Introduction to Scaffolding Reforms
The New York City Council has unanimously passed a legislative package that would reform the current state of construction sidewalk sheds, limiting the duration of the sheds and increasing safety features. This move is expected to improve public safety and reduce the impact of scaffolding on local businesses.
What to Know
The key points of the new legislation include:
- The duration for façade repairs would be reduced from one year to three months, with new penalties for property owners who delay necessary repairs.
- According to the city data, there are over 8,500 active construction sheds across the five boroughs, with many of them staying up for nearly 500 days.
- The legislation introduces time limits for property owners to submit construction documents and complete the repairs.
Impact of Scaffolding on the City
The presence of scaffolding has a significant impact on the city, with over 8,400 scaffolds currently in place across the five boroughs. Most of these have been up for 500 days or longer, and 334 have been up in the same spot for longer than five years. The scaffolding not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the city but also has a financial impact on local businesses. A city-commissioned study with Mastercard found that sidewalk sheds cost Manhattan businesses between $3,900 and $9,500 each month, with restaurants and bars reporting decreases in weekly transactions in the six months following shed construction.
New Design Recommendations
The new legislation allows for more color options for scaffolding and requires property owners to ensure that the construction fences match the color of the sidewalk shed. The legislation approves metallic gray, white or the color matching the building it surrounds. Additionally, new sidewalk sheds would be required to be higher, with the new bill raising the minimum height to 12 feet. Sidewalk sheds would also be required to have LED lights and duplicate the level of lighting under the sheds.
Reaction to the Legislation
The passage of the legislation has been welcomed by city officials and residents. "When our administration came into office, we said the days of letting scaffolding sheds languish on our streets were over. These eyesores were crowding our sidewalks, stifling our small businesses, and darkening our city; it was time for something to change," said Mayor Adams after the passage of his "Get Sheds Down" initiative. Council Member Keith Powers, who sponsored some elements of the legislative package, also commented, "For too long, our city has been covered in over 400 miles of ugly, dingy scaffolding that impacts the experience of everyday New Yorkers, small business owners, and people coming to visit our city.”
Conclusion
The new legislation is a significant step towards reducing the impact of scaffolding on the city. By limiting the duration of scaffolding permits and introducing new design recommendations, the city aims to improve public safety and reduce the financial burden on local businesses. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on the city’s aesthetic appeal and economy.
FAQs
- What is the new duration for façade repairs?
The new duration for façade repairs is three months, down from one year. - How many active construction sheds are currently in place across the five boroughs?
There are over 8,500 active construction sheds across the five boroughs. - What are the approved colors for scaffolding?
The approved colors for scaffolding are metallic gray, white, or the color matching the building it surrounds. - What is the minimum height for new sidewalk sheds?
The minimum height for new sidewalk sheds is 12 feet. - What is the estimated monthly cost of sidewalk sheds to Manhattan businesses?
The estimated monthly cost of sidewalk sheds to Manhattan businesses is between $3,900 and $9,500.
What to Know
- The New York City Council unanimously passed a legislative package that would reform the current state of construction sidewalk sheds, limiting the duration of the sheds and increasing safety features.
- According to the bill, the duration for façade repairs would be reduced from one year to three months, with new penalties for property owners who delay necessary repairs.
- According to the city data, there are over 8,500 active construction sheds across the five boroughs, with many of them staying up for nearly 500 days.
