NYSSPE

2018 Changes to Special Inspections Requirements To Be Offered At The 2019 National Engineers Week Celebration Event in NYC

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By the PEs in Construction Group,  January 2019Lawrence J. O’Connor P.E., L.S., Lead/Technical Assessor of the International Accreditation Service (IAS), the organization in charge of accrediting Special Inspections Agencies will discuss the 2018 rule changes in performing Special Inspections.  The presentation will be given at NYSSPE’s 2019 NYC Engineers Week Celebration Event, which will be held on Monday February 18th, 2019 at the Time Square Marriott Marquis in New York City.

To find out more information about the presentations and the 2019 National Engineers Week celebration event in NYC, CLICK HERE

This presentation will provide an overview of some of the changes made to the requirements and practice of Special Inspectors as well as discuss the affected rules of Chapter 17 of the Building Code.  The 2018 amendment to the rule of section 101-06, Chapter 100 of the rules of NYC affecting Special Inspections can be reviewed in this link.  Topics to be covered include changes to Special Inspections rules including qualifications of inspectors, frequency of inspections, changes to local laws etc. Participants will learn about the sequence and organization of the SI Rule, differences between the prior and current rules, discuss a summary of the impact of the changes in various SI rules, the criteria and classification of Special Inspections, some of the differences between inspection requirements, summary of some of the code sections impacted by the changes in SI rules, and a brief overview of the process of becoming an Accredited Special Inspection Agency in 2019.

The rule changes to Special Inspections presentation will be part of a series of 6 presentations (6-PDH) celebrating Engineers Week on Monday February 18, 2019 with some very interesting topics focused on infrastructure improvements and green/energy efficient measures.  The PE’s In Construction Group of NYSSPE is organizing this presentation series in conjunction with the Association of Towns of the State of New York (AOT) at the AOT 2019 Training School and Annual Meeting.  This will be the Association of Town’s 86th Annual Meeting. The event attracts elected and appointed officials from more than three-quarters of the state’s 932 towns.

To find out more information about the presentations and the 2019 National Engineers Week celebration event in NYC, use the following link:  http://www.cvent.com/d/pbqbmv

Mr. O’Connor has over forty years’ experience in New York as a Civil Engineer working in government, industry and consulting. His career has a broad scope including roles in design, research, land and hydro-graphic surveying, infrastructure management and nuclear power quality assurance.

Since 2010 he has served IAS in several roles. In New York City he is focused on Special Inspections for Building Construction, bringing ISO standards to the building industry in New York. In addition to assessments for the accreditation of 130+ Special Inspection Agencies in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Florida and Dubai, Larry teaches seminars on the importance of Special Inspections and Chapter 17 of the IBC. [Read more…]

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E. will Discuss Autonomous Vehicles at The 2019 National Engineers Week Celebration Event in NYC

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By the PEs in Construction Group,  January 2019.   

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E.  will discuss the pros and cons of driver-less cars at NYSSPE’s 2019 NYC Engineers Week Celebration Event, which will be held on Monday February 18th, 2019 at the Time Square Marriott Marquis in New York City.  Mr. Schwartz will discuss the adaptability of driver-less cars to urban roads and lay out the future of driver-less traffic.  While there are some major benefits—fewer crashes, less parking, and greater productivity while motoring, there is also a need to be aware of the big concerns. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will affect family and work life, business, politics, ethics, the environment, travel, and health. City planning will change significantly as AVs will dominate transportation over the next generation. The streets cape, as we know it today, may be dramatically altered.  Mr. Schwartz will provide an overview of the concepts discussed in his latest book NO ONE AT THE WHEEL which will provide a road map for how to respond to the inevitable changes that autonomous vehicles will bring.  Stakeholders and citizens will need to work together with government to maximize the benefits of this technology while minimizing its downsides.

The autonomous vehicles presentation will be part of a series of 6 presentations (6-PDH) celebrating Engineers Week on Monday February 18, 2019 with some very interesting topics focused on infrastructure improvements and green/energy efficient measures.  The PE’s In Construction Group of NYSSPE is organizing this presentation series in conjunction with the Association of Towns of the State of New York (AOT) at the AOT 2019 Training School and Annual Meeting.  This will be the Association of Town’s 86th Annual Meeting. The event attracts elected and appointed officials from more than three-quarters of the state’s 932 towns.

