Press Release Archives - #651-96 Signs Bill on Renewal of Sidewalk Shed Permit

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 13, 1996

Release #651-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS BILL REQUIRING OWNERS TO SUBMIT THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS TO THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT UPON RENEWAL OF SIDEWALK SHED PERMIT

Remarks by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani at Public Hearing on Local Laws

The final bill before me is Introductory Number 722-A, introduced by Council Members Duane and Fisher, which would require that the building owner's name and address be submitted to the Department of Buildings upon renewal of a sidewalk shed permit.

Sidewalk sheds are erected around buildings under construction, demolition or renovation to protect sidewalks that remain open to pedestrian traffic. At present, sidewalk shed permit renewals require submission of an architect's or engineer's report documenting the condition of the building being worked on and the estimated completion time of the work being performed. This information has proved, at times, to be insufficient; the Department of Buildings has occasionally encountered difficulties in identifying property owners of buildings where sidewalk sheds remain on the sidewalk beyond the time authorized by the permit. This bill requires all sidewalk shed renewal applications to include the name and address of the owner of the premises. This will assist the Department of Buildings to better enforce removal provisions, and remove unnecessary obstacles to pedestrian traffic throughout the City.

I will now turn to the bill's sponsors; next to any other elected official wishing to speak.

I will now turn to the general audience.

Is there anyone wishing to be heard in support of this legislation?

Is there anyone wishing to be heard in opposition?

There being none, and for reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.