Margaret Castillo - President's message: Progress at the Department of Buildings

By Margaret Castillo, AIAAny architect can tell you that getting projects approved to begin construction in New York City is a daunting task. There are building permits, of course, but you may also need to visit the Department of Transportation, City Planning, the Fire Department, and with over 100 landmark districts, the Landmarks Preservation Commission before work can begin. In fact, there could be ten or more city agencies that may be involved in the permitting process. At any stop along the way, an agency can raise a concern, which means the project stops in its tracks until you can resolve the issue, schedule another appointment, get approval, and continue down the line of agencies. Also at any point in this process you may be required to go back to an agency to revisit a sign-off because another agency has requested something other than what was approved. But in May, the Department of Buildings launched a new program to make this process much easier. Called "Get it Done. Together," it offered the applicant of record meetings with senior officials at the Department of Buildings, FDNY, DEP, DOT, Parks, City Planning, and Landmarks - and evening hours, no less. They spread the meetings across all five boroughs, so architects, engineers and property owners could meet with multiple agencies in one location, discuss problems with their applications, and get them approved - all on the spot. The project was so successful that it has been extended through June, with meetings every afternoon from 2-5pm. Applicants whose building applications have been disapproved can send requests for appointments to [email protected] (make sure to include your latest objection sheet, AI-1 with resolutions, and Attendee ID information). I would urge architects who are ready to schedule appointments to avail themselves of the service. This program began as a way to kick-start the summer construction season - it is in everyone's best interests to make the most of the summer months, rather than having projects stalled in permit review. However, we here at the AIA New York Chapter are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a comprehensive movement towards reforming the review process at the Department of Buildings and across the city. The New York Chapter of the AIA, through its policy board, has identified the timely review of buildings applications as a critical issue for its members and advocated for a more streamlined process at the Department of Buildings and I believe this is a positive step toward that goal. With the appointment of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, it became clear that simplicity and efficiency are priorities for New York City. I commend the Department of Buildings on this program, and hope that its process reform can be translated into a more permanent model. Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, is the 2011 president of the N.Y. chapter of the AIA, New York, N.Y.