September '16

The Building Block V o lu me 7 , I s s u e 9 September 9, 2016

CONTENTS:

DOB Oversight of Construction Field Office and Shanties 1

BUZZ OF THE MONTH

2

ARTICLE– LIVING WAGE

3

HORROR STORIES

4

SERVICE UPDATES

5

MEET CRSG ELVIS TORRES

6

RECRUITMENT

7

CRSG NEWS

9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

10

SEPTEMBER CONSTRUCTION & REALTY SERVICES GROUP

The Department of Buildings has begun to more strictly enforce requirements related to Construction Field Offices and tool sheds/shanties at active construction sites. The Inspectors have been making rounds with a specific eye towards these issues. The code is a little vague in this area but Chapter 33 states in 3303.16 “Contractors sheds and offices located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of new construction, existing buildings, or another contractor shed or office shall be made of metal or other noncombustible material. Exception: Contractor sheds and offices located within a building and protected from weather may use fire-retardant treated wood, provided the shed does not exceed one story in height and 120 square feet (36.58 m2) in area and is at least 30 feet (9144 mm) from another shed.”

The DOB inspectors in the field and on site have been stating that all shanties and offices must be non-combustible, except for those exempt. No permit is required, unless you are building a true office that will house construction management staff. For construction offices they are requesting an Alteration Type 2 permit application for a temp office structure in conjunction with underlying NB or Alteration application. The ALT 2 application will require signed and sealed drawings and all related filing paperwork. If there will be plumbing that is not filed for under the NB that must be filed for under the Alt 2 application also. Any Electrical work related must be filed for as well.

A shanty is and has been historically used for construction workers as a changing area, or to warm up, and to store a limited amount of tools or equipment. As long as the shanty complies with the requirements of being non-combustible and the size limitation stated above it should be deemed acceptable.

68 Whitehall Street

DOB BULLETINS

Lynbrook, NY 11563 Tel: (516) 256-0317 Fax: (516) 256-0335 307 West 38th Street, Suite 1218 New York, NY 10018 Tel: (212)736-6900 Fax: (212) 736-6910 www.crs-group.com

Floor Surface Area

Rescinded Bulletin

Bulletin 2016-012 This document clarifies how floor surface area is calculated with respect to section AC 28-101.4.5.

Bulletin 2016-013 This document rescinds Buildings Bulletin 2014-025 because NYC General City Law (GCL §36) was recently amended.

02

BUZZ OF THE MONTH

The recent reluctance of DOB to entertain CCD1’s and ZRD1’s has put more on the owner and the design professional to accept a greater degree of compliance requests.

DOB’s new initiatives/protocols on legal area review of violations on SWO and DA and DOI review on fatalities have created a severe “back to work” delay in the industry.

The Department of Buildings is strictly enforcing the NFPA 20 Code which requires the fire pump flow test to be tested with permanent power as well as back up emergency generator.

DOB’s new initiatives/protocols on legal area review of violations on SWO and DA and DOI review on fatalities have created a severe “back to work” delay in the industry.

The DOB will issue temporary gas authorization for testing only. You will need a gas test, roughing and finishing inspections in the system in order to request the temporary gas authorization.

DID YOU KNOW…?

New York State Floodplain Management Training 6 Hour Training Session Monday, September 19, 2016 Manhattan Municipal Building

03

ARTICLES

LIVING WAGE

The recent construction boom in NYC has brought forth a new era in competition and building standards. The shift in large developments from a majority union stake to “Open Shop” or “Merit Based” jobs has afforded developers and owners more options for cost savings in a high priced property and retail market. This cost savings is attributed to multiple factors including value engineering, competitive construction management and general contractor firm pricing and fee structures but most inherently labor costs. It is no secret that non-union labor companies have the ability to underbid union contractors anywhere from 15% to 35% and more in some cases. These figures are very attractive to new developers and old alike who are trying to capitalize on the current market conditions. Some developers and construction management companies note that these initial cost savings come at a price to the job. This surge has created the opportunity for many contractors to expand and grow their business’s beyond expectation and many are finding that skilled tradesmen are hard to come by in a booming industry. Union Labor groups recognize this recent trend and have waged a propaganda war to gain back influence. The union push-back approach is claiming that the non-union sector is not as skilled and not equipped to handle larger jobs. They also claim that workers are unfairly subjected to below standard pay scales and working conditions. The non-union sector has proved that it is capable of turning over a similar product and therefor leveling the field.

