CONTENTS:

The Building Block Volume 6 , Issue 6

June 12, 2015

1

SERVICE UPDATES 2

SAFETY COURSES 2

ARTICLE– SECOND

PHASE STALLED SITE

3

BUZZ OF THE MONTH 5

HORROR STORIES 6

MEET CRSG:

CRSG INTERN

PROGRAM

7

RECRUITMENT 8

CRSG NEWS 9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE

10

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

CONSTRUCTION & REALTY SERVICES GROUP

68 Whitehall Street

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

Get Back to Building Initiative Extended Through June!

On May 4, 2015 the Department of Buildings launched Get Back To Building- an initiative

intended to get delayed projects back on track and construction workers back on

jobsites. Throughout the month of May, nearly 200 jobs were approved when attendees

met after hours with plan examiners to resolve objections and to get their construction

applications moved to approval.

Due to the success of the May launch, the program will be extended through June. Over

the next month, the Department is available to licensed architects and engineers,

developers, filing representatives and property owners whose projects have not yet been

approved and have outstanding objections from previous Department plan examinations.

As in past initiatives, agency experts will work with the applicants during these sessions

to resolve plan objections and develop solutions in order to approve new buildings as well

as major and minor alterations.

Due to the extension of the Get Back to Building Program and the expiration of the 421A

period on 6/15 it is anticipated that some of the lead times that have been built up for

initial plan reviews and appointment dates will begin to shrink to more reasonable levels.

The combination of these factors should reduce the approval times for projects filed over

the last few months and allow everyone and not just those seeking the 421A benefits to

truly Get Back to Building.

DOB BULLETINS

Fixed-Height, Low-Profile Raised

Floor Systems

Bulletin 2015-009

This document establishes

acceptance criteria for recognitions

of fixed-height, low-profile raised

floor systems

Raising, Lifting, Elevating or Mov-

ing Buildings

Bulletin 2015-010

This document clarifies special

inspection requirements related to

raising, lifting, elevating or moving

buildings.

Proposed Easement Agreements

and Restrictive Declarations

Bulletin 2015-011

This document establishes ac-

ceptance criteria for site specific

approval off fuel gas compressors,

duct burners and heat recovery

steam generators used in cogener-

ation and Combines Heat and Pow-

er (“CHP”) projects.

02

40 Hour Safety 30 Hour Concrete 30 Hour OSHA 7 Hour SSM Refresher

Tues. 6/2:4-9:30pm

Thurs. 6/4: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 6/9: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 6/11: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 6/16: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 6/18: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 6/23: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 6/25: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 6/30:4-9:30pm

Mon. 6/1: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/3: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 6/8: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/10: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 6/15: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/17: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 6/22: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/24: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 6/29: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/3: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 6/5: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 6/12: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 6/19: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 6/29: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 6/24: 4-9:30pm

Sat. 6/6: 8-3:30pm

Sat: 6/20: 8-3:30pm

10 Hour OSHA

Sat: 6/12: 8-7pm

Sat: 6/26: 8-7pm

SAFETY COURSES

SERVICE UPDATES

As of June 1, 2015

Limited Alteration Application (LAA): Renewals with the same BIS Number

LAA/ Permit Renewal and Hub Authentication Unit will now offer LAA Renewals with the same BIS number and a standard

renewal fee of $100.

Benefits:

BIS number stays the same

Multiple LAA Renewals allowed if necessary;

Decreases the number of open filings related to the same scope of work that will require sign-off by the licensee of

record.

Requirements:

Standard $100 renewal fee

No change to applicant or the proposed work summary

Applicant’s insurance must be up-to-date and active

LAA renewal must be manually filed and have a B-Scan sticker affixed to the application.

As of June 1, 2015

After– Hours Inspection: First Phase

DOB will launch an after-hour inspection initiative for development projects enrolled in the High Rise Program.

Participants can request after hours Construction, Plumbing and Electrical inspections.

Requests for evenings and weekends must be received during normal business hours.

As of June 1, 2015

Hazardous Formwork: Visual Observation

Pursuant to BC 3305.3.3.1, a qualified observer shall perform visual observations of the formwork to validate general con-

formance with the design intent.

The observations shall be performed by an observer with the following qualifications:

1. The formwork designer

2. An employee of the formwork designer under his/her direct supervision

3. A registered design professional retained by the formwork designer

4. An employee of such retained registered design professional under the direct supervision of such retained

registered design professional

Effective June 1, 2015, observed formwork conditions hazardous to life, safety, or health which has not been immediately

corrected by the responsible contract shall be reported to the DOB by the formwork observer.

03

ARTICLES

SECOND PHASE

STALLED SITE

With the bettering of the local real estate market and the economy in New York City, no compliance issue

has been more frustrating than the second phase of the stalled site program.

