Two trade groups have sued the city to block the construction in Downtown Brooklyn of the world’s largest modular housing tower because the officials allowed Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner to bypass crucial building safety codes, according to court papers.
The Mechanical Contractors Association and the Plumbing Foundation charge that Buildings Department Commissioner Robert LiMandri reneged on a December 2011 promise to use only licensed master plumbers and fire suppression contractors for the planned 32-story, 363 unit high-rise.
But after LiMandri was allegedly pressured by the controversial developers’ cronies to sidestep the requirement to help reduce costs, he withdrew a draft memorializing the agreement with the trade groups, court papers allege.
“We don’t begrudge anyone from making a profit, but we take exception when the building code is circumvented in order to do it,” said Tony Saporito, of the Mechanical Contractors Association in a statement.
The groups assert that the code helps prevent public safety crises including gas leaks and explosions.
The Manhattan Supreme Court suit challenges an April 9 decision by the Department of Buildings that allowed modular buildings, which are first fabricated in factories then assembled onsite, to skirt city regulations.
Construction began on the residential tower earlier this year and was scheduled for completion next summer. Atlantic Yards, the massive development that includes the Brooklyn Nets arena, has been long beset by delays from litigation and a slumping economy.
A DOB spokesman was awaiting a copy of the lawsuit and could not immediately comment.
A rep for the developer did not immediately respond to calls for comment.