Demolition-safety bills introduced in Council

Bob Warner, Inquirer Staff Writer Last updated: Friday, October 4, 2013, 2:01 AM Posted: Thursday, October 3, 2013, 1:36 PM

PHILADELPHIA The leader of a City Council probe on demolition practices says he expects Council action by the end of the year on a broad legislative package to promote safety at Philadelphia demolition and construction sites.

The proposals, subject to negotiation and change, would establish minimum training requirements for contractors and city building inspectors, require contractors to hire independent site-safety monitors at every construction or demolition site, expand the authority of the Fire Department to shut down dangerous construction jobs, and require demolition contractors to convince the city of their skills and training before they are licensed to work in Philadelphia.

The proposals were spurred by the June 5 accident at 22d and Market Streets where a four-story brick wall, left standing without support at a demolition site, toppled onto a Salvation Army thrift shop next door. Six people inside the shop died and 14 others were injured, including a heavy-equipment operator, who remains in jail for his alleged role in causing the collapse.

Curtis Jones Jr., chairman of a Council committee that held demolition hearings over the summer, said he expected to negotiate details with the Nutter administration and Council members, then schedule hearings and pass legislation by the end of December, in time to address funding needs in next year's budget.

Mayor Nutter issued a statement praising Council's work, citing steps his administration has taken to strengthen regulation of demolitions, and promising to work with Council "to ensure safety at all demolition sites in the city."

Council sources said there was still significant disagreement among Council members on how stringent the regulatory requirements should be.

Concerns include the impact on Philadelphia construction costs, city budget implications, and how it would affect the continuing friction between union and nonunion contractors, frequently accused by the construction trade unions of neglecting safety issues to save money.

The city's Building Industry Association did not return a call Thursday seeking comment.

Originally posted here:
Demolition-safety bills introduced in Council