By Dustin Brown
A Woodside company that oversaw a Manhattan construction project where five workers were killed in a scaffolding collapse last week is being targeted by investigators for possible negligence, published reports said.
Nesa Roofing and Restoration of 55-18 39th Ave. in Woodside was the primary contractor on the construction site at 215 Park Ave. South in Manhattan where 14 stories of scaffolding toppled to the ground Oct. 24, killing five workers and injuring 13.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has opened an investigation into the accident as have several other government agencies.
Calls to Nesa’s Woodside office were not returned.
Glaring problems in the company’s record have come to light in the days following the incident, according to published reports.
Nesa President Constantine Stamoulis had pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to disorderly conduct charges in June after having another individual stand in for him at a city exam to receive a rigger’s license, The New York Times reported.
The firm performed the construction work at 215 Park Ave. South without a permit, said Buildings Department spokeswoman Ilyse Fink, who said the company’s permits were revoked in July when its worker’s compensation insurance lapsed, according to The Times.
Stephen Green, brother of public advocate and mayoral candidate Mark Green, owns the companies that lease and manage the building. Stephen Green stopped business with Nesa last week when he learned about the guilty plea, the reports said.
Reach reporter Dustin Brown by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 154.
