Working together to build a better New York.

The real estate and construction industries in New York City are intimately linked. In fact, the reason this City is what it is today, is the result of collaborative efforts between both industries. Thanks to the construction industry and the strong relationship that has been forged with its counterparts in the real estate community, new commercial and residential developments continue to deliver needed space on time and within budget.

I applaud the construction industry and the talented members of the building and construction trades for their efforts to continue building a better New York City. The strong partnership between real estate and construction has enabled both industries to address many recent issues/ developments by working together. Specifically, teamwork has resulted in efforts such as: new proposed legislation to increase safety in commercial office buildings, streamlining operations and improving efficiency at the Department of Buildings (DOB), and working with the Department to revise the International Building Code (IBC) for use in New York City.

Improving Safety Standards in Commercial Buildings

New York's commercial buildings are among the safest in the world. However, when it comes to safety, there is always room for improvement. REBNY has worked closely with the Bloomberg administration and the World Trade Center Building Code Task Force to review our Building Code in light of the September 11th attack for areas in which public safety could be increased. The resulting report made 21 recommendations, some of which could be immediately implemented, some for further study and several for legislation.

On September 21, Mayor Bloomberg and DOB Commissioner Patricia Lancaster proposed new legislation which calls for important safety upgrades in commercial buildings such as: retrofitting high-rise office buildings with sprinklers over the next 15 years, full-building evacuation plans in addition to the current requirement for fire plans, improving exit signage and ensuring backup power for exit signs, as well as proposed amendments which will impact new construction.

While there is a significant cost to the proposals, REBNY fully supports the legislation which will strengthen our code and ensure the safety of the occupants of our commercial towers.

Working with DOB to Bring Positive Changes

REBNY has been working with Commissioner Lancaster and the DOB to offer input on streamlining approval processes, reducing bureaucracy and making the Department as a whole more efficient.

The Department has made significant changes in a very short time, hiring many new, enthusiastic senior staff members, creating a series of "How To" brochures on their web site, and reaching out to the real estate and construction industries. One of the most helpful changes was putting the Building Information System (BIS) on the web, making it possible for owners and builders to access information about their buildings. The BIS has increased access to information on applications, approvals, violations and sign-offs online.

Recently REBNY owner/builder members met with Commissioner Lancaster for an update on other DOB initiatives and activities.

The Commissioner presented her plans for revamping both the plan approval process and the inspection and certificate of occupancy process. Among the highlights, the Department has hired two project advocates who will act as "internal expediters" on 65 projects of various types to speed up the application process.

In addition, the Department is drafting a procedure to allow permanent Certificates of Occupancy to be issued despite open alteration applications on a new building.

DOB has also revamped its plumbing division to provide inspectors with handheld computers, which will increase efficiency for inspections.

We hope this will serve as a pilot for other divisions to follow.

Adapting the International Building Code for NYC Use

REBNY has been closely involved with the effort to adopt the format of the International Building Code for New York City use. Working with Mayor Bloomberg's 12-member Code Commission, the goal is to create a clearer, more streamlined, performance-based code that mirrors the International model with amendments specific to New York City. Our many-layered building code is more than 30 years old and often fails to reflect current technology or construction methods.

The undertaking involves nearly 300 volunteers, including 30 REBNY members, who are reviewing the IBC and will recommend New York City amendments to the code. The Commission aims to have at least the administration and enforcement sections, and as much of the body as possible, revised by next June.

Thirteen committees have been set up by DOB to oversee the process including: administration/enforcement, structural, existing buildings, materials, plumbing, residential and several others. REBNY, with the construction industry, participates on all of them, working toward a code we all agree will benefit those who live and work in NYC.

These are just a few examples of the many issues that the real estate and construction industries continually work together to resolve. Through this strong partnership, both are bringing about positive changes to New York City's skyline.