New Construction: OPerA-tic on 16th $treet

The architects over at OPerA Studio have completely transformed 297 16th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) without destroying the street's diminutive architectural scale.  Unfortunately the Buildings Department has dropped a SWO bomb on the job site for demolishing a garage without a permit.  Hefty fines for that as well as failure to give notice of excavation prior to starting the dig. For bearings, that's 297 on the left and the recently gut reno'ed 299 on the right.  We profiled 299 16th Street back in 2012 where you can see more archival before and after photos.

2011:  A mundane "before" photo lifted from one of our favorite Brooklyn photoblogs Street-Level-NYC.   297 seen here wrapped in asphalt shingles was briefly clad in aluminum siding right before it was put on the market in an effort to boost its curb appeal or possibly/probaly to cure an ECB/Buildings violation for a rotting facade.  It worked, as the property eventually sold for $1.2million to current owners.  

According to OPerA's web site they altered and expanded the old building's exterior by creating a new foundation and enveloping the side and rear facades with masory before demolishing the old structure.  Looks like the construction fence is almost ready to be taken down. I think the exterior wood siding will remain natural in color which i think looks pretty, pretty, good juxtaposed to the black glazed brick on the side extentsion.  

From the Architects website

The narrow alley way between both buildings gets walled.  I believe 299 lost all her side windows which must have been tuff to swallow after just finishing $$$ renovating.  The perils of lotline windows....sad emoji face here.  

Definately not your grandma's South Slope!  Architect's drawing for 297 16th Street lifted from their web page defies belief.

That sure is a lot of stairs to scale at the end of the day.

More Plan Porn

From above, IMBY Brand Satellites deliver

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The Price of Life 2015 Report on Construction Fatalities in NYC

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH)

So you want to be a NYC Construction Site Safety Manager?

Site Safety Manager Certification

Step 1: Exam Guidelines

In order to become a Site Safety Manager, you must you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old

• Be able to read, write and understand the English language

• Be fit to perform work authorized by the particular license

• Meet one (1) of six (6) of qualifications listed in Section 5 and be able to provide the required documentation to verify the qualifying experience

• Have completed a Department-approved Site Safety Manager Course training course & OSHA course, if applicable

• Have good moral character so as to not adversely impact your fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Site Safety Manger

Step 2: Applying for the Exam

Candidates must pass a written exam in order to become a Site Safety Manager. The candidate must complete the exam application (LIC41).

The candidate must submit the application with a $525.00 written exam fee, payable by money order only, to:

NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing & Exams Unit – Exams
280 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Step 3: Scheduling Your Exam

After submitting your exam application, you must next schedule your exam.

• If your application is accepted, you will receive an email from the exam administrator in one (1) to two (2) weeks with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are given at several different locations in the State

• The exam is a multiple-choice question test and assesses your knowledge of the rules assuring the safety of the public and property at New York City construction sites

• You will not be allowed to use reference materials during the exam 

• Passing score is seventy (70) percent, if you pass the written exam you will be notified at the testing location the day of the exam

Step 4: Background Investigation

In order to become a Site Safety Manager, you must also successfully pass a background investigation.

After successfully passing the Site Safety Manager examination, you must call the Licensing & Exams Unit at (212) 393-2259 to schedule an appointment. Candidates without appointments will not be seen.

You must bring to your appointment the completed Background Investigation Questionnaire, all supporting documentation of qualifying work and training experience along with Experience Verification Forms filled out by your immediate supervisor(s) for all your relevant work experience. You will also need to bring the below documents to your appointment:

• LIC2 license application

• LIC34 if applicable

• Background Investigation Questionnaire

• Notarized Supplemental Investigation Questionnaire

• Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years you are claiming as experience
  Note: Experience Verification Forms from company Human Resources will not be accepted

• Social Security History of Earnings for the years you are claiming as experience
  Note: There is a fee charged by the Social Security Administration for this service. You must request the report to be run by 'company name.' You may request the information by mail or in person (ordinarily you can receive this instantly in person). Visit the Social Security Administration for more information

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation card and certificate from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) (if applicable)

• Photo ID (Driver's License or Non Driver's License ID Card)

• Original Social Security Card

• Original birth certificate, current passport or green card

• Latest paystub orW-2 Statement

• Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person with whom you are residing
  Note: Cell phone bills will not be accepted

• Two (2) passport sized photographs

• 18 months on-the-job training program documentation

• Monthly summaries specifying the nature of construction activity engaged at the location each month, completed by supervising site safety manager

