CONTENTS:

The Building Block Volume 7 , Issue 5

May 13, 2016

1

BUZZ OF THE MONTH 2

ARTICLE– BE

PREPARED! THE

IMPORTANCE OF PRE-

CONSTRUCTION SITE

INVESTIGATION

3

HORROR STORIES 4

SERVICE UPDATES 5

MEET CRSG

KRISTI ADAMS

6

RECRUITMENT 7

CRSG NEWS 9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

10

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

NEW INSPECTIONS SWEEPS FOR NYC ENERGY CODE COMMPLIANCE

As of March 2016, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has begun to issue DOB Violations for Energy

Code Infractions that are Class 2 (major) violations, which carry a monetary penalty. The DOB may also

issue Stop Work Orders (SWO) for Energy Code Infractions and violations. Owners are required to

construct and maintain their properties in a safe manner including compliance with the NYC Energy

Conservation Code. Applications and plans are reviewed by the department during the filing phase prior

to permits being issued for a project.

Energy Code violations carry a fine and are Class 2 violations, unless dismissed by the ECB through

hearing. In order to have ECB penalties reduced the owner may admit guilt and must cure the violation.

The following steps must be taken to cure all violation and avoid additional penalties;

1. Correct all violating conditions and submit proof of correction

2. Submit a Certificate of Correction (Form AEU2)

3. Submit a Statement in Support of Certificate of Correction (Form AEU20)

Along with DOB violations for Energy Code infractions, the DOB now may also issue Stop Work Orders

(SWO) for serious Energy Code violations. When any SWO is issued a red banner appears on the DOB

Property Profile online. These SWO’s may affect other phases of ongoing projects leading to costly stalls

and delays. All violating conditions must be corrected in order for a SWO to be rescinded. If the infrac-

tion is for a plan deviation for conditions on site that do not conform to the approved plans Post Approval

amendments may need to be filed for which approval is required by the Energy Unit costing time and

resources while a project is delayed.

Resolving many energy code violations may require that additional work be filed with the DOB and a

permit obtained. It is important that design professionals as well as owners and contractors keep a close

eye on the energy code compliance and job specific conditions relating to the approved energy code

DOB BULLETINS

Wheelchair Platform Lifts

Bulletin 2016-008

This document clarifies where wheel-

chair platform lifts may be installed in

a prior code building.

Rescinding Notice

Bulletin 2016-009

This bulletin rescinds one Memoran-

dum pertaining to Local Law 58 of

1987 that is no longer applicable

under the 2014 NYC Building Code.

Professional Cert. Program

Bulletin 2016-009

This bulletin revises the established

operational procedures for the Pro-

fessional Certification Program,

which allows a PE or RA as an appli-

cant, to certify the job’s compliance

with the New York City Construction

Codes, Zoning Resolution and all

applicable laws and rules on related

application(s).

02

BUZZ OF THE MONTH

Industry seems to be concerned about the DOB’s

lack of consistency in enforcement policy on

violations and stop work orders across construction

sites.

DID YOU KNOW…?

Ellis Island was the location where immigrants entered the United

States, but today the island houses a museum dedicated to teaching

early immigration policies and procedures to visitors.

Is the first non-union, minority based NYSDOL

approved apprentice program rapidly approaching a

reality?

Will the Summer of 2016 be considered in the

future to be the “time of reckoning” in regard to

Open Shop and Union construction in NYC?

What will 2016 hold for the recent City Council push

for enhanced safety regulation/legislation for

construction sites?

Recent DOB efforts have resulted in many a

“personnel” violations being written to the licensed

SM on a job site.

03

ARTICLES

BE PREPARED!

THE

IMPORTANCE

OF PRE-

CONSTRUCTION

SITE

INVESTIGATION

As we all know, when working within in the boroughs, it is inevitable that one of your projects will end up

with an adjacent structure neighboring the property line.

This situation is unique to most but for New York builders, developers, and design professionals, it is noth-

ing we have not encountered before. That being said I would like to share a few recent experiences that

have occurred on job sites to remind us all of the challenges that may arise when working in such condi-

tions.

Please see below the specific scopes of work which have been gathered in various stages and or facets of

a new construction project.

Sub surface investigation

The more information the better!

As developers and construction professionals, you are always better off spending a little more for additional

borings and the front end analysis of the site and surrounding sites existing soil conditions consist of.

Believe what the geotechnical engineer is presenting.

In most cases, the soil investigation can show that the soils beneath the existing structures can be pretreat-

ed prior to any work commencing. This can be used as a means of mitigating adjacent property move-

ment.

Understand the water table and how it can effect proposed construction activities.

Have a game plan that deals in the reality of water conditions will go a long way in mitigating neighboring

building movement.