To find out more information about the presentations and the 2019 National Engineers Week celebration event in NYC, CLICK HERE

Mr. Schwartz is currently President, and CEO of Sam Schwartz Transportation Consultants, a firm that specializes in transportation planning and engineering. In addition to his 1982 to 1986 post as Traffic Commissioner at the New York City Department of Transportation, he has served as an adjunct professor of engineering at Cooper Union, Long Island University, and Brooklyn College.  Mr. Schwartz is also the Inaugural Ted Kheel Fellow at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. Among the many roles he has held throughout his career, he is the acclaimed author of Street Smart: The Rise of Cities and The Fall of Cars, and No One at the Wheel: Driver-less Cars and the Road of the Future (2018). He also pens the “Gridlock Sam” and “Transit Sam” columns in the New York Daily News and Downtown Express.   [Read more…]

NYC DOB and DDC to Address Design Professionals on October 19th at NYC Design Professionals Day.

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On Friday October 19th, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) will provide several presentations to inform design professionals and the construction industry about important design considerations and about conducting inspections in the City, as well as about the recent initiatives by the department. The event will be held at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (NYU-Poly), Pfizer Auditorium, 5 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For more information and to RSVP to the event CLICK HERE.

The full day event will begin with a keynote speech by DOB’s First Deputy Commissioner Thomas Fariello R.A., who will discuss recent developments and an update on the online filing system being implemented by the department. DOB’s Chief Structural Engineer Dan Eschenasy, PE, F.SEI, SECB, will provide an overview of post fire structural investigations by design professionals (1 PDH). Chief of DOB’s Forensic Engineering Unit, Tim Lynch PE, will discuss Building Typology and NYC’s building classifications system (1 PDH) as well as lessons from the recent damage assessments in Puerto Rico (1 PDH). In addition, DOB’s Director of Sustainability Enforcement, Holly Savoia PE will discuss TR-8 energy progress inspections conducted by design professionals in New York City (1 PDH).

In addition, the Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) Eric Macfarlane, PE, M.ASCE, will provide an overview of New York City’s efforts to engineer sustainability and resiliency in the face of Global warming and associated sea level rise projection and extreme weather events (1 PDH). Mr. Macfarlane will discuss NYC’s emissions reduction efforts to date and NYC’s Roadmap to 80% GHG reduction by 2050. Also discussed will be a few DDC projects and case studies related to sustainability and resiliency and 80X20 efforts to preserve and improve the quality of life for NYC residents. For more information and to RSVP to the event use the following link: RSVP to Event.

The presentation by DOB’s Director of Sustainability Enforcement, Holly Savoia PE will include a discussion on changes in the energy code and the continually evolving knowledge base of design professionals in an effort to improve energy performance and sustainable building practices in construction. Strong enforcement and education are a necessary component of this effort, and TR-8 progress inspectors play a crucial part in the bridge between the design phase and construction. The presentation will identify the resources available to design professionals for the conduct of progress inspections with respect to the energy code, the administration process to be followed, lessons learned by the Department of Buildings during a recent pilot study of alteration projects, a discussion of challenges, and what is coming up on the horizon.

The presentation by DOB’s Chief Structural Engineer Dan Eschenasy, PE, F.SEI, SECB, will include an overview of Post Fire Structural Investigations. Material specific methods of post-fire inspection and evaluation will be presented. Following a fire incident structural engineers are called to evaluate the structural stability and condition of the remaining structure and determine the needs for structural repairs. Fire characteristics and the effect of fire on various construction materials will be discussed (steel, concrete, stone and wood). [Read more…]

Engineering Firms Are Invited to Attend, Network and Exhibit at Engineering Expo, White Plains, NY – Sunday April 15th, 2018.

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By the PEs in Construction Group, NYSSPE.

Engineering firms as well as the construction community at large are invited to attend, network and exhibit at the Lower Hudson Valley Engineering Expo on Sunday April 15th in White Plains, NY. At least 40-50 engineering firms, contractors and public agencies are expected to participate and present interactive displays, innovations and exhibits focusing on engineering opportunities for the challenges of today’s economic uncertainties and international competition for engineering services. This is a great opportunity for small to mid-sized engineering firms to network, collaborate, learn and interact with dozens of other small to large engineering entities, agencies, as well as an opportunity to display their recent accomplishments and look for future project opportunities. Attendance to the Engineering Expo is free.

