"Our Upper West Side community has been left reeling after learning that one of our own lost his life as a result of the crane collapse in Lower Manhattan. Though no words could ever hope to make David Wichs' family whole again, all of our hearts are with them as they grapple with their tragic loss.

Given the increase in construction here on the Upper West Side and across the City, it is critical that the New York City Department of Buildings does everything in its power to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. In light of the apparent increase in construction-related deaths and injuries in recent months, the City must do more to secure construction sites and protect building workers and passersby alike. I call upon the City to make the results of the multiagency task force available to the public and to take swift action to reform any procedures that could have contributed to this tragedy. No family should have to suffer the pain of losing a loved one in a tragedy that could have and should have been prevented."