• Apprenticeship Course documentation

• Certificate of Completion from the company

• Certificate of Completion from NYS

• Apprenticeship Completion card

• 40-Hour Site Safety Manager course certificate

• OSHA Course Certificate (if applicable)

• Child Support Certification Form

• $500.00 Background Investigation Fee

Note:  If you fail to answer any questions on your background investigation questionnaire or do not submit all the required supporting documentation (including, but not limited to: social security history of earnings statement, certificate of completion of required course(s), employment verification forms from all employers being used towards qualifying experience; and copies of your driver's license, social security card, and exam report) your background will be returned, delayed, or denied.

A major building is defined as an existing or proposed building that:

1. Is 10 or more stories
2. Is 125 feet or more in height
3. Has a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or more, regardless of height
4. Is Designated by the Commissioner

Step 5: Obtaining the License Card

Once you have passed the necessary exam and submitted all the necessary paperwork, you need to obtain your Site Safety Manager License.

• If you successfully pass the written examination and the background investigation, you will be notified in writing by the Department's Licensing & Exams Unit stating you are eligible for a Site Safety Manager License.

• You have one (1) year from the date of that letter to submit the required documents for your license. If you do not complete the process within one (1) year of the date on the letter, you will be required to retake the examination.

• You can make an appointment to apply for a license by calling the Licensing & Exams Unit at (212) 393-2259 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Requirement		Documentation
A	Be a New York State Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, have three (3) years of experience supervising the construction or demolition of major buildings (as defined in BC Chapter 33) within 10 years prior and has satisfactorily completed a Buildings approved 40-hour Site Safety Manager Course, within one year prior to application.	Copy of certification as a New York State Licensed Professional Certificate of Completion of the required course For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for three years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
B	Has a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and has three (3) years of experience supervising construction or demolition of major buildings as the term major building is defined in BC Chapter 33 of the New York City Building Code, and within one year prior to application has satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Site Safety Manager Course.	A valid "Certified Safety Professional" paper certificate and active wallet card must be submitted as proof of being certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for three years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above) Certificate of Completion of the required course
C	Has eight (8) years of construction supervision experience within 10 years prior to application including 5 years supervising the construction or demolition of major buildings (as defined in BC Chapter 33) and has satisfactorily completed a Buildings approved Site Safety Manager 40-hour course within one year prior to application	Certificate of Completion of the required course For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for five years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
D	Has completed a full time paid 18 month on-the-job training program working on major buildings (as defined in BC Chapter 33) under the direct and continuing supervision of a certified Site Safety Manager engaged in site safety work; and has within one year prior to application, satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Department-approved Site Safety Manager Course AND within two years prior to application completed a 30-hour OSHA safety course.	For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings The site safety log or other contemporaneous record that has 18 detailed monthly summaries of the trainee's activities indicating site safety work and precisely describing the nature of construction activities the trainee was engaged in; The training program must include at least four (4) months of training in soil and foundation work and at least four (4) months of training in structural erection Certificate of Completion of the required courses (SSM and OSHA)  Employment verification forms from the certified Site Safety Manager for whom you worked under his/her direct and continuing supervision, stating that you successfully completed the on-the-job training program, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames working with major buildings (see definition above) 18 month on the Job Certificates and Course Approval letter
E	Have eight (8) years of experience within ten (10) years prior to the date of the application as a Building Code enforcement official charged with enforcement of the provisions of the New York City Building Code. The enforcement included inspections of major buildings under construction or demolition and thus this basis for qualification excludes officials whose primary role is to perform inspections of occupied or vacant buildings; and has within one year prior to application, satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Department-approved Site Safety Manager Course AND within two (2) years prior to application date, has completed a 30-hour OSHA safety course	Certificate of Completion of the required courses (SSM and OSHA) For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings* Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
	Have eight (8) years of field experience working on buildings within ten (10) years prior to the date of the application as a safety official for a governmental entity or construction firm or as a safety manager or safety engineer for a safety consulting firm specializing in construction or demolition. The experience includes four (4) years of relevant work on major buildings under construction or demolition; or and has within one year prior to application, satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Department-approved approved Site Safety Manager Course AND within two (2) years prior to application date, has completed a 30-hour OSHA safety course	Certificate of Completion of the required courses (SSM and OSHA) For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for five years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
	Have successfully completed a New York State Apprenticeship Program for Site Safety Manager approved by the Department; and approved Site Safety Manager course, satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Department-approved approved Site Safety Manager Course ANDwithin two (2) years prior to application date, has completed a 30-hour OSHA safety course	Certificate of Completion of the required courses (Apprenticeship, SSM, OSHA) A valid Apprenticeship program card and Department course approval letter, if applicable. For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for five years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
	Have ten (10) years of experience within twelve (12) years prior to the date of the application working in a relevant construction trade with plans in furtherance of building construction or demolition, five (5) years of which were on major buildings under construction or demolition and three (3) of those five (5) years were in an on-site supervisory position. satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Department- approved Site Safety Manager Course AND within two (2) years prior to application date, has completed a 30 hour OSHA safety course	Certificate of Completion of the required courses (SSM and OSHA) For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for five years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)
F	Has three years of experience as a Department certified site safety coordinator and within one year prior to application has satisfactorily completed a 40-hour Buildings-approved Site Safety Manager course	Certificate of Completion of the required courses (SSM and OSHA) For each year of experience that counts towards your years of experience you must submit your Social Security History of Earnings.* Employment verification forms from your immediate supervisor(s) for all experience being used as qualifying employment including dates of employment, titles held, daily duties, specific addresses and time frames for years of experience working with major buildings (see definition above)