Among the engineering firms anticipated to be participating this year are: Arup; Arcadis of NY; Brooker Engineering; Corning Inc.; H2M Architects + engineers; HDR; Skanska USA; WSP USA; OLA Consulting Engineers; Sikorsky Aircraft; SUEZ; New York Power Authority; The Whiting-Turner Cont. Co. ; Hazen and Sawyer; Divney Tung Schwalbe; McLaren Engineering Group; Provident Design Engineering; Kiewit; STV Group; City of White Plains Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering; Orange County Water Authority. NYSSPE will be participating at the expo and will provide a membership information booth.

NYSSPE members as well as any businesses in engineering, construction and technology to network and join with leading engineering universities to support Engineering Expo by becoming an exhibitor or a Silver to Platinum sponsor of the event. The overriding effort of this event, is to provide a forum where students can meet with engineering businesses and colleges, to get a real understanding of what engineers do, and to also learn what universities might be of interest to them. Your participation (among others) will help accomplish this effort.
Display booths for small engineering and construction firms are still available starting at $300 as well as prime anchor booths for leading firms. NYSSPE will be volunteering and participating again at the Expo and will be presenting their banner and recent accomplishments in a display booth to be announced. To register for a booth or to sponsor, click here

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NYC DOB Invites NYSSPE to Industry Meeting to for DOB Progress Report Presentation

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The office of New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) Commissioner Rick Chandler, PE invited the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) to attend an industry meeting held on Tuesday October 31st, 2017 which was intended to provide a presentation of DOB’s Progress Report highlighting their new online platform DOB NOW that continues to be improved.  Attending the meeting on behalf of NYSSPE were Anthony Fasano PE, Executive Director, Joseph Pasaturo PE, Treasurer, and Rudi O. Sherbansky PE, NYC Regional Vice President.

During the meeting, Mr. Chandler discussed the DOB’s improvements made in reducing the time for DOB to accept development filing (first response) and perform required DOB inspections throughout the City.  The slide presentation by Mr. Chandler showing DOB’s progress report will be available online on DOB’s websites within the next few weeks.

The presentation included statistical charts showing that the average time for a DOB plan examiner to respond with comments/objections to a New Building or Alt Type 1 filing was reduced from 11 days in 2015 to just 5.2 days in 2017.   Alt Type 3 average response time was reduced to about 1 day.  There were no statistics available regarding the total time it takes from initial filing to obtaining final plan approvals.

DOB Boiler inspections average response time in 2017 was about 3.1 days, Construction inspections average response time 2.3 days, cranes 2.2 days, electrical inspections 5.4 days, elevators 2 days, and plumbing 3.4 days.    DOB Complaints response time was about 0.4 days for an A-Type complaint (hazardous) and 19 days for B-Type Complaint (administrative complaints, e.g. work w/out work permit).  There were no statistics available regarding response time for Stop Work Orders and Site Safety Reviews.

The Presentation included an update on DOB Now filing system.  DOB Now is accepting filing of required self-inspection reports for plumbing, elevator, cranes, facades, emergency response and boilers (among others).  In 2017, about 10,000 boiler inspection reports and 6,000 facade inspection reports were filed through DOB Now.    Additionally, DOB Now is accepting filing of plan applications for plumbing, standpipes, antennas, curb cuts, sheds, fences, scaffolds and signs.    In or about December 2017, DOB Now will start accepting the filing of electrical and elevator work online.

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“Joel A. Miele, Sr. Pedestrian Bridge,” renaming approved by City Council

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The pedestrian bridge at 99th Street and 163rd Avenue, seen here, will be renamed in honor of former Community Board 10 Chairman and city Commissioner Joel Miele Sr. Miele lived near the bridge and his son and widow still do. Photo Credit: Anthony O’Reilly, Queens Chronicle

The City Council last Wednesday unanimously approved the renaming of a pedestrian span connecting Old Howard Beach to Hamilton Beach to the “Joel A. Miele, Sr. Pedestrian Bridge,” in honor of the former Community Board 10 Chairman and commissioner of two city agencies who died four years ago.

