What’s New
NY State has announced that December 28th will be the effective date for the 2010 updates to the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Energy Code. The transition period for the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code will run from September 29th through December 27th. There will be no such transition for the Energy Code.
Recent Projects
- Physical Condition Survey and Reserve Fund Analysis for a 130 unit condominium development located in Mount Kisco, NY
- Safety certification for a commercial sign installation in Pearl River, NY
- Consultation regarding water runoff from a residential structure to a public street in New Rochelle, NY
New Design Competition Aims to Make Temporary Protective Structures Canvases
More than 700 professional artists and designers from 39 states across the country have registered to participate in the urbancanvas Design Competition. This innovative contest is designed to beautify temporary protective structures throughout New York City with creative and compelling public art on or over City-owned property and encourage their maintenance to enhance public safety.
Participants were challenged to create designs for construction fences, sidewalk sheds, supported scaffolds and cocoon systems, which are used to protect New Yorkers during construction. In a dense urban environment such as New York City temporary protective structures are installed at thousands of buildings and storefronts as a safety measure during construction operations. But these structures obstruct the City’s streetscapes and can become an eyesore to residents and pedestrians. The urbancanvas Design Competition Jury will recommend six to eight proposals to the Design Commission for review. Upon approval by the Design Commission, the finalists’ designs will be featured on www.nyc.gov/urbancanvas for a public vote. Up to four winning designs will each be awarded $7,500, courtesy of the Rockefeller Foundation grant to the Mayor’s Fund.
While Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is not participating in this competition, we are available for consultations regarding construction safety, protection of the public during construction, and means for keeping sites usable and aesthetically pleasant during construction activities. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
Lowering Utility Bills Fuels Drop in Building Operating Expenses
Property professionals are reducing building operating expenses to stay competitive in a challenging marketplace, according to a new report from the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International and Kingsley Associates. Reducing utilities costs is a key component. In the last two years, general multitenant buildings have reduced their utility bills by $0.08 per square foot. The reductions are even greater for corporate buildings and government facilities. The report concludes that “a steadfast focus on energy efficiency has become a key element of ongoing operational practice” and will outlast the current economic downturn.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to assist building owners and property managers with lowering their utility bills. Our firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., is a member of ASHRAE, and, as reported in our May 2010 newsletter, was selected to be a pilot member of the New York State ICC/BCAP Energy Code Ambassador program. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.