How To

• Site Safety Manager Renewal Certification

Forms

• Background Investigation Questionnaire

• Child Support Form

• Experience Verification Form

• LIC2 Application & LIC2 Instructions

• LIC34

• LIC41

• Supplemental Investigation Questionnaire
  
  
  

Helpful Links

• Printer Friendly Version

• Department Approved Course Providers

Construction Supervisors to be required on all major projects under 10 Stories. Fines Quadrupled.

Amid Record Construction Boom, Mayor de Blasio Increasing Penalties for Safety Hazards, Launching New Enforcement Sweeps

February 12, 2016

Penalties for safety lapses to be quadrupled, now up to $10,000

Massive proactive enforcement sweep will target 1,500 sites over the next 90 days

City hiring 100 more inspectors, mandating construction superintendents at projects under 10 stories

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler today announced that they will quadruple the penalties for serious construction-safety lapses, conduct a wave of more than 1,500 enforcement sweeps, and require new supervision at construction sites citywide to protect workers and the public amid the record building boom.

To make sure builders cannot profit by skirting safety rules, the City is raising the penalties for serious safety lapses from $2,400 to $10,000, and the penalty for lacking a construction superintendent will increase from $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Construction has surged more than 300 percent since 2009, contributing more jobs and more housing to New York City, but leading to an increase in preventable construction-related injuries and fatalities.

“No building is worth a person’s life. We have a responsibility to keep the men and women who are building New York City safe. We are ramping up inspections and oversight to make sure that our workers have added protections. We do not accept any loss of life in this business as inevitable or acceptable,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We won’t tolerate contractors who cut corners and recklessly increase the risks of construction work. We’re quadrupling the penalties for the most frequent safety lapses, sweeping contractors with poor safety records at projects of less than 10 stories – where nearly three quarters of accidents occurred last year – and increasing oversight at these sites,” said Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler. “Our investigations routinely reveal that accidents could have been prevented if contractors simply followed existing safety rules. We’re determined to change the mindset that safety violations are simply the cost of doing business.”

The actions announced today are part of a $120 million modernization underway at the DOB that will increase oversight of higher-risk sites, conduct proactive enforcement sweeps at sites that have a history of serious violations or stop-work orders, and require a construction superintendent on all new construction and major renovations of buildings under 10 stories – which historically have had less oversight. These actions build upon sweeps the DOB conducted last fall that shut down more than 500 construction sites citywide.

Smaller job sites, historically subject to less oversight, were responsible for the majority of workplace accidents last year. 70 percent of construction-related accidents in 2015 took place at sites smaller than 10 stories.

Under the new policies:

Fines quadrupled for safety lapses: The DOB will increase from $2,400 to $10,000 the penalties for serious failures to safeguard construction sites. DOB inspectors routinely issue multiple such violations following a construction accident. In addition to higher penalties and stopping work, the DOB will aggressively seek to suspend or revoke licenses/registrations of Site Safety Managers, Site Safety Coordinators, Construction Superintendents and other licensees involved in unsafe construction practices.

