New York City Council
Committee on Housing and Buildings
Oct 16, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 17 min
Summary
A hearing on two proposed bills:
- Intro 925, mandating annual inspections of steam radiators in multiple dwellings, especially in units with children under 6
- Intro 429, addressing gas piping systems, plumbing regulations, and reestablishing the plumbing licensing board
Discussions focused on:
- Improving safety measures in aging housing stock
- Challenges in implementing new inspection requirements
- The need for clearer regulations in plumbing and gas piping work.
The hearing also addressed recent tragic deaths due to faulty radiators and debated the effectiveness of current complaint-based systems versus proactive inspections.
Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Buildings (DOB), affected families, industry representatives, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez introduces hearing on radiator safety and plumbing regulations
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez opens the hearing by introducing two bills: Intro 925 on steam radiator inspections and Intro 429 on gas piping systems and plumbing regulations. She highlights …
0:00:32
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3 min
Council Member Farah Louis introduces Intro 925 (Ben Z's Law) for steam radiator inspections
Council Member Farah Louis introduces Intro 925, also known as Ben Z's Law, which mandates annual inspections of steam radiators in multiple dwellings. The bill is proposed in response to …
0:03:47
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167 sec
Introduction and background of Intro 925
AnnMarie Santiago, Deputy Commissioner of HPD, introduces herself and provides context for the proposed legislation Intro 925. She explains that the bill is a response to a tragic incident in …
0:06:56
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53 sec
HPD's role in ensuring housing safety
Santiago outlines HPD's primary responsibilities and actions taken to ensure safe housing in New York City. The agency's work encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at maintaining health and …
0:07:50
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70 sec
Current handling of radiator complaints by HPD
Santiago explains how HPD currently responds to and handles complaints related to radiator issues in New York City buildings. - In fiscal year 2024, HPD received almost 6,400 complaints regarding …
0:09:01
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63 sec
Details of proposed legislation Intro 925
Santiago outlines the key requirements and provisions of the proposed legislation, Intro 925, which aims to mandate regular inspections of steam radiators in certain dwellings. - Property owners would be …
0:10:04
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56 sec
Challenges in implementing Intro 925
Santiago details the significant challenges HPD would face in implementing Intro 925, highlighting both technological and resource-related obstacles. - Implementing the bill would be time and resource-intensive for HPD. - …
0:11:02
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86 sec
HPD's position on Intro 925
Santiago clearly states HPD's stance on Intro 925 and provides reasoning for their position. - HPD does not support Intro 925. - The agency acknowledges that defective steam radiators can …
0:12:29
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29 sec
Alternative strategies and conclusion
Santiago concludes her testimony by suggesting alternative approaches to address radiator safety concerns and expressing HPD's willingness to continue discussions with the city council. - HPD proposes focusing on working …
0:12:59
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29 sec
Introduction and overview of DOB's position on Intro 429
Constadino 'Gus' Sirakis, Deputy Commissioner for Development and Technical Affairs at the NYC Department of Buildings, introduces himself and his colleague Tarek Khalil. He acknowledges the opportunity to testify about …
0:13:52
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23 sec
DOB's code revision process and 2022 construction codes
The Department of Buildings engages in a collaborative code revision process involving industry professionals, the NYC Council, and the DOB's code development team. The 2022 construction codes, which went into …
0:14:16
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69 sec
Concerns with proposed changes to emergency work provisions
The DOB expresses concerns about proposed changes to the emergency work provisions in Intro 429, particularly regarding Admin Code Section 28-105.4.1. - The current code allows for emergency work to …
0:15:35
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115 sec
Discussion of ordinary plumbing work and the new Existing Building Code (EBC)
The DOB discusses proposed amendments related to ordinary plumbing work and the development of the new Existing Building Code (EBC). - The department is not opposed to the concept of …
0:17:32
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65 sec
Proposed changes to periodic gas piping system inspections
The DOB addresses several proposed changes to the requirements for periodic inspection of gas piping systems in Intro 429. - The department opposes changes that would require inspections for buildings …
0:18:37
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5 min
Concerns about changes to fire suppression piping work definitions
The DOB expresses concerns about proposed changes to the definition of fire suppression piping work in Admin Code Section 28-401.3. - The 2022 construction code revision project clarified distinctions between …
0:23:59
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64 sec
Elimination of the Plumbing and Fire Suppression Piping Contractor License Board
The DOB discusses the elimination of the Plumbing and Fire Suppression Piping Contractor License Board, which was enacted as part of the 2022 construction codes. - The department argues that …
0:25:03
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66 sec
Issues with proposed changes to cesar and forfeiture provisions
The DOB addresses proposed changes to cesar and forfeiture provisions in Admin Code Section 28-419.1. - The proposal is currently being reviewed during the ongoing construction code revision cycle - …
