They would also be subject to monitoring by department inspectors.

Routine checks by department inspectors also found 165 confirmed and a further 300 potential cases of alkali-silica reaction, commonly known as concrete cancer.

Since then, department inspectors have investigated 357 complaints in the city; 257 were from Queens.

After the work has been completed it must be approved by a department inspector.

Mr. Tisch said he hoped that the agreement would end a "blitz" of complaints in recent years by department inspectors.

And so, in most instances today, department inspectors show up during construction only if an accident occurs or a complaint has been lodged.

Mr. Green said the information was compiled by department inspectors "in the ordinary course of enforcing the law."

After several visits to the midtown area last fall, department inspectors zeroed in on Cityspire.

However, because of a shortage of department inspectors, the agency cannot respond immediately to every complaint.

His strategy includes discussions and role-playing in which Powerphone instructors act out scenes with department inspectors.