Construction Case Study: ADA Compliance & Specialized Meter Placement
Challenge:
A project in Long Island City comprising 46 townhomes, arranged in three clusters, faced delays due to unfavorable determinations by the Department of Buildings (DOB) in two areas. The first issue was ADA compliance regarding the proposed setback, which, if not resolved, would require costly redesigns, reducing the number of units and/or square footage per unit, potentially halting the project. The second issue involved the placement of gas meters, with the DOB and ConEd requiring the meters to be installed inside each unit, contrary to community aesthetic preferences.
Solution:
Cahill Strategies advocated tirelessly for the project, engaging with the local Community Board and neighbors to address the gas meter placement concerns. We proposed installing the meters on the exterior of the building with a semi-enclosure to prevent tampering while maintaining community aesthetics. Additionally, we worked with the DOB through numerous meetings over three weeks, referencing other projects as precedents to resolve the ADA compliance issue.
Result:
Cahill Strategies successfully collaborated with the NYC DOB, DOT, the local Community Board, neighbors, and ConEd to resolve both issues, allowing the project to proceed. The project is now three-quarters built and progressing well. We continue to consult for this client.
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Cahill Strategies has developed a comprehensive guide to NYC DOB’s new Chapter 33 building code revisions, and we want you to have it in your back pocket!
These revisions, affecting dozens of the most important NYC DOB regulations regarding “Safeguards During Construction and Demolition,” touch on nearly every aspect of the construction process in New York City. And now, since its November 7th effective date, the NYC DOB will expect you to know, understand and comply with every rule that applies to your project.
Thankfully, Cahill’s construction solutions team has analyzed and clarified the most important revisions. Our Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio is himself a former Senior Executive Director and 30-year veteran of the NYC DOB and has served on the very committee that developed these revisions.
Every chapter in our guide shows you “the code you know” and how it was revised, along with a brief synopsis of the revision and why it’s important to your job.