AC unit in NYC Apartment. Image credit: Traci Lawson on flickr.com.
Failure to install or dispose of an air conditioning unit correctly can lead to fines ranging from as little as $100 to $1000. It could be hard to survive the summer heat in New York without an air conditioning unit. There are a few tips New Yorkers should recognize about the installation and disposal of air conditioning units. The Department of Buildings has also provided a set of guidelines on their website for the installation of air conditioning units that could be accessed here. (more…)
The NYC Gas and Fire codes strictly regulate the use of barbecue grills by residents within the five boroughs. According to the Department of Buildings there are several different types of barbecues that are regulated by the NYC Gas and Fire codes including propane, electric, charcoal, and natural gas grills. For each type of barbecue different safety standards and regulations may apply. It is essential to comply with the safety standards outlined by the codes as well as the manufacturers instructions for operation to ensure that you are careful when using a barbecue at your home. (more…)
Image credit: HPD.
One hundred percent affordable buildings will rise in the South Bronx. On April 20, 2018, construction began on two new buildings at La Central in the Bronx. The 1.2 million square-foot development is one of the largest mixed-income projects currently in development in the City. The buildings will be located at 556 and 600 Bergen Avenue. (more…)
Illustrative Bird’s Eye View. Image Credit: Pfizer Sites Rezoning EIS.
A former Pfizer factory site in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn will be redeveloped into 1,146 housing units, 62,810 square feet of commercial space, 26,000 square feet of publicly accessible open space, and 404 parking spaces. On September 19, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on land use applications by Harrison Realty LLC. The land use applications include: (1) a zoning map amendment to change the current manufacturing district into a residential district with a commercial overlay, and (2) a zoning text amendment to establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area on the site. (more…)
UPDATE: On December 6, 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the package of bills to increase gas safety in New York City. “Gas safety is important for all New Yorkers, and this legislative package will resolve numerous regulatory oversights,” said the Mayor. “These reforms will ensure both property owners and utility companies are accountable for keeping buildings safe.”
“In a relatively short time we’ve seen a number of gas explosions take place in the City; many of them due to failures to report and handle gas leaks properly. To ensure the well-being of New Yorkers and first responders, it’s vital we pass legislation that will implement and enforce a system of safety procedures followed by all building owners and plumbers,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings.
“I was shocked to learn that the City has required inspections for boilers, elevators, water tanks, water recycling systems, and sprinklers, but until now, no inspections for gas piping systems have been required. I am proud to be the lead sponsor of Intro 1088-A, which will ensure proper monitoring of gas piping systems to prevent future gas related incidents,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. (more…)
