Submitted by Arnold Korotkin, Apr 4, 2007 12:38

Grace Rauh's article "Building Code Changes Could Increase Costs" (4/4/07) highlighted some of the paramount issues including recent building collapses in New York City that warrant the issuance of revised building code changes.

However it is ironic to read the arguments regarding the increased costs that might be associated with the implementation of comprehensive and stricter building codes to insure the safety and well-being of workers and residents in buildings across the City.

Missing from the article was any discussion of the loss of 2,479 workers on 9/11/01 as a result of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Some building experts attribute the loss of lives as a result of the collapse of the World Trade Center to the fact that the Port Authority of NY/NJ was not required to adhere to NYC's building codes in their oversight of the construction of the twin towers.

It should be noted that to this date the Port Authority of NY/NJ is still exempt from adhering to NYC Building Codes as they proceed to oversee the construction of the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero.

(Note: Mr. Korotkin is a cybrarian and maintains the 9/11 List-serv which distributes daily e-mails relating to the World Trade Center and the tragic events of 9/11/01 - the archives for the 9/11 List-serv can be assessed at: http://groups.google.com/group/911-list-serv)

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