Drilling of piles and caissons

Plan, develop, and purchased into the contractors scope a drilling technique that mitigates issues during

the drilling process. The most common method used is known as "Duplex Drilling". This is a process by

which the roller hammer used for cutting through the soils stays a minimum distance up inside the steel

casing. This ensures all drilling fluid and/or air passes from the roller but back up and out the top of the

casing.

The redirecting of drilling fluid away from adjacent property foundations is essential. By doing so, one can

avoid over saturation of soil beneath foundations of adjacent structures and thereby reduce risk of soil

characteristics becoming altered and consolidating in an unpredictable manner.

The following construction activities, on their own or combined together, create an environment for which

the changing of soil characteristics is an unavoidable conclusion and thus making building movement a

reality.

Air loss outside the casing into soil during drilling of piles/caisson.

Loss of drilling fluid outside the casing into soil during drilling of piles/caisson.

Over saturation of the project site via drilling fluid

Being prepared is the only way to be proactive and productive. Spending more up front to investigate your

site and your adjacent property will save you in the end.

I have been handling a c of o application for a client for

three years now. Originally, this project was stated

because an elderly couple were issued violations for

finishing their basement in the 60's. This couple built the

Astoria home in 1962 and finished the basement in

1964. They did all this work back when permits were not

really obtained. The finished basement had a living room,

stove and sink, and bathroom. It was their "summer

kitchen" and they spent a great deal of time down there

enjoying it. They also had a ground floor, and 2nd floor to

the house. Each with a kitchen. The other two floors were

complete upon original construction of the house. Since 1964, other than routine maintenance the house was untouched.

In 2013, the Department of Buildings issued a vacate on the premises, saying it was converted to an illegal 4 family home and that

the couple was renting out rooms on each floor. All nonsense. The family used each floor. And the only residents were the couple

and the women's mother, until she passed in 2011. Since this has happened, the couple has obliged the Department of Buildings and

converted the house to current codes, removing each kitchen, upgrading systems and filing numerous applications. They have

appealed all the way to the state Supreme Court with the violations and undergone at least 14 inspections, four audits and two

revoked permits. Each item they have risen above and obtained a pass or approval.

What is horrific here is that this couple did nothing truly wrong, yet they are being treated as if they were slum lords breaking laws

and endangering the lives of the people around them. The Department of Buildings has allocated so many man hours and time to this

when thy could have spent these resources stopping gas leaks, or building collapses where it mattered. Not harassing some sweet

elderly couple because they are easy targets.

06

HORROR STORIES

Inside Scoop

From Domani

Expediters

We have an ongoing TCO issue with the Queens Building Department. Due to the applications being old on the property the

Construction inspections needed to be updated. When we went to do this, the Construction division told us that the C of O desk

needed to open the applications. We asked C of O and they stated new PW6 forms needed to be submitted. Mind you these buildings

have had upwards of 13 TCO's each, the PW6 creates the screen for the construction inspection/TCO window. To ask for it again, is

well just stupid. But none the less they insisted. The problem with obtaining new copies of these forms is that the applicant must sign

and seal these forms. These being old jobs, the applicants are not around. First we asked the Commissioner for approval to file the

PW6 with a superseding applicant seal, without amendment to the NB. He denied this request, So we had to file 6 NB supersede

packages. We attempted to do this without plans ( because construction was complete ) and were denied. We were told as built were

needed due to a few small store layout changes. Ok, we scanned the drawings and modified what was needed. We were told these

would not suffice. Whole sets of resurveyed drawings are needed. So now we are surveying and recreating all 6 NB filings. This is a

process that is going to cost the client 100's of thousands of dollars and take us at least 6 months to completed. All the while we will

not be able to schedule an inspection, because we cannot submit a form, which we submitted over three years ago! Further to add to

this the construction division will not approve any construction sign offs where open ALT2 for PA, SP or FA are open. Even if they are

Modification to the original approved and signed off applications/systems. So where we have passed in field inspection, we cannot

get sign off due to old applications and permits that exist for work which has been superseded and no longer exists. We applied for

the withdrawal of these applications but were told we need to sign off the superseding applications first.

All in all the above is just a description of the Queens DOB's ability to make the simplest of tasks and procedures extremely

complicated and convoluted. It seems to get anything done with them you must jump through 500 hoops. There is no set direction in

the borough or authority. On this particular situation, I had the supervisor of C of O override the Borough Advocates approval. Telling

me she would not issue the TCO, because she shopped in the store and knew it was being occupied contrary to the advocates

recommendations.