While the non-union labor market has proven it can turn over a quality product, it has revealed some weaknesses. The largest of these weaknesses revealed include, longer than predicted milestone dates and spread out skill sets. One of these factors can be associated with basic pay wages.

Living Wage is defined as, “a wage that is high enough to maintain a normal standard of living.” In NYC a normal standard of living is defined by the Mass. Institute of Technology as having the means to provide basic necessities such as shelter, food and healthcare. This measure equates to a rough average of $54,820 a year for the average single construction worker. In the non-union market these standards of living are reserved for the highly skilled trades. The non-union market needs to recognize these figures to better understand its workforce. The more it understands its’ workforce the better it will do in finding ways to complete projects on a timely schedule and with the quality that is expected in NYC. As it stands right now a non-union laborer making $15 an hour can only expect to take home $31,200 a year. These types of salaries do not afford an individual a living wage comparable to standards in NYC. Workers who are afforded appropriate wages are more likely to produce more and respond to higher demands of quality and production. As this merit based shift continues it is important to recognize the women and men who are an integral part of the building process. Without them, these developments would be nothing short of a dream. The industry must recognize the need to create a culture in which the people who take part in the building process are respected and paid a living wage. An employee who feels integral to the operation and who can support themselves is a far better worker than one who feels trampled over. Slight changes in the ideology of a “living Wage” could have vast improvements in this open competitive market and give just cause to continue down this path.

Governor Cuomo, REBNY and the BTEA recently set out to try and reinstitute the 421a tax abatements to help continue the housing market development boom. More recently they even tried passing 421aa which adopted a standard of living package for workers. This general consensus helps to affirm that there is a movement to change focus on how the industry views its labor. While the terms of 421aa were in theory a novel idea, they unintentionally created a new world between prevailing wage and union labor rates that the construction industry is not ready for. Whatever the outcome, it is imperative that developers, owners, construction managers and general contractors re-evaluate the present living wage crisis and find a way to better the labor pool.

06

HORROR STORIES I had an application going for FCO on a property. The Concrete TR2 was waived due to an approved CCD1 on the project. The Examiner received the CCD1 and waived the TR2. He also put an administrative note in the items required stating the TR2 CCD1 was received under DOC 10 PAA. He forgot to accept this note however in items required.

I submitted the application after being assured the open comment would not cause issue for the C of O unit to issue the FCO. After waiting a week I was notified the FCO was rejected because of the examiners open comment. I must have it received by making a plan exam with him. I was able to get an appointment and have the item received. Now my FCO is pending again, I have been waiting a week since resubmission.

We are trying to work an amendment to approved plans/application to reflect the as built conditions for a restaurant in a mall.

The way these amendments work is: you drop of the applications in a basket and wait to have it enter in the computer by the clerks and later pay a fee and get the approval.

The applications must be signed and sealed by the Engineer of record and original signatures are required.

For two months, I’ve dropped the applications in “the Basket” and they just vanished. No information as to what happened to them. So I run out of original applications from the engineer, (three in total).

I dropped one of my copies explaining the predicament as to why I’m submitting copies. The application gets entered but, not fully processed, when I went to inquired and request the application to be fully processed, I encounter a major attitude, no help what so ever, complains because it was a copy and when I indicated that I have my proof of the application being processed half way, the clerk shows me her computer screen and deleted the entire application in front of me and proceed to tell me, “Now you don’t have a half way processed application.

