The Turkish House, a midtown building embroiled in a corruption case involving Mayor Eric Adams, was revealed yesterday to be operating without the required certificate of occupancy, despite it being essential for building safety regulations. This information comes from an investigative report by the city comptroller's office. Comptroller Brad Lander, who is currently running against Adams in the mayoral race, disclosed these findings, emphasizing a shortfall in regulatory enforcement. "By rushing to allow the opening of Turkish House in advance of a ribbon-cutting ceremony with President Erdoğan, DOB and FDNY cut serious corners that could have compromised the safety of the occupants and neighbors of the building," Lander stated, according to the Daily News.

In addition, the comptroller's report outlined a broader issue of negligent management across the city's buildings. Over 3,500 structures, including more than 600 office buildings, are reportedly operating without proper occupancy approvals, which suggests persistent oversight problems within the Department of Buildings (DOB). Despite lapses in certificates of occupancy, a DOB spokesperson implied that such deficiencies are viewed more as administrative mishaps, not necessarily indicative of safety hazards. However, the report pointed out that an buildings, particularly the size of the Turkish consulate, was allowed to function without an approved fire plan—a "troubling breach of process."

The city's Department of Buildings previously issued multiple 90-day temporary certificates of occupancy for the Turkish House, despite outstanding safety issues and unresolved Building Code and Environmental Control Board code violations. The controversy took a sharp turn as federal prosecutors allege Mayor Adams accepted luxury travel perks and unlawful campaign contributions in exchange for pushing city officials to expedite the building's operational approvals. Gothamist reports that Adams, facing indictments for bribery among other offenses, has denied all allegations, claiming political motivations behind the prosecution.

While the consulate's temporary certificate expired in October, unresolved safety violations prevent it from securing a permanent certificate. In reference to public concerns on building safety, DOB spokesperson Andrew Rudansky told the Daily News, "We treat the safety of our fellow New Yorkers as a top priority, and if any member of the public has safety concerns about a building, they are strongly encouraged to file an official 311 complaint, so that we can investigate the issue." The consulate, has not yet issued a response to these latest developments.

The FDNY has also been caught up in this issue, as they reportedly approved the building's fire-alarm system nearly 18 months after its opening, with the full fire-protection plan receiving approval coincidentally on the same day as the unsealing of Adams' indictment. According to Lander's office, they requested inspection and safety records from the DOB and FDNY before conducting a full audit, actions prompted by sustained management deficiencies within the agencies responsible for safeguarding New York's built environment.