Building Energy Efficiency Rating is Live!!!
New York City building energy efficiency scores are now live! Effective October 31, 2020, all buildings greater than 25,000 square feet must post their energy efficiency grade, visible to all by every and all entrances. Those that do not, risk getting fined.
The Cycle Continues
It’s time for sidewalk sheds and scaffolding, again. February 21, 2020 marks the beginning of the 9th cycle of façade inspections for all NYC buildings. The Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) was formerly known and still often referred to as Local Law 11. Building owners and managers have four years to complete the inspection and make the necessary repairs.
Is your Building an “A” or an “F”?
Would you go to a restaurant that had anything but a letter “A” posted in the window? As recently reported in Curbed NY, Local Law 95, which is an amendment to Local Law 33, mandates that all New York City buildings post their letter grade on the building. Buildings are expected to receive their letters in the fall of 2020. The building grade is based on how much carbon it emits; in a nutshell, new buildings will have higher grades while old buildings will have poorer grades.
Scaffolding Season
Have you ever wondered why buildings are covered under scaffolding, often times for years? And this summer, it seems that scaffolding, also known as a sidewalk shed, is going up on every block. Well, summer is the season for exterior work. It is when buildings comply with the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11. After months of planning and funding, this is when scaffolding goes up and lots of Coop, Condo, and rental property residents start living in darkness for months or even years.
Photocredits: Deborah Donenfeld Photography
Trapped in Elevator (Service)
Who services the elevators in your building? This is done by a specific elevator service company, which the coop or condo has a service contract with. Our research shows that some buildings pay 100% more than others for these contracts. Don’t feel trapped by your elevator contract; find out if we can help you reduce the cost of your service contract by calling us today!
A New Regulation Looms Ahead
Elevator regulations are a big part of what dictates the safety and cost of elevators. In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) is the regulator of elevators. As the result of increase in elevator accidents, in part due to aging elevators, the DOB has added four new regulations.
Two are already in place, while one is due in 2020 and another one in 2027.
The Ups & Downs of Elevators
When Gladys pressed the “9” button on the elevator panel, she heard a noise that could most generously be described as sounding like a train slamming into a wall. For most New Yorkers, this is a subconscious everyday fear, as each day involves multiple elevator rides.
Although there’s nothing as annoying as being stuck in traffic or a delayed subway, an elevator “out of service” sign for a 15-flight stair climb is not far behind.
Has your building installed a door lock monitor system? They are required by January 1, 2020.