Call for review of high-rise building.

Work at five city construction sites remained shutdown three days after the fatal crane collapse that killed two workers last Friday.

The sites were each using the same type of Kodiak crane that led to the accident at the site of a new school and luxury condominium at 335 91st Street and which forensic experts are now examining for a possible fault in a particular weld.

Although the Kodiak crane is no longer in production, there are currently four others in use the city. "I am ordering immediate re-inspections of these models and a review of all of their maintenance logs in an attempt to ensure that whatever caused the collapse is isolated to this particular crane," said acting Buildings Commissioner Robert Limandri.

The shutdown came as industry leaders strategized over the next move to restore the city's construction safety record following a spate of tragic accidents.

Lenore Janis, president of the city's Professional Women in Construction, said, "There are many who are wondering why we are going up so high under such crowded conditions. There seems to be some sort of loss of control in terms of regulating construction."

Indeed, many of the published reports about last week's fatality on East 91st Street featured comments from nearby residents showcasing a lack of faith in construction companies and city regulators to keep Manhattan safe.

"It's not good when the confidence is lost in a very important part of the city's economy," said Richard T. Anderson, president of the New York Building Congress. "Right now, it's been shaken."

The accident, which occurred at the city-owned site where the Azure condominium tower and a new middle school are planned, comes a little more than two months after another crane collapse on the East Side that left seven dead, joining a string of troubles that ultimately led to then-Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster being forced to resign.

Up to 20 crane-inspecting engineers are to be hired by the city over the next year in response to last week's mishap. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation by Manhattan's District Attorney's Office is examining whether a piece of the crane was previously damaged. Before the probe was announced, Anderson had said he hoped there would not be a rush to judgment or action that could hinder building activity.

But, he said, "I think what's needed is a comprehensive review of how high-rise construction is done in the city. The public will demand it. That's what needs to be done. I think it's up to the mayor to propose a process for that kind of review."

While the recent spate of deaths have been attributed by some to the multitude of work that's being done in New York City, Anderson isn't subscribing to that theory. "It's easy to point to that, but we've been close to this volume before without any serious accidents," he said. "It's something else, whether (bad) luck or whatever. You can't point to volume alone."

Janis wants the Buildings Department to take a hard look at the current situation in Manhattan.

"I feel we are trying to do too much, too soon and the conditions are very crowded," she said.

Nick LaPorte, executive director of the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York, said the recent fatalities shed an unfair light on the industry.

"It's unfortunate and it's horrible and, understandably, people are concerned, but I don't see that there's a real danger," he said. "There's nothing with malfeasance.... It's like a car accident."

Still, LaPorte doubts the incidents will deliver long-term damage to the industry's reputation.

According to the Buildings Department, two stop-work orders were issued during initial load tests before the crane, owned by New York Crane, went into operation. The matters were cleared up in late April.

The Azure is being built by the DeMatteis Organizations and the Mattone Group, which are offering the units at prices between $600,000-plus for a studio and $4.8 million for a five-bedroom. The city leased the land to DeMatteis and the Mattone Group last year. The companies are building a new public middle school as part of the approval for the Azure.

DeMatteis, of Elmont, released the following statement on its Web site last week: "First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this terrible tragedy. We are currently in the process of gathering all the facts surrounding this unfortunate accident and will provide more details as they become available."

Founded in 1918, DeMatteis has been involved in projects such as Chelsea Tower, a Brooklyn postal facility and Museum Tower. Mattone, of College Point, counts a Pathmark shopping facility in southeast Queens and Jamaica Center among its accomplishments.

City officials have continued to speak out about the incident.

Borough President Scott Stringer has called for a multi-agency approach to provide a safety regimen--yet not at the expense of construction growth.

"If that happens, then our government has failed," he said. "And l would say that we have to use all of our brainpower to figure out a way that that doesn't have to occur."