A former facilities director of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is suing the organization alleging that he was fired for bringing up safety concerns, Art Daily reports.

Thomas Cancelliere, who was the plant and facilities manager for the World Trade Center until 1996, started working at the memorial in November 2010. He says in the lawsuit that he brought up several safety concerns with his superiors but was told it wasn't part of his job or that the issues were being addressed. He says nothing was actually done.

Among his concerns: exits are too narrow to permit a quick evacuation in case of emergency, the screening room is poorly ventilated and crowded, the fountain contains bacteria known to cause Legionnaire's Disease, and there are no security checks for the underground parking garage underneath the welcome center.

The museum said in a statement that Cancelliere was fired for not meeting performance standards and not getting along with fellow employees.


[Photo of North Tower memorial fountain courtesy Kai Brinker]