I was applying for my Final C of O for a project. I was all ready to get it issued and the clerk says to me, “Uh oh! It looks like there

was a glitch on your Schedule A.” She said I needed to remove the number of persons listed on the apartment floors. I had already

filed a PAA for this in 2013 and this was done and corrected. Apparently, when the clerk approved my final PAA to correct typos on

the Schedule A, somehow all the changes I made in the past were "unchanged". With that said, I was motivated to fix this, so I

begged the DOB clerk to expedite a PAA to fix the Schedule A for a 3rd time, she did, then I paid for it and somehow convinced,

basically begged, the chief plan examiner to approve my Schedule A so I could get my final C of O issued that day. He approved it

and I was ecstatic! I walked back down the hall and proudly handed all my CO document back to the clerk to issue my Final C of

O. She went to the back to process it, and 10 minutes later comes out and says, “Sorry Jess. I hate to burst your bubble, but you

missed one. “ I said that it was impossible! I triple checked it and her was response was that I forgot to remove the number of

persons from the lobby on the Schedule A. I argued with her and she said I can't have a number of persons listed in the lobby area.

She is a building code specialist, so I went to the Commissioner and told him what she said. and he said, that is wrong, you can

have people listed in the lobby and with that, he put a comment in the system. So I marched back down the hall, handed my CO

docs back to the clerk and 10 minutes later she came out- but this time- with my Final C of O in hand.

05

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

Tues. 5/3: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 5/5: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 5/10: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 5/12: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 5/17: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 5/19: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 5/24: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 5/26: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 5/31: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 5/2: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/4: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 5/9: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/11: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 5/16: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/18: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 5/23: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/25: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 5/30: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/4: 4-9:30pm

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

Fri. 5/13: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 5/20: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 5/27: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 5/25: 4-9:30pm

Sat. 5/7: 8-3:30pm

Sat: 5/21: 8-3:30pm

10 Hour OSHA

Sat: 5/14: 8-7pm

Sat: 5/28: 8-7pm

SAFETY COURSES

SERVICE UPDATES

As of June 6, 2016

Elevator Application (ELV1) Form: Updates

An updated Elevator Application (ELV1) form will be released.

The form is being updated to improve the review process, accommodate the 2014 Building Code, and incor-

porate following Title 1: Rules of the City of New York 3610.2, 3610.3, 3610.4, including:

1. Safety Code for Machine Room Less Elevators (MRL)

2. Occupant Evacuation Elevators (OEE)

3. Fire Service Access Elevators (FSAE)

4. Multi-Compartment Elevators

Be advised, effected July 5, 2016, only the updated ELV1 form that specifies a revision date of April 2016 at

the bottom right corner will be accepted.

As of May 2016

Upcoming Special Programs: No Penalty Retaining Wall, Deck and Porch Program

The Departments Annual No-Penalty Programs for retaining walls, decks and porches will begin May 15th and

end June 25th, 2016.

This program allows homeowners to request inspection on their retaining wall, deck or porch without the issu-

ance of violations. The program was designed to assist homeowners with maintaining their structures in a safe

and code compliant manner.

Once the inspection is completed, homeowners will be notified on the condition of their structure.

If repairs are need to the inspected structure, the Department will defer issuing violations.

As of May 2016

Local Law 87/09: Process to Comply for Properties Undergoing Construction

Local Law 87/09 requires owners of applicable, mixed use and residential buildings to submit an Energy Efficien-

cy Report (EER) once every 10 years.

Owners must submit an EER in the calendar year coinciding with the last digit of the tax block number for their

building

For buildings undergoing demolition/construction activities during the year in which they are due to comply, own-

ers should submit an extension request which are due by October 1. The extension would last one year with a

maximum of two extensions.

06

MEET CRSG

KRISTI ADAMS

FILING REPRESENTATIVE

NYC FUN FACTS

New York City’s Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.

Q: What is your exact title?

A: My exact title with Domani Consulting is a filing representative. Currently I am a Class 1 Filing Representative and in two

years I’ll be able to get my Class 2 Filing Representative license. I cannot meet with plan examiners until I pass the exam

for Class 2.

Q: What kinds of problems do you deal with?

A: Some problems I deal with my current position are issues I usually run into at the Department of Buildings. Such as,

when we do a filing some paperwork is missing or filled out wrong and we cannot proceed to file the job until all neces-

sary items are received. Also, there’s only a certain amount of time to complete all work that needs to get processed and

filed. That can be difficult at times because there’s a q-matic system they use at the Department of Buildings and tickets

are sometimes not called or they simply don’t get to them by the end of the day.

Q: The things I like the best about my current career are: _______. Will I find some of those same things if I switch to

your career?

A: The things I like best about my career are being on the field and interacting with people all day long. If an individual

decides to come into this career and is personable they will enjoy the same things I enjoy. Also, if that individual likes

being on the go constantly, this is definitely an ideal career!

Q: Is multi-tasking a skill that is required for this job?

