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Is Your Building's Balcony Safe? East 57th Tragedy Raises Concerns

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just how safe are balconies in New York City's high rises?

Shaken residents are still in shock after their neighbor plunged 17 stories to her death earlier this week, CBS 2's Andrea Grymes reported Friday.

Christina Calderaro said it's like something from a crime drama on television, but instead very real.

"[It's] very sad. Crazy it happened here," Calderaro said.

Tenants at 400 E. 57th St. were still in shock 35-year-old Jennifer Rosoff plunged more than two dozen stories to her death when her balcony railing gave way early Thursday morning.

"She was quite a beautiful woman," neighbor Maureen Dineen said.

Rosoff had been sitting on the railing when she fell.

CBS 2 has tried contacting her date, who was outside with her, but he has not returned calls.

On Friday a vacate order was on the building's front door, saying all balconies here are off limits.

Ricardo Oquendo shot a video of his narrow balcony in the building, which is designed for standing only.

"Obviously, I'd like them to inspect and I think that's what they're going to do. They're going to inspect and make sure that they're all safe. I considered mine always safe," Oquendo said.

Police have ruled out alcohol and foul play.

The city's Department of Buildings is trying to figure out how that railing collapsed.

The law requires a licensed expert to inspect balconies on buildings like this every five years -- 400 East 57th was last inspected in February of this year, officials said. There are no recent complaints or violations on record, pertaining to the balconies.

Building management has said it is fully cooperating with the investigation. Tenants Grymes spoke with Friday said they've had no complaints about how the building is maintained.

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