Commissioner of the New York DDC, Demolition

Commissioner of the New York Department of Design and Construction talks about pulling his staff to manage demolition, excavation and debris removal operations.

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At approximately 5:00 that evening, I conducted a walkthrough with several engineers and construction managers. The immediate need was for lighting, since all electricity was out. I spent Tuesday night and Wednesday in a mad scramble to locate light towers to illuminate the site, and also to bring in heavy equipment to lift debris, so that fire fighters could fight fires, and the search and rescue efforts could go on. We worked closely with the Police Department to set up police escorts to get the contractors over the bridges.

DDC staff was pulled from their regular duties to organize and manage demolition, excavation and debris removal operations. Many worked 18-hour days, seven days a week, to respond to the emergency.