Rego Park Building Issued Violation After Glass Panes Shattered
The city ordered safety measures at a 22-story Rego Park building after 21 tempered glass windows shattered.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Apartments
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City inspectors issued a violation on June 23 after reports of falling glass at 98-10 63 Road in Rego Park. The Department of Buildings subsequently ordered the installation of sidewalk sheds to protect the public from further breakage.
Why it matters
The Department of Buildings mandated these safety measures because nickel sulfide inclusions caused tempered glass panes to shatter, posing a risk to those on the sidewalk. Repairs were required to address these systemic facade issues and ensure building safety.
Following an engineering assessment, the building owner replaced 21 shattered glass panes at the 22-story site. A qualified exterior wall inspector is required to file a comprehensive facade report by December.
The players
Department of Buildings
The New York City agency responsible for enforcing building codes and ensuring the safety of the public.
Qualified exterior wall inspector
A licensed professional tasked with evaluating the structural integrity of building facades.
The details
The breakage was attributed to nickel sulfide inclusions, a manufacturing defect that can cause tempered glass to fail spontaneously. In response, the building owner installed sidewalk sheds and established a tenant protection plan that restricts access to the terraces. The Department of Buildings issued an emergency work order on September 3 to ensure these protections remained in place while the facade was evaluated.
Timeline
June 23: The Department of Buildings issued a violation for falling glass.
July: An engineering report confirmed 21 panes had shattered.
September 3: An emergency work order for sidewalk sheds was issued.
December: Deadline for the qualified inspector to submit a final report.
The Home Front
This incident falls under the rigorous safety standards enforced by the New York City Facade Inspection and Safety Program to prevent falling debris. It highlights the ongoing responsibility of property owners to maintain the integrity of high-rise envelopes.
Residents should familiarize themselves with their building's terrace access policies and any active sidewalk protection plans. If you live in a high-rise, report any cracks or unusual window pane patterns to your building management or the Department of Buildings immediately.
The takeaway
Spontaneous glass breakage due to manufacturing defects can pose significant safety risks in high-rise buildings. Residents should stay informed about any emergency work orders and monitor their building's public notices for facade safety updates.
What happens next
A qualified exterior wall inspector is scheduled to submit a comprehensive report on the building facade by December.
Further reading
Learn more about local housing standards and safety requirements in our Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Queens Chronicle.
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