As expected, the City Council passed the four pieces of legislation that together comprise the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan.  The four bills – lighting, benchmarking, NYC energy conservation code, and energy audits and retro-commission – together aim to lower the energy and water usage of existing buildings in New York City.

We have previously discussed the details of the bills, but a concept behind two of the bills could benefit from further exploration.

The benchmarking bill and submetering component of the lighting bill each aim to produce something that previously had not been readily available – data.  Information about the energy and water usage of a building and its tenants will now be accessible. (more…)

Recognizing that multiple projects are stalled and that building code and zoning issues often cause delays, the City is poised to announce the creation of a City-wide position to work with developers, lenders and private sector ”white  knights” to navigate the bureaucracy.

A pilot Development Coordinator program has recently been launched in Brooklyn and Queens. The City has already created several programs aimed at dealing with the many stalled construction sites around the five boroughs - we have previously reviewed the new “Stalled Projects Program” and the new DOB Appeals Process.  The new Coordinator Position, which will be City-wide and located in the Mayor’s Office of Operations, will be a key contact with regard to these programs and other development-related issues.

We will be watching the appointment closely – we understand that those under consideration are experienced players with close ties to DOB and the real estate legal community.  Stay tuned for an announcement of the Mayor’s pick.

In a very surprising decision late yesterday, the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court voted 3-2 against Columbia University’s proposed condemnation as part of its proposal to expand its campus into the Manhattanville neighborhood.

The Court questioned the accuracy of the blight study.  The argument that the area was underutilized and therefore blighted was not convincing to the Court.

Additionally, the Court questioned the impartiality of the consultant hired to conduct the blight study.  The majority decision noted that the consultant hired by the Empire State Development Corporation was the same as the one hired by Columbia University.  Judge Catterson implied that there was a conflict of interest and the conclusions of the study were tainted. (more…)

In April, Mayor Bloomberg and Council Speaker Quinn announced the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan – a major package of legislation that seeks to address the greening of existing buildings.  The legislation is intended to reduce energy consumption, minimize the City’s carbon footprint, save money for building owners/occupants, and create jobs.

It is a 6-point plan that includes 4 pieces of proposed legislation and 2 new programs under PlaNYC.  The legislation will impact 22,000 buildings in NYC, totaling approximately 45% of the City’s floor area! (more…)