Sweeps of high-risk construction sites: This week, the DOB began sweeping contractors with poor safety records who are working on buildings under 10 stories. Last year, a disproportionate number of accidents occurred at these sites. The DOB will also sweep all construction sites over 15 stories. All told, 1,500 job sites will be swept in the next 90 days. During the sweep, inspectors will be looking for failures to use proper safety equipment, install guardrails or remedy trip hazards, among other infractions.

Increase supervision at smaller projects: By July, the DOB will require construction superintendents for all major construction projects at buildings under 10 stories – not simply new construction, as currently required. Superintendents will now have to review sites daily and log all safety information. Contractors who fail to comply will be issued stop-work orders and penalties from $5,000 to $25,000 for repeat infractions or other proactive enforcement measures, as necessary.

Increased investments in safety: By this summer, the DOB will hire 100 new enforcement inspectors as part of the $120 million modernization outlined in its Building One City plan. In addition, the DOB is significantly enhancing its information technology and data analytics capabilities to identify and punish bad actors, target buildings that pose a threat to public safety, and penalize unsafe and corrupt behavior in the construction industry.

“New York City’s building boom is a sign of its growing vitality, but it also presents hazards. My district, which spans from the Hudson Yards to the Lower East Side, is home to much of this construction and, unfortunately, some of its related accidents – just two weeks ago a 55-year old worker was critically injured after falling from a building in my district. I’m grateful to Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Chandler for proposing robust new safety standards to help ensure the well-being of construction workers and neighboring residents alike,” said State Senator Brad Holyman.

“Ensuring that enforcement efforts are up to the challenge of preventing dangerous conditions and activities at construction sites has been a major concern in our city for a long time,” said Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh. “I want to thank Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Chandler, and all who have advocated for increased safety standards for taking serious steps today to protect New Yorkers in our communities and on the job. We should never willingly accept deaths or serious injuries as a cost of doing business.”  

“These enforcement changes are a great step towards helping ensure that the constant development in New York is not at the expense of the safety of our residents. I thank the Mayor for implementing these changes,” said Assembly Member Deborah Glick.

“Increased oversight and harsher penalties are absolutely necessary to create safer construction sites,” said Council Member and Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings Jumaane D. Williams. “Safety can't be ignored because of a construction boom or for developers who want to take short-cuts. I’m proud of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee’s work with the administration to address this, and today we are taking a good step forward.” 

“Increased oversight of high-risk worksites and tougher penalties will go a long way to ensure the safety of both residents and workers who are on the front lines of an unprecedented construction boom,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “As the recent fatal crane collapse in my district demonstrated, the need for increased fines, safety sweeps and oversight is more important than ever to keep New Yorkers safe. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Chandler for rising to the challenge presented by a record number of construction projects across our city.”

“As the representative of a community that has recently experienced a building collapse, I constantly hear from homeowners who are afraid that nearby construction is jeopardizing the structural integrity of their properties and their families’ safety. These resources are sorely needed to protect all New Yorkers and, in particular, workers on these sites,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.

“Only by stopping noncompliant construction jobs, pulling licenses and making referrals for criminal prosecutions can we address serious site safety hazards,” said Council Member James Vacca. “I’m glad the Department of Buildings is taking steps to address the various safety concerns that have recently come to light. Increasing the penalties that property owners pay for serious violations will hopefully force them to take safety more seriously. Conducting a comprehensive sweep of active construction sites is also a common sense action that should save lives. I look forward to seeing these changes implemented and hope that they lead to fewer construction disasters.”

“I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler for taking immediate steps to ensure that any construction work in this city is taking place with the appropriate safety measures. Construction work is never easy, but more so in a City that is heavily populated and is already comprised of numerous tall buildings. The actions taken by the Mayor, including the frequent required inspections, will make New York City safer for our construction workers and our residents,” said Council Member Rosie Mendez.

“The extraordinary building boom underway in New York City has taken an unacceptably high toll on the men and women laboring day in and day out in the construction trades. No one should ever have to fear for their life when they step onto a job site. I applaud the Mayor for dramatically stepping up fines, inspections and enforcement in the construction industry, so that unsafe conditions are corrected and problem work sites are shut down – without exception,” said Council Member Mark Levine.

“Community Board 3 applauds the Department of Buildings and the City for the strong new initiatives to protect construction workers. We have seen a substantial increase in construction, and many of our construction sites fall into the less-than 10-stories category. The increase in fines and increase of 100 new enforcement inspectors will be a significant step to protect construction workers, which is the first and primary concern for these sites. The holistic new approach in enforcement of going beyond violations to stop jobs to prevent accidents will make safety the highest priority on these sites, as it should be,” said Gigi Li, Chair of Community Board 3.

