Don’t say the City Council sat on its hands all year as it managed to pass numerous bills relating to property ownership and management that are now awaiting Mayor de Blasio’s signature.
A hearing and bill-signing event is scheduled for Jan. 8.
Three of the bills are giving the industry agita.
Intro. 1632 requires Energy Star ratings to be posted like restaurant grades on buildings — even though Energy Star ratings are based on 1 to 100 and the City Council’s letter grades grouped the scores without understanding them or the energy required by varying occupancies.
This means the energy-efficient retrofitted Empire State Building will score a B, while the LEED Platinum One Bryant Park, which uses lots of energy, will have a C. Go figure.
Intro 385 requires building owners to inspect and test for indoor allergens after complaints or violations. It permits owners to come into apartments — and because it covers allergens they “should have known” about — move furniture and rugs. That should go over well with the occupants.
Intro. 978 expands a New York state mold contractor licensing law. Licensed contractors will now be needed to remediate any space over 10 square feet — whereas before a building owner or its employee could do the work.
The state law allows owners and employees to do it. Sources say this was a nod to a local union that wants its members to get the work.
Additionally, the New York Housing Authority is carved out of this law, whereas when it was first introduced in 2015, the bill’s primary focus was on the housing authority.
Welcome to 2018.