Now, you have no application- period!!! Get an original application and drop it in the basket.”

Now that’s a horror!

Inside Scoop From Domani Expediters

The DOT never ceases to amaze me. The amount of confusion that gets spilled out of this agency has reached an all-time high. I was recently submitting and application for a sidewalk shed in the roadway for an uptown Manhattan project. The examiner came back with a denial stating that DOT does not issue permits for sheds in the roadway. The reality of the situation is that DOT Does in fact issue these permits. It is mandatory for all Lower Manhattan projects as well as Brooklyn projects especially. Now we have no permit and are open for violations if an inspector comes to the site. This is just an example of how confusing and poorly run the DOT is. There should be the same set of rules for all of the 5 boroughs and all of the examiners should be aware of the proper rules and regulations.

05

SERVICE UPDATES As of August 2016 Builder Pavement Plans or Checklist in Lieu of Plans Required Before Requesting an Inspection in DOB NOW: Inspections  

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For all Builder Pavement Plans (BPP) applications, the BPP Plans or the Checklist in Lieu of Plans must be uploaded to DOB NOW: Inspections before an inspection may be requested.

Effective August 19, 2016, before requesting a BPP inspections, two documents must be uploaded into DOB Now: Inspections  BPP Final Survey; and  BPP Plans or Checklist in Lieu of Plans Both documents must be uploaded separately and users must select the proper document trype from the drop down menu at that time.

If either document type is not submitted prior to August 19, 2016 that have not yet been inspected, applicants will also be required to upload the BPP Plans or Checklist in Lieu of Plans before the inspection result will be marked as Fail-Final.

You will be required to upload the BPP Plans or Checklist in Lieu of Plans and request another inspection.

As of August 2016 Sprinkler Systems Required for Ambulatory Health Care and Animal Service Facilities  

Owners of ambulatory health care facilities and animal service facilities (specified below) will be required to install sprinkler systems in these properties by December 31, 2016 as outlines in Local Law 78 of 2015.

These include ambulatory health care facilities with:  Four or more care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation; or  One or more care recipients who is incapable of self-preservation and is located at other than the level of exit discharge

Animal service facilities, including:  Animal hospitals  Kennels  Pounds  Veterinary clinics  Pet shops This law is retroactive and will apply to all specified facilities effective December 31, 2016. The only exceptions are:  Animal service facilities that provide 24 hour in-person supervision of animals sheltered therein and equipped with smoke alarms  Animal service facilities that were in operation on or before December 31, 2016, and are equipped with an automatic smoke detection system

As of August 15, 2016 PER11 Manual Appointment Request Forums Accepted by Email Only   

All PER11 (Manual Appointment Request forms) will be accepted by email only Fax and drop-off submissions will no longer be accepted at any borough office All Per11 requests must comply with the following guidelines  A separate form must be submitted for each appointment request  Indicate the reason for your request in Section 5 under “comments”  Email subject line and PDF file must be properly named with the same details (subject line and PDF file: address_job number). If these conditions are not me, the PER11 will not be processed  Once your appointment has been processed, you will receive an email response with your appointment date and time. Every effort will be made to process requests within 48 hours.

06

MEET CRSG Q: What is your exact title?

A: I am an Associate Engineer/Project Manager.

Q: What was your title when you first started here?

A: I was a Field Engineer for Domani Inspection Services.

Q: What was your major in college?

A: I majored in civil engineering and financial management.

Elvis Torres Associate Engineer/ Project Manager

Q: Why did you decide to work for this company?

A: I decided to work here for growth and development as an engineer and for an opportunity to be an integral part of a fast growing company.

Q:

What do you like most about this company?

A:

They recognize hard work, loyalty and commitment. The company is constantly encouraging its engineers to hone their technical skills and provides continuing education to help them achieve that.

Q: To what extent do you interact with customers/clients?

