Tragic Building Collapse Spurs New Building Safety Legislation - Will Your Structure Get A Clean Bill Of Health? |
Often times, tragedy can be the catalyst for change. In the case of the tragic Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida that spontaneously collapsed in June of 2021 killing 98 people, this was a clear impetus for many legislative and regulatory changes put into effect to prevent future negligence and destruction. This new wave of codes and requirements can be seen everywhere from New Jersey to Florida, and beyond. Read our recently published article in the New York Real Estate Journal (NYREJ) for just a few of the recent mandates that have been put into effect.
If you need immediate assistance, or would like to schedule a preliminary inspection to determine existing areas of concern, please feel free to contact us. Our team has extensive experience with garage investigations, Local Law 11/98 (FISP) inspections, and other facade and structural safety inspections. |
A Greater, Greener Summer |
New Yorkers have seen several laws and groundbreaking legislation to move towards a greater and greener New York. In late Spring of 2022, the New York City Council announced new environmental legislation to enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, and protect the environment.
The following bills are included in the new environmental legislation package:
Expanded Benchmarking of Buildings – Expanding the City’s groundbreaking energy and water usage benchmarking law to cover buildings of 10,000 square feet or more.
Accelerated Phase Out of Dirty Fuel Oils – Requiring that no newly installed boiler shall burn fuel oil grade no. 4 and that no boiler in the City, regardless of when installed, shall burn fuel oil grade no. 4 after January 1, 2025.
Electric Vehicle Chargers in Parking Lots – Requiring parking lots above a certain size to have a certain percentage of parking spots either electric ready or supplied with electric vehicle charging equipment by certain dates.
Encourage Community Recycling – Two pieces of legislation, aimed at establishing permanent drop-off points and community recycling centers where New Yorkers can drop off waste, including materials that are not otherwise accepted for curbside collection, such as hazardous materials.
Citywide Curbside Organic Collection – Mandatory citywide organic waste curbside collection program for the diversion of organic waste from residences.
Citywide Greenway Master Plan – Requiring the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Transportation to develop and regularly update a master plan on maintaining and expanding the City’s greenway network.
Tree Pit Plantings – Requiring the planting of a tree or other vegetation in abandoned tree pits within a certain amount of time, to encourage the further greening of the City.
For more details on these new bills, read New York City Council Press Release. |
MEC Summer Project Spotlight |
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This NYC Landmark was originally constructed in 1909 as Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s headquarters. The clocktower, near Madison Square Park, is now home to the New York EDISON, a luxury boutique hotel with a spa, event spaces and a Michelin-starred restaurant, all encompassed by 360-degree views of the City.
Merritt Engineering designed and is currently overseeing construction of facade restoration work relating to SWARMP repairs cited in the buildings’ Local Law 11/98 (FISP) report. |
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REMINDER - LL 11 SUB-CYCLE C Any buildings 6+ stories with a building block # ending in 1, 2 or 3, may now file their 9th Cycle Local Law 11/98 (FISP) report under Sub-Cycle C.
For any buildings with a building block # ending in 0, 7 or 8 (Sub-Cycle B), now is the time to address all SWARMP and UNSAFE items from your previously filed report, as your 9th Cycle report must be filed by February 21, 2023 to avoid any fines or penalties, which have increased significantly since the last cycle. |
For the most up-to-date information, including recent amendments and 9th Cycle changes, please visit our website, or feel free to contact us at info@merrittengineering.com. |
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Florida News - Federal investigation into the deadly Surfside condo collapse |
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology said in a news release that invasive testing, cutting and drilling into concrete and steel to determine what role they played in the disaster, will begin soon. The tests will be an important step forward by helping investigators find potential flaws in structural elements of the 12-story building.
Read the full article published by CBS News Miami. Our FL team has performed hundreds of inspections to confirm safe building conditions and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at (954) 691-0009. |
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How can we help you?
We are currently helping several of our clients get their buildings in shape, coordinating inspections and testing, leak investigations, façade and roofing restoration projects. All projects are managed efficiently by our team from beginning to end and are designed to provide sustainable, cost-effective results. We believe in providing our clients with the quality service they deserve. We would be happy to do the same for you.
Call us today at (718) 767-0923.
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About Us
Established in 1986, Merritt Engineering has become a leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in Façade Restorations, Roofing & Waterproofing, Historic/Landmark Preservation, Design/Rehabilitations and Construction Administration.
For over 30 years, we have delivered customized, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions to properties throughout the United States including commercial, residential, healthcare, government and educational facilities. Today, Merritt continues to build a strong reputation through its commitment to preserving and enhancing our city’s skyline.
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