Construction plans for a school complex on contaminated Mott Haven land came to a halt Wednesday when a City Council committee did not vote on the issue.

According to lawyers representing the community, the city asked the subcommittee to abstain from a decision. The School Construction Authority wants to build four schools at the site of a vacant rail yard, but parents complain students? health may be at risk. Studies have uncovered high levels of benzene and lead at the site.

The School Construction Authority has said it will work to thoroughly clean up the area before building. News 12 The Bronx is awaiting comment from the mayor?s office on why the plan was withdrawn.