The Legal Aid Society, Council Member Pierina Sanchez, and tenants of 1915 Billingsley Terrace today announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen building integrity in New York City.

The proposed bill is a response to the partial collapse at 1915 Billingsley Terrace in December 2013, as well as other collapses across the city.

The Billingsley Structural Integrity Bill would establish stricter regulations and oversight for buildings with chronic safety issues and hold negligent landlords accountable.

“Our clients’ lives were completely upended following the partial collapse of 1915 Billingsley Terrace, and those who are still displaced continue to face instability in their daily lives,” said Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice at Legal Aid. “No New Yorker should have to suffer such a nightmare.”

“This legislation is a strong step towards helping to ensure that our clients’ homes are structurally sound and safe to reside in, and that the City has the inspection tools necessary to prevent further collapses,” she continued. “The Legal Aid Society lauds Council Member Pierina Sanchez for her advocacy on these issues and for her fervent support of the tenants of 1915 Billingsley Terrace.”

In February, Legal Aid filed a lawsuit against the landlords of 1915 Billingsley Terrace, seeking immediate repairs to over 133 housing violations, more than half of which are classified as “immediately hazardous.”