August 28, 2006

United Nations called 'firetrap' for safety lapses

The United Nations' East River headquarters could prove a "firetrap" to its international workers and the 400,000 visitors who tour the building annually, a New York politician said during a press conference Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Sen. Charles Schumer called on outgoing U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and U.S. Ambassador John Bolton to hasten renovation plans to repair the asbestos-laden 1950s-era skyscraper. There are no fire sprinklers in the building and the driveway could collapse under the weight of rescue equipment, Schumer said.

A U.N. committee is scheduled to resume its renovation discussions come October, according to the AP report.

Fire safety is the same reason National Park Service officials have cited as cause to keep the Statue of Liberty closed to tourists above the statue's big-green-toe level. Although the crown had been open to tourists up until the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, the statue's interior was already under considered for closure as it was a "firetrap" without adequate exits, an NPS official said during a 2004 interview.

Schumer, however, has called for the National Park Service to fully reopen the Statue of Liberty.

The U.N. Headquarters is located on First Avenue between 42nd and 48th streets, map. The UN tour currently costs $12 for adults. Its Delegates 'Dining Room is open to the public for lunch with advance reservations.

Earlier: Fire safety keeping Statue of Liberty's top closed
House OKs $1 mln to reopen Statue of Liberty crown
Bilbao food fest set for U.N. Delegates' Dining Room
VIP lunch at United Nations Delegates' Dining Room

August 28, 2006 08:15 AM in Architecture, Midtown, Sightsology, Tours

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