Only two speakers opposed proposed rule changes. On October 6, 2006, Buildings held a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the professional certification program rules that would expand the potential grounds for suspension and permanent exclusion of architects and engineers from the program. 3 CityLand 143 (Oct. 15, 2006).

Only two individuals appeared at the hearing, both speaking in opposition. Michael Zenreich, an architect and chair of the Architects’ Council of New York, called the new provisions “too broad,” arguing that the text could be misused and would create a dynamic where an architect is “guilty until proven innocent.” He suggested peer review as an alternative and commented that the proposal was a “heavy-handed reaction to abuse of a few practitioners.” Lester Lao testified that the current system worked fine and he did not see the shortcomings.

Buildings allowed written comments to be submitted until October 13th and received four submissions.

Hearing on Buildings’ proposed rule amendment, Oct. 6, 2006.