Thread by @MarkLevineNYC

Recognize scenes like these? If you live in NYC you do.

Scaffolding in NYC is a good idea run amok. In Manhattan alone there are 4k+ of these sidewalk sheds. Some have been up for years, creating a blight in many neighborhoods.

Today we're releasing a plan to rein this in.🧵

We’re calling for measures to help buildings speed up façade work, to penalize bad actors, to have more flexibility in when façade inspections are required, to have better design for sidewalk sheds, and more. #ShedTheShed

Strategy 1: Help buildings do façade work more quickly so the scaffolding comes down faster
* Provide low-interest loans to buildings struggling to complete mandated façade work
* Create an accelerator program at Dept. of Bldgs to help property owners comply with Local Law 11

Strategy 2: Reduce delays caused by permitting requirements
* Expedite façade permitting processes at Landmark Preservation Commission by expanding the
staff available and dedicating a unit specifically to Local Law 11 compliance

Strategy 3: Hold buildings accountable for failure to complete façade work quickly, and to expeditiously erect and remove sidewalk sheds
• Increase fines and civil penalties
* Exercise emergency powers to have the City perform work on bldgs that fail to correct unsafe conditions

Strategy 4: Update Local Law 11 inspection regulations and design standards
* Pass legislation to allow drones to be used to improve the speed and efficiency of façade inspections
* Reform design standards to allow use of more attractive types of scaffolding (e.g.👇)

Strategy 5: Incentivize buildings to do major repairs all at once rather than smaller, more frequent fixes
* Extend Local Law 11 cycles by two years for buildings that complete major façade renovations
* Extend inspection schedules for new buildings made with lower risk materials

Scaffolding is necessary to protect pedestrians & workers. But it's gotten out of control. There are 200+ of sidewalk sheds in NYC that have been up for more than *5 years*.

We can rein this in with smart policy. Read out plan here: #ShedTheShed
manhattanbp.nyc.gov/wp-content/upl…

I am thrilled to be partnering with leaders in the City Council who are already crafting legislation to implement reforms in how NYC manages scaffolding. Thank you @KeithPowersNYC @ShaunAbreu @ebottcher & @PiSanchezNYC.

.@KeithPowersNYC and I had a great convo on @ny1 this a.m. with @JamieStelter & @ShannanFerry.

We covered scaffolding reform and more. Watch here:
ny1.com/nyc/all-boroug…

So I'm told I really need to watch the "How to with John Wilson" episode on scaffolding?