As we may remember, the stalled site program was one offered by the DOB where a site could be grand-

fathered with its Old Code (1968) approval for four years if certain “setup” and maintenance conditions

were met per the New York City DOB regulations.

These components were not only costly, but owners undertook them to maintain their benefits in regard

to mechanical systems, scissor stairs, standpipe, and elevator/core size that benefitted them in regard to

FAR and useable/rentable space for their project.

This grandfathering is supposed to be good for four years and appeared to be an acceptable rationale to

promote some sanity and benefits in a down economy.

Now that many sites are approaching “re-activation” the base concept of the stalled site program is be-

ing revisited.

DOB has opted for a second bite at the apple where a project must be re-evaluated coming out of the

stalled site program with a 3 criteria evaluation:

Permits current

No violations

No change in building design

The criteria employed should “allow” an owner to keep the grandfathered benefits for their approved de-

signs.

Needless to say, what should be a simple process now is “stalled” by re-evaluation protocol of a plan

exam and a programmatic release.

Developers also have to be wary that a change in their project that is necessary to be saleable for a

changing market might foster a complete re-design under the new code. This cannot only result in time

delays due to re-design and re-approval but also possible negative financial feasibility resulting in FAR

loss from a redesign to accommodate the 2008 code. Construction cost increases can be amortized into

a project to recoup over time, but not so for lost useable and rentable s/f.

In addition, there appears to be some confusion as to the applicability of the New York City Energy Code

(2010) and its effects on stalled sites. One would think the building code grandfathering program of the

stalled sites would apply to the energy code, but alas the technical aspects of the legislation may prevent

such an assumption.

The applicability of the new energy code to already designed stalled projects may be equally disastrous

as it may affect the building envelope substantially enough to create new compliance and zoning issues

that can also render the project more problematic and costly to construct.

It is important that the old code/ new code and energy code applicability of the stalled sites be defined to

allow owners and purchasers of stalled site to get the benefit of the intention of the program. Build, put

properties at the tax role and get people to work should be the goal, not bureaucratic and technocratic.

04

DOB INFO

Building One City

Commissioner Chandler’s plan that will fundamentally reform the agency to en-

hance public safety, reduce wait times and delays, and modernize all aspects of

the agency to meet the needs of a 21st century city.

05

BUZZ OF THE MONTH

CRSG is a “one stop” compliance, safety and engineering entity for the NYC real estate and construction

industry.

Domani Consulting can provide all compliance services from the filing and approval of plans to the

signoff of D14 applications; to obtaining TCO/C of O for Alt 1 or NB applications. Domani’s expeditors

work through all agencies (DOB, DOT, NYCFD, Landmarks, DEP, etc.) to prepare, file, approve and

signoff projects. In conjunction with Domani Design, plans can be prepared and engineering and

architectural services can be provided. Combine these services with Domani Inspection for either Alt II

D14, special inspection requirements and/or all controlled inspections/test requirements (with its certified

affiliate-Labs) for either major alterations or NB’s. Our “one stop” filing, controlled compliance

program/mechanism completes the full service package.

EWBC offers full scale labor services that will provide all required collective bargaining labor as well as

fully managed general condition labor.

CR Safety offers services for safety management combining program, plan and safety design

development, safety inspection, management, record keeping, physical protection and training to meet

any or all safety needs on a site.

ABOUT US

Don’t forget to check

out our website at

www.crs-group.com

The SSM shortage is reaching epic proportions and will result in the delay

of jobs starting unless more licenses are issued and/ or protocols for

coming off the SS Program are amended.

The DOB has made the delivery of any function associated with 421A a

priority. Site safety plans, plan exams, demolition applications, waving of

required items have been moved to the front of the line. Although it is a

benefit, it will fall upon the owner/contractor/design professional to “clean

up” any problems that occurs because of haste on resolving these items

prior to the job progressing to TCO.

Recent city council hearings on Construction Site Safety and reports from

NYCOSH have shined the spotlight on non-union construction companies

for their safety performance.

Recently, the NYPD has accompanied DOB to inspect and to possibly arrest

blatant and willful offenders.

The shortage of general technical site personnel (Super, PM’s) has also

been raised to epidemic proportions as well as the subs being unable to

marshal a force of experienced tradesmen. This manpower issue has

thwarted any attempt to start an acceleration program on some jobs.

I have a disapproved ALT1 HUB job in which

the only proposed work to be performed is

creating a gym/rec. room in the cellar and a

penthouse roof addition to the top 6th floor

apartments. The examiner had issued objec-

tions pertaining to exterior/interior stairs and

egress pathways out of the building, all of

which are existing conditions from when the

building was first erected in 1938 and which

are also not to be touched during the proposed work. An objection was also given that the building must

comply with "Quality Housing" regulations. These objections are erroneous and we are not required to comply

with them. In fact, It would be impossible to do so. There was absolutely no getting through to her in the plan

exam. We are now seeking assistance from the deputy commissioner at the HUB and in the meantime

searching through old DOB records to verify existing conditions of the building from 1938.