A: I have daily interaction with clients. Having a healthy working relationship with our clients is critical for me to better understand and manage our projects.

Q: What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?

A: I think being able to work on business development in the office and being able to continue to be involved with field operations gives me a very hands on approach to resolving issues.

Q: Is multi-tasking a skill that is required for this job?

A: I think multi-tasking is an essential criteria to succeed at this job. You have to be able to wear many hats and tackle different issues within a set timeframe.

Q: What do you do if you can’t solve a problem on your own?

A: I am lucky to be around a team of people that never hesitate to brainstorm with me on any solutions to any problems we might run into.

Q: Why do customers choose this company?

A: They choose us because we go the extra mile to ensure that whatever questions and concerns they may have are answered. We commit to using all of our resources to produce the best service possible.

NYC FUN FACTS

In 2018, New York City will open the world’s first underground park

07

CRSG NEWS

Please visit www.crs-group.com and check it out!

You can find useful information on our companies, our services, personnel, recruitment, and safety training and events.

Tell us how we’re doing! Send an email to info@crs-group.com

ABOUT US CRSG procures the highest quality of services for your project, providing One Stop Shopping for Compliance, Engineering, Labor and Site Safety services for every phase of the construction and development process.

Domani Consulting, Inc. This team of experienced compliance representatives works closely with governing agencies, including the DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks and Zoning Commission, to provide comprehensive compliance services, from the initial filing and sign off of a D14 application through acquisition of a temporary and/or final Certificate of Occupancy and beyond.

Don’t forget to check out our website at www.crs-group.com

Domani Inspection Services, Inc. A leader in the development of inspection protocols, “Domani Inspections” is licensed by the DOB as a special inspection agency. Its accredited and certified staff of professional engineers and inspectors are proficient in managing, performing and navigating the controlled inspection and testing process on all construction projects.

Domani Technical & Design Services, Inc. This group’s talented architects and design professionals offer full-service design, analysis and production to meet the needs of your construction project.

CR Safety serves all of your project’s site safety requirements including safety management, site safety logistics plans, staffing and training.

The expertise of each of these entities provides today’s owners, construction managers and contractors with custom-tailored services that meet the specific needs of every project. Our unique, “One Stop” approach offers an efficient, reliable, cost-effective solution for all of your real estate and construction needs.

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RECRUITMENT RECRUITMENT

SITE SAFETY MANAGERS Key Duties & Responsibilities: The following will be some of your tasks, but will not be limited to: 1. Responsibilities of the Site Safety Manager (SSM), Site Safety Coordinator (SSC) and Concrete Safety Manager (CSM) are to monitor compliance with the safety requirements of Chapter 33 of the NYC Building Code, as well as OSHA and to perform all other safety duties assigned by CRSG, the owner or contractor to meet legal requirements by record-keeping and reporting on major buildings in New York City.

2. The SSM, SSC CSM shall maintain a daily log book notating any unsafe acts or deficiencies with locations as well as maintain a permit log.

3. Check Site Safety Plan daily to ensure that the approved Plans are current and up to date.

4. Meet on a weekly basis with the designated representative of each subcontractor to ascertain that all subcontractors are complying with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the NYC Building Code, OSHA, FDNY and any applicable local or federal agencies.

5. Any additional tasks identified by your supervisor Qualifications:

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Our Construction & Realty Services Group seeks dynamic & Our Construction individuals to join our Realty Services Group team! seeks dynamic individuals to join our team!

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NYC Site Safety Managers License Must be a team player and have the ability to effectively multi-task Detail-oriented and ability to work independently with moderate supervision and guidance Good written and verbal communication skills Architecture and/or construction experience a plus Must be internet savvy & have experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)

General knowledge of NYC building codes and/or filing process a plus.

Safety Management, Analyzing Information, Informing Others, Written Communication, Legal Compliance, Judgment, Integrity, NYC DOB Chapter 33, OSHA, FDNY & DOT Compliance, Presentation Skills. Microsoft Word & Excel.