“The Building Trades Employers Association stands ready to work in partnership with the Mayor to ensure that all construction sites remain safe for all New Yorkers,” said Louis Coletti, President and CEO of Buildings Trades Employers Association.

“With a record amount of construction in New York City, it is important that the Department and the construction industry work together to make certain that all projects are built using the best practices the industry has to offer,” said Denise Richardson, Executive Director of the General Contractors Association. “We support the City’s efforts to make certain that all regulations are appropriate to the work being performed and are known, understood and followed by all involved in the project.”

“As President of an association whose safety managers ensure safety at major construction sites I applaud the administration’s efforts to ensure the safety of work sites for the workers and the general public,” said Michael Arvanites, President of the Safety Professional Association.

DOB’s Expanded Safety Campaign:

• Increased penalties for “failure to safeguard all persons and property affected by construction operations.” 
  • Class 1 fines to increase from $2,400 to $10,000.
  • Class 2 fines to increase from $1,200 to $5,000.
  • New fines to go into effect in 90 days.
  • DOB to seek license suspensions/revocations for those who engage in unsafe practices.

• 90-day, 1,500-site sweep of problem contractors and high-risk projects. 
  • Contractors with multiple stop-work orders or serious violations at buildings under 10 stories. 
    • More than 1,000 job sites to be swept in this category
  • All buildings over 15 stories. 
    • More than 500 sites to be swept in this category. 
  • Personnel agency-wide will participate to enhance reach.

• Requiring construction superintendents at high-risk jobs under 10 stories. 
  • In 2015, 70 percent of accidents occurred at these sites. 
  • New DOB rule to be enacted in July.
  • Contractors will be given a window in which to comply; afterward, failure to comply will result in a stop-work order and penalties from $5,000 up to $25,000 for repeated infractions.
  • Superintendents will be required not only for new construction or full demolitions, but also major alterations, partial demolitions and other high-risk jobs.

• DOB hiring 100 new enforcement inspectors by this summer.

Construction Activity and Safety, by the Numbers:

• New York City construction volume up sharply. 
  • 329 percent increase since 2009. 
    • 2009: 21 million square feet of new construction.
    • 2015: 88 million square feet of new construction.
  • 517 percent increase in new housing units since 2009. 
    • 2009: 10,054 new units.
    • 2015: 62,040 new units.

• Construction volume has driven accident increases. 
  • Accidents up 98 percent since 2009. 
    • 2009: 218 accidents.
    • 2015: 433 accidents.
  • However, accident increase lags construction increase.

• Fatal injuries are up nationwide since the peak of the last construction boom in 2008 (BLS data). 
  • But they remain down in New York City (DOB data). 
    • 2008: 19 fatalities.
    • 2015: 11 fatalities.

Emergency Sewer Repairs for 16th Street

Brooklyn:  16th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues

Photos of the emergency sewer repairs done to our block started the last week of September and continued for about three weeks.  Small sinkholes had formed in the street over the summer.  The blacktop paving had caved in revealing a subsurface void a few feet deep in two places along the block..  

The contractors worked very fast and efficiently first slicing two parallel lines down the middle of the street with a large diamond bladed wet saw then removed the black top and shored and excavated some ten feet or so to the sewer line depth.  They installed this red clay pipe with a rubber gasket in the flange starting on the Seventh Avenue end of 16th Street and worked in sections up the block towards Eighth Avenue..  Once this pipe was installed and the branches were connected to each house line the completed section was encased in concrete.  

Part of the evacuation occurred during that big rain storm the first week of October so it was important that the shoring was done effectively.  It is impressive to watch them install the shoring as the heavy massive timbers are obviously reused after each job and have to be altered every time they are installed on a new job site.  

The orange spray painted  "W" and "G" indicate where water and gas lines cross over the path of the excavated trench.

 Needless to say there was no parking allowed on the block for the entire construction time which stressed  the Park Slope South automotive community  causing it to be thrown into "an unnatural imbalance"  which led to overly aggressive predatory competition for fewer spots.  I personally witnessed several episodes of cannibalism amongst otherwise friendly inhabitants. Not sure how or if this turmoil  affected the suicide rate amongst middle age white males with four or more years of college.

Completed section on the right showing new clay pipe set in concrete.  Water and gas lines crossing the trench

Water and Sewer lines exposed

Filling in the trench.