06

HORROR STORIES

Inside Scoop

From Domani

Expediters

I recently had a 421(a) job that was ready for NB approval. We had a remaining 24 comments 16 of which

were duplicate comments or comments related to prior to approval items required which could be accepted

and received in borough. The examiner however would not review the comments and remove the items re-

quired in order to approve the application until he himself reviewed each line item and form during a plan

exam. He delayed our project start over 1 month due to trivial/duplicate comments and items required which

he could have let the clerical receive. During examination he went above and beyond the requirements of

directive 2 of 1974, reviewing and reading each note section of the FO, SOE, MH , ARCH, and Structural

plans. He would not approve the applications for reasons such as : I do not like Barn doors, they are danger-

ous and need to be removed from your interior design plans and the architectural drawings. I want elevations

located at every doorway and 10 feet from each other in the court yard. You must show bathroom fixture

counts on each floor plan, not just the fixture page. MH notes for the EUP cards must read that you will also

comply with ECCCNYS regulations. In addition to absurd comments such as these he made us list all permit

numbers associated with the NB on the cover page, prior to approval. He reviewed the sprinkler and stand-

pipe filings, even though he was not the examiner (to confirm accuracy he said), he there-reviewed the Ener-

gy after we were audited and approved ( again to confirm accuracy). Also re reviewed and accepted docu-

ments such as the PGL1, TR2/TR3 and TR1s which he does not need to. the Clerical are supposed to accept

these during the permit process, he insisted we have an additional meeting to do so, prior to approval. A lot

of DOB employees let the "authority" of approving a permits go to their head, but this examiner had taken it to

a whole new level. Repeatedly he kept saying that he was creating legal documents and precedent and that

his job was of the utmost importance. When reminded that we were 421(a) and needed to secure vesting on

the job, he stated " this is not my problem, but yours". Eventually after an additional 4 emergency appoint-

ments and the urging of his supervisor the application comments were approved and the permit obtained.

Recently I had an FDNY examiner review an application for relocation of a standpipe Siamese connection. The

relocation consisted of moving the Siamese about 6 inches from its current location due to a planter box

being removed during a plaza renovation. The examiner would issue comments via email and keep the previ-

ously submitted TM1 and plans. The regular way of issuing the comments would be to notify me to pick up

the TM1 and drawings along with comment sheet. You need the TM1 in order to resubmit the application to

meet comments. Instead she directed me via the comments letter to resubmit with a letter regarding my

FPMIS number. When I attempted to do this I was stopped at the window in DOB. They refused to take the

application without the TM1 form. All other examiners return the TM1 when they have no comments to it, so

that you can resubmit. When I called the examiner to notify her of my dilemma and ask that she send the TM1

down to my co-worker on the ground floor (she sits on the third floor). She notified me that 1. I was wasting

her time and she had no time to discuss what she considered a "trivial matter". and then she even went as far

as to say, "Ma'am I think you mistake me for someone who cares, get another TM1 and come back another

day to submit."

07

MEET CRSG

CRSG INTERN

PROGRAM

NYC FUN FACTS

Broadway, originating from Lower Manhattan at Bowling Green

and ending in Albany, is one of the world's longest streets at 150

mi (241 km). The official name of this street is Highway 9.

The internship program at CRSG, Inc. and affiliated companies is

in full swing. The internship program at CRSG, Inc. has grown in

both participation and depth of learning and hands on training

since 2013. this summer’s interns are students at schools such

as Stony Brook University, University of Michigan, Bucknell Uni-

versity, Virginia Tech, Boston College and Penn State University

with majors in engineering, architecture and business.

CRSG believes there exists a tremendous potential in the Real

Estate and Construction industry to partner with educational in-

stitutions for future recruitment through internships and scholar-

ship programs. The “construction” side of the business is

sometimes lost on architectural, engineering, and business stu-

dents during their years in college; the internship program is an

invaluable way of introducing the smart and talented pool of col-

lege students to the exciting, growing fields in the construction

industry.

As the New York Yankees have learned, the foundation of suc-

cess comes from a strong farm system. Homegrown recruit-

ment and training produce employees familiar with company cul-

ture and protocol and allow them to be productive and effective

employees faster. Sprinkle in “mentoring” and the CRSG intern-

ship becomes a launch pad of a successful recruitment program.

08

Our Construction &

Realty Services Group

seeks dynamic

individuals to join our

team!

RECRUITMENT

08

Our Construction &

Realty Services Group

seeks dynamic

individuals to join our

team!

RECRUITMENT

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:

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.

SITE SAFETY MANAGERS

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

09

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.

Look for the CRSG Newsletter on the second Friday of every month!