CONSTRUCTION FIELD INSPECTOR Key Duties & Responsibilities: 1. The following will be some of your tasks, but will not be limited to: 2. Performing field inspections at construction sites per Department of Buildings requirements.

3. Prepare written reports on multi-discipline inspections per Management.

4. Coordination of drawings and field conditions during onsite inspections.

5. Other miscellaneous tasks requested by your supervisor.

Company will support obtaining necessary ICC certifications to perform various special inspections.

Qualifications  Construction, Architecture, and /or Engineering experience desired  General knowledge of NYC construction codes and/or filing process a plus  Request 5 years minimum experience in related fields.  Must be internet savvy & have experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)  Good written and verbal communication skills  Ability to interpret engineering/architectural plans and specifications  Must be a team player and have the ability to effectively multi-task  Detail-oriented and ability to work independently with moderate supervision and guidance  Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

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DOB INFO Stay Safe. Stay Put. The Department’s new elevator safety campaign reminds New Yorkers of what to do if stuck in an elevator

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SEPTEMBER 2016 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4 1

5 2

6 3

4 7

5 8

6 9

7 REBNY– 10 Retail Committee

8 REBNY– 11 Lower Manhattan Office Bldg. Luncheon

9 12 REBNY– End of Summer Donation Drive

10 13

11 14

12 15

13 16 BOMA– Board of Directors Meeting REBNY– Residential Ethics Course

14 17 BOMA– Annual Membership Events

15 18 PWC– Annual Member Meeting

16 19 BOMA– Preparedness Committee Meeting

17 20

18 21

19 22 REBNY-- Commercial Real Estate Finance Luncheon

20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 Building BOMA– REBNY– Residen- BOMA– Asset REBNY– ResidenPreparedness Comtial West Side M a n a g e r s tial Rental Clinic mittee Meeting Committee Meeting Roundtable Seminar Agents Rental Meeting

24 27

28 25

29 26

REBNY– Residential Ethics Course for New Members

30 27

31 28

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REBNY– Welcome REBNY Commercial New Members Ethics Course

REBNY– Residential Brooklyn Committee

PWC– Salute to Women of Achievement

9/7: REBNY– Retail Committee @ Cornell Club 9/8: REBNY– Lower Manhattan Office Bldg. Luncheon @ Clarion Partners & MHP Real Estate Services 9/9: REBNY– End of Summer Donation Drive @ REBNY 9/13: BOMA– Board of Directors Meeting 9/13: REBNY– Residential Ethics Course for New Members @ Mendik Edu. Center 9/14: BOMA– Annual Membership Events 9/14: REBNY– Residential Rental Committee @ REBNY Boardroom 9/15: BOMA– Energy & Sustainability Committee Meeting 9/15: PWC– Annual Member Meeting @ Duane Morris 9/15: REBNY– Plaza Committee Luncheon @ Equity Office 9/16: REBNY– Deadline for Submissions: 28th Annual Residential Deal of the Year Awards 9/19: REBNY-- Commercial Real Estate Finance Luncheon @ The Yale Club

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9/20: REBNY– Building BOMA– Preparedness Committee Meeting Agents Rental Meeting @ REBNY Boardroom 9/21: REBNY– Residential West Side Committee Meeting @ Glenwood Grand Tier 9/22: BOMA– Asset Managers Roundtable 9/22: REBNY– Comm. Seminar–The Surge- @ Mendik Edu. Center 9/23: REBNY– Residential Rental Clinic Seminar @ Mendik Edu. Center 9/27: REBNY– Welcome REBNY Commercial New Members Ethics Course @ Mendik Edu. Center 9/28: REBNY– Residential Brooklyn Committee @ Cushman & Wakefield (Brooklyn location) 9/29: PWC– Salute to Women of Achievement @ Battery Park Gardens For More Events, please visit www.crs-group.com