It looks as though the Department of Buildings is stepping up oversight following the recent construction-related deaths in the city.
Today, DOB Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster announced that the city is looking to hire 67 new employees for “special operations teams” with an eye on improving construction safety standards in the city. The move is part of the DOB’s Special Enforcement Plan that the Mayor unveiled with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Commissioner Lancaster in July.
In an interview with The Observer back in May, Ms. Lancaster spoke at length about bringing the city up to code.
The full release about the announcement is after the jump.
BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER Patricia Lancaster ANNOUNCES
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT PLAN RECRUITMENT DRIVE
$6 Million Allocated to Hire 67 New Architects, Engineers, Inspectors, Investigators, Lawyers, and Analysts to Implement Special Enforcement Plan
Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, announced today a recruitment drive to hire 67 new employees to serve on special operations teams and supplement existing units charged with raising the bar for construction safety standards citywide. The Buildings Department is now accepting applications from those interested in joining the Agency as an architect, engineer, inspector, lawyer, analyst, or investigator, and working to carry out the Department’s Special Enforcement Plan announced by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, City Councilman James Oddo, and Commissioner Lancaster in July.
Utilizing multi-disciplinary enforcement tactics to stop repeat offenders and abuses of construction site regulations, the new special operations teams and staff will initiate programs that expand the Department’s enforcement presence in the field, enhance the quality of the Department’s services, and crack down on builders who flout the law.
“Over the past five years, my staff and I have rebuilt an agency that is now able to operate with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Our hard work has paid off. Last year, a record 116,947 permits were issued for new buildings and major alterations, representing a continued boom in construction in all five boroughs. But with the increase in construction activity, we recognize the need to use innovative solutions to overcome the challenges posed by a growing industry. Join our team to help us enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers and make our city a great place to live, work, and build,” said Commissioner Lancaster.
Since 2002, the Buildings Department has worked aggressively to streamline its processes, improve transparency, and infuse integrity and accountability into its daily operations. From launching programs allowing applications to be filed electronically to making construction job application folders available on its website, the Buildings Department has committed itself to improving the access to services it provides to the public. Building on these accomplishments, the Special Enforcement Plan will further the Department’s mission of ensuring the safe and lawful use of all of New York City’s 950,000 buildings and properties.
To learn more about job openings, qualifications, employee benefits, and career development opportunities at the Buildings Department, please log onto www.nyc.gov/buildings and follow the link to “Career Opportunities.”
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