Ground Zero project wrangles with reality; city Construction Codes get a facelift

The launch of new city Construction Codes marks the first modernization of the city's Building Code since 1968—a much-needed update in light of recent accidents and other evidence of less-than-careful construction practices. The new Codes—effective on July 1, 2009—incorporate critical safety measures to better protect New Yorkers while protecting the construction workers who risk their lives on the job. The new Codes tighten regulations for safety inspection, construction standards and emergency systems and increase penalties for violations.

The public projects and WTC Transportation Hub slated for the Ground Zero site face unresolved issues that make it impossible to forecast completion dates and costs, according to Christopher O. Ward, executive director of the Port Authority. In a letter to Governor Patterson, Ward recently expressed the need to get realistic about budget and schedule expectations and to address the tough decisions ahead. The involvement of 19 public agencies, two private developers, 101 different construction contractors and sub-contractors and 33 different designers, architects and consulting firms makes decisions all the more complicated. Also among the hurdles the site faces is the fact that the #1 subway line cuts directly through it. The good news, according to Ward, is that construction has at least begun (which makes the site that much more like everywhere else in the city.).

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