at the heart of a federal investigation where Manhattan prosecutors claim Adams expedited its opening process at the request of Turkish officials. In return, prosecutors allege, Adams received luxury travel benefits at heavily discounted rates or no cost.

This information came to light Wednesday during a city Comptroller’s Office investigation examining DOB’s building approval procedures throughout New York City.

“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,” Comptroller Brad Lander said.

According to the audit, Adams, who was serving as Brooklyn Borough President and mayoral candidate at the time, allegedly pressured then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to approve the consulate despite FDNY’s initial concerns about inadequate fire safety plans.

The audit reveals that fire officials later reversed their position, enabling the consulate to welcome foreign dignitaries just before its scheduled grand opening.

Municipal records demonstrate that despite issuing 13 temporary approvals since its 2021 inauguration, not a single floor within the Turkish house has received occupancy approval. The audit also notes that among buildings of comparable size, it was uniquely permitted to operate without an approved fire plan until September of this year, three years post-opening.

Current violations at the building include issues with elevator testing and its glass facade, according to city records.

The Turkish Consulate is among hundreds of buildings lacking proper occupancy certification. The DOB informed the Comptroller’s Office that occasional gaps between temporary certificates of occupancy occur and don’t necessitate evacuation orders.

Lander’s review exposed widespread temporary certification issues, identifying 637 office buildings without valid final or interim approval, including nearly 200 structures similar to the Turkish house in size. These buildings have operated without city approval for an average of three and a half years, with some lacking temporary certificates for almost 12 years.

The audit identified 88 buildings with “immediate hazardous violations,” primarily related to dangerous facade conditions, resulting in 236 violations. In total, over 5,200 violations of various severity levels were discovered.

“The safety of New Yorkers must not be compromised either by special favors or by bureaucratic delay,” Lander said.

The Turkish consulate and FDNY representatives were unavailable for comment.

A DOB spokesperson stated, “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.”

 

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