By DAVID SEIFMAN City Hall Bureau Chief
June 11, 2008
More than 100 people were arrested over the past week for ignoring routine summonses for fire-code violations slapped on businesses ranging from hip restaurants to upscale department stores, officials announced yesterday.
The Fire Department and the Department of Investigation released a list of 104 violators snared in the unlikely roundup that started on June 2, most through voluntary surrenders.
But there were also cases where "they went out and arrested some of them," said FDNY spokesman Frank Gribbon.
The businesses and buildings cited spanned the gamut, from the Costco outlet in Brooklyn, to the hip Employees Only eatery in Greenwich Village, to Maimonides Hospital.
The violations ranged from failing to maintain standpipe or sprinkler systems, to blocking exits, to having no fire extinguishers.
Thirty-five people quickly settled by paying fines totaling $13,550. The others are awaiting hearings or had their cases dismissed.
In the case of Employees Only, a spokeswoman said former chef Jeremy Spector lived above the restaurant at 510 Hudson St. and made the "poor decision" to keep a propane tank for a side business.
