DOB Investigates Engineer Who Illegally Removed Bronx Fire Escapes

BRONX — The Department of Buildings is investigating the engineer of the University Heights apartment building who illegally removed the fire escapes during a façade repair, forcing out nearly 200 residents this week, officials said.

The agency said that New York State-licensed engineer Roland Draper did not have a proper permit to remove the fire escapes at 2400 Webb Ave. The seven-story building with 76 apartments that is not fireproof and has no sprinklers, according to sources.

DOB is also looking into Drapers 48 active projects across the city.

"All of the fire escapes were removed illegally," said DOB spokesman Tony Sclafani on Tuesday. "Mr. Draper filed the incorrect application with the Department through the professional certification process, avoiding a plan review by our plan examiners."

Draper also failed to properly indicate the building would undergo a change in egress and did not file a tenant protection plan — both of which would be required to properly safeguard residents in the absence of fire escapes, DOB officials said.

"The department has launched an investigation into Mr. Draper’s filings, including the examination and inspection of his other 48 active projects in the city," Sclafani said.

FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas had said after a meeting Monday morning, city officials had little choice but to order the building closed and the DOB issued a full vacate order.

No one at Draper's New Jersey firm, Engineers Plus, was immediately available for comment.