SENATOR MONTGOMERY & ASSEMBLYMEMBER WRIGHT

CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

Governor Cuomo signed the Construction Notification Bill (S4519-A / A5823-B) into law. The New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) will now be required to provide written notification to adjoining property owners when an application for approval of construction is submitted to NYC DOB.

The legislation also requires NYC DOB to provide proof of insurance and a copy of the permit to owners of adjoining properties thirty days before construction, or demolition work begins except in the event that emergency work is authorized.

“The Governor clearly heard the pleas of homeowners throughout New York City. In these situations, many homeowners spend time and resources they don’t have just to find the relevant information, said State Senator Velmanette Montgomery.  “All too often, our homeowners are left to fend for themselves and I am so happy to bring them some relief with this legislation. I thank my colleague, Assemblymember Wright, our community stakeholders and the homeowners who fought so hard to get this bill passed.”

“This legislation has been a long time coming! In light of the record construction boom taking place in Brooklyn and New York City, this win will help to safeguard our neighbors and strengthen our communities,” said Assemblymember Tremaine S. Wright.

The Construction Notification Bill was introduced after a building collapse in the community several years ago. The engineers and contractors were unaware of a severe crack in the facade, although it was visible to the tenants. As a result, the appropriate precautions were not followed and the building collapsed, leaving several people injured and fourteen homeless. Prior notification required by this legislation would have prevented this incident from occurring.

Additionally, for brownstone homeowners and property owners of older buildings, a neighboring construction or renovation project can cause substantial and expensive property damage. For working and middle class homeowners, this can easily mean displacement or financial ruin. They are often at a loss on what to do and who to contact to get repairs made. This legislation will empower them with information necessary to pursue damages and get needed repairs done.