The law clearing the way for the renaming was introduced by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).  “He was the embodiment of public service who dedicated his entire adult professional life to serving our city and community,” Ulrich said in a social media post shortly before the Council’s vote. Ulrich added, “A special thank you to Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton who spearheaded this effort.” [Read more…]

NYSSPE Co-signs Letter to The Department of Buildings (DOB) with Respect to Proposed Fee Increases

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The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is proposing to add fees for variation of the Construction Codes, the 1968 or prior Building Code, or section 277.16 of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL) for Article 7B buildings; predetermination requests with respect to the Zoning Resolution, Construction Codes or 1968 or prior Building Code; and appeals of objections that were affirmed (click here for information).

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) is in opposition of the proposed fee increases and recently co-signed a letter with several other organizations in an effort to meet and discuss our view with the DOB.  These other organizations include: The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society of American Registered Architects NY (SARA), Architects Council of New York City, Inc., and the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC).

Click here to read the letter. [Read more…]

NYSSPE Awards Project of the Year Award to the New NY Bridge Project

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NYSSPE Awards Project of the Year Award to the New NY Bridge Project Team

NYSSPE Awards Project of the Year Award to the New NY Bridge Project Team

“You know how I operate, all of the plans that come across my desk, must be sealed by a licensed professional engineer.”

Those were the words of Jamey Barbas, PE, and Project Director for the New NY Bridge project as she accepted a special award on June 8th from the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE).

The New NY Bridge, one of the largest bridge projects in the US, was awarded the NYSSPE Project of the Year award, which is selected and presented by the Professional Engineers in Construction (PEC) interest group of NYSSPE.

PEC was honored to present the New York State Thruway Authority, Tappan Zee Constructors, HDR, COWI Buckland & Taylor, GZA GeoEnvironmental, AECOM/URS and Greenman-Pedersen with the 2017 Project of the Year Award at last week’s 2017 Annual Conference in White Plains, NY

The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) is replacing the existing Tappan Zee Bridge with a new 3.1-mile state-of-the-art, twin-span bridge across the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester counties.  The $3.98 billion New NY Bridge project is the largest single design-build contract for a transportation project in the United States. Located 20 miles north of New York City, the cable-stayed span crosses one of the widest parts of the river and will be the largest bridge in New York State history. Construction started in fall 2013 and the project remains on schedule and within budget. More than 6,300 people have worked on the bridge to date. [Read more…]

Safety a Major Theme at the 2016 NYSSPE Design Professionals Day

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) recently held the 3rd annual New York City Design Professionals Day at NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

The day started with an inspiring kick-off speech by New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Rick Chandler, P.E. and was followed by technical sessions from DOB, Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) representatives.

It was clear that the running theme for the day was: SAFETY in engineering…. [Read more…]

NYSSPE NYC Lobby Law Update September 2016 and FAQ

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The above NYSSPE legislative video discusses the 2013 revisions made to the New York City Lobby Law, which may be implemented in the near future. Many engineering companies are concerned that these revisions may hamper their ability to communicate effectively with officials, as they broaden the definition of lobbying.

Click here for a full FAQ on lobbying for architects and engineers and please  comment below this video with your thoughts on this issue, so we at The New York State of Professional Engineers, can consider your opinions and experiences on this issue when we make our decisions moving forward.

CLARIFICATION ON 9-30-16

To be clear the New York City law is presently in effect and in a number of respects parallels the state law.  However, the laws do have material differences.  An engineer or architect must comply with each law on a stand alone basis.  Each law must be independently analyzed to determine whether a lobbying registration requirement (or restriction) is triggered.  This can result in the need for filing in both jurisdictions or solely in one jurisdiction. Efforts are underway to amend the laws to offer an integrated approach statewide.  NYSSPE is assisting in this effort. Currently in New York City architects, engineers, and their respective firms are only required to register with the NYC Clerk’s Office if they anticipate earning or incurring more than $10,000 for lobbying activity.  The New York State threshold is $5,000.  An amnesty program in New York City has recently expired. The statewide amnesty program expires on September 30, 2016. More information about the statewide program can be found at: http://www.jcope.ny.gov/pubs/eblast/Final%20Lobbying%20amnesty%20extension%20eblast%206.30.16.pdf and at: http://www.jcope.ny.gov/Application%20Requesting%20Amnesty%206_29_16.pdf [Read more…]