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

WORDSEARCH

CODE

COMPLIANCE

CONDUCT

CONFLICT

ETHICS

LAW

MORALS

OPERATION

PRINCIPLES

REGULATION

RESPECT

SAFEGUARD

SAFETY

STANDARDS

N R B T W T S Z X E C C W T G E I N R Y

D G E K C E I V T E S E L P I C N I R P

E R F G L I E P C J C T E C J R H L S Z

Q E A B U I L N G W N O C T I F A I L N

R I Q U V L A F B L X N N E H W R Y A X

L H Q N G I A R N U U O H D P I Y L R T

E D O C L E X T U O X I S N U S C F O K

A V V P G M F J I J C T F A O C E S M P

M T M E X K N A M O G A V G F Q T R Y G

S O H C Y K E A S N N R W N C E M X B Q

C S D R A D N A T S F E M X K J T H E U

Y H B X M N I J M L T P R C G Y T Y F I

O N J M K F Q U H K W O D Q P Z U P A Z

J N P O X I G P G N K I S C S J C C J L

W D L A E J L J F D U P V R K I D H V E

6/2: REBNY– Residential Deal of the Year Committee @ Halstead Property

4-5:30pm

6/3: REBNY– Residential Board of Directors @ REBNY Boardroom 9-11am

6/4: REBNY– Residential Sales Agent Bootcamp Seminar @ Mendik Edu. Center

9-11am

6/4: PWC– Meet the Real Estate Industry @ Club 101 5:30- 8pm

6/5: BOMA– Membership Committee Meeting @ BOMA HQ 8:30-9:30am

6/5: REBNY– Annual Residential Downtown Breakfast Roundtable Discussion

8:30-11am

6/8: BOMA– Annual Golf Outing @ Edgewood Country Club

6/9: BOMA– Board of Directors Meeting @ BOMA HQ 8:30-11am

6/9: REBNY– Retail Deal of the Year Cocktail Party @ Club 101

6/10: REBNY– Commercial New Members Ethics Course @ REBNY Boardroom

9-10:30am

6/11: REBNY– RLS Technology and Vendor Committee Meeting @ REBNY

Boardroom 2-4pm

6/12: BOMA– Codes and Regulations/ Government Affairs Committee @ BOMA

NY HQ 8:30-9:30am

6/15-17: BOMA– Accelerated Class: Fundamentals of Facilities Management

6/16: REBNY– Residential Breakfast Club Seminar@ Mendik Edu. Center

9:30-11am

6/17: REBNY– Membership Committee @Burton Resnick Conference Room

9-11am

6/18: REBNY– Education Committee Meeting @ REBNY Boardroom 9:30-11am

6/18: BTEA– Leadership Reception @ Gustavino’s 6:30pm

6/23: REBNY– Residential Deal of the Year Committee Meeting @ Halstead Prop-

erty 4-5:30pm

6/24: REBNY– Residential Sales Council Meeting @ REBNY Litwin Classroom

12-2pm

6/24: BTEA– Meet the Owner: A BTEA Project Case Study @ TBD

6/25: NYARM– Steam Heating and Piping Systems & What Goes Wrong With

Them @ General Society Pavilion Library 9:30-2:30pm

6/25: REBNY– RLS Board of Directors @ REBNY Boardroom 2-4pm

6/28-30: BOMA– International Every Building Conference & Expo– Los Angeles,

CA

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2

REBNY– Residential

Deal of the Year

Committee

3

REBNY– Residential

Board of Directors

4

REBNY– Residential

Sales Agent

Bootcamp Seminar

5

BOMA– Membership

Committee Meeting

REBNY– Annual

Residential Down-

town Breakfast

Roundtable Discus-

sion

6

7 8

BOMA– Annual Golf

Outing

9

BOMA– Board of

Directors Meeting

10

REBNY– Commercial

New Members Ethics

Course

11

REBNY– RLS Tech-

nology and Vendor

Committee Meeting

12

BOMA– Codes and

Regulations/ Govern-

ment Affairs Commit-

tee

13

14 15

BOMA– Accelerated

Class: Fundamentals

of Facilities Manage-

ment

16

BOMA– Accelerated

Class: Fundamentals

of Facilities Manage-

ment

17

BOMA– Accelerated

Class: Fundamentals

of Facilities Manage-

ment

18

REBNY– Education

Committee Meeting

19 20

21 22 23

REBNY– Residential

Deal of the Year

Committee Meeting

24

REBNY– Residential

Sales Council Meet-

ing

25

NYARM– Steam

Heating and Piping

Systems & What

Goes Wrong With

Them

26 27

28

BOMA– International

Every Building Con-

ference & Expo

29

BOMA– International

Every Building Con-

ference & Expo

30

BOMA– International

Every Building Con-

ference & Expo

JUNE 2015

10