A: Multi-tasking is definitely a skill that is required for this job. There are many different departments in the DOB

(Department of Buildings) and we receive various things to do while there. For example, to do a filing in Manhattan DOB,

first you need a ticket from the q-matic and the filing gets done on the third floor. Then, you have to submit a final con-

struction sign off on the same day, that is on the fourth floor. In order, to get all work completed by the end of the day, it

is best to multi-task and skip from floor to floor constantly in a day.

Q: What are the educational requirements for this job?

A: In order to qualify for a Filing Representative, you must have four years of college to get your Class 1. In order to receive

your Class 2, you need four years of college and two years of experience being a Class 1 with at least 50 filings done

under your license ID number.

Q: Do you find your job exciting or boring? Why?

A: I find my job exciting because you are constantly on the go. Also, I enjoy interacting with people and that’s what we are

during constantly. You learn a lot about the construction business and get further into depth with what certain permits

require.

Q: Does your work relate to any experience or studies you had in college?

A: My work has nothing to do with what I went to college for. I majored in English in college expecting to be a teacher.

However, I ended up at Domani Consulting as a filing representative. I’d say this is a lot different than teaching students

in a classroom. On the other hand, my college benefitted me with my four year degree.

Q: Why did you decide to work for this company?

A: I decided to work for this company because I wanted to find something I would be able to turn into a career. I was re-

ferred by my mother who works for the billing company at CRSG and went on an interview with Domani Consulting.

Immediately, I knew that this job would fit me perfectly and it does!

07

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.

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

CRSG procures the highest quality of services for your project, providing One Stop Shopping

for Compliance, Engineering, Labor and Site Safety services for every phase of the construction

and development process.

Domani Consulting, Inc. This team of experienced compliance representatives works closely

with governing agencies, including the DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks and Zoning

Commission, to provide comprehensive compliance services, from the initial filing and sign off

of a D14 application through acquisition of a temporary and/or final Certificate of Occupancy

and beyond.

Domani Inspection Services, Inc. A leader in the development of inspection protocols,

“Domani Inspections” is licensed by the DOB as a special inspection agency. Its accredited

and certified staff of professional engineers and inspectors are proficient in managing,

performing and navigating the controlled inspection and testing process on all construction

projects.

Domani Technical & Design Services, Inc. This group’s talented architects and design

professionals offer full-service design, analysis and production to meet the needs of your

construction project.

CR Safety serves all of your project’s site safety requirements including safety management,

site safety logistics plans, staffing and training.

The expertise of each of these entities provides today’s owners, construction managers and

contractors with custom-tailored services that meet the specific needs of every project. Our

unique, “One Stop” approach offers an efficient, reliable, cost-effective solution for all of your

real estate and construction needs.

ABOUT US

Don’t forget to check

out our website at

www.crs-group.com

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 agen-

cies.

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 super-

vision and guidance

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

09

DOB INFO

Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Chandler announced efforts

to protect workers and the public by launching new enforcement

sweeps, and requiring new supervision at construction sites

Citywide.

5/3: BOMA– Board of Directors Meeting @ BOMA NY 8:30am

5/10: REBNY– Commercial Brooklyn Committee @ Brooklyn

Army Terminal 8:30am

5/11: REBNY– Residential Brooklyn Committee @ Cushman &

Wakefield 9:30am

5/12: BOMA– Asset Managers Roundtable @ BOMA NY 8:30am

5/12: REBNY– Education Committee @REBNY Boardroom

12:30pm

5/13: BOMA– Codes and Regulations Committee Meeting @

BOMA NY 8:30am

5/13: REBNY– Commercial Upper Manhattan/Bronx Committee

@ REBNY Boardroom 8:30am

5/19: BOMA– Energy and Sustainability Committee Meeting @

BOMA NY 8:30am

5/20: PWC– Transportation Forum: Delivery Methods Panel and

LaGuardia Project Presentation @ Grand Hyatt

NYC 8:30-11am

5/20: BOMA– Preparedness Committee Meeting @ BOMA NY

8:30am

5/24-25: BOMA– Buildings NY Trade Show @ Jacob Javits Con-

vention Center

5/26: BTEA– Executive Committee @ BETA Conference Room

8am

For More Events, please visit

www.crs-group.com

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3

BOMA– Board of

Directors Meeting

4 5 6 7

8 9 10

REBNY– Commercial

Brooklyn Committee

11

REBNY– Residential

Brooklyn Committee

12

BOMA– Asset

Managers

Roundtable

REBNY– Education

Committee

13

REBNY– Commer-

cial Upper Manhat-

tan/Bronx Commit-

tee

14

15 16 17 18 19

BOMA– Energy

and Sustainability

Committee Meet-

ing

20

BOMA– Prepared-

ness Committee

Meeting

21

22 23 24

BOMA– Buildings NY

Trade Show

25

BOMA– Buildings

NY Trade Show

26

BTEA– Executive

Committee

27 28

29 30 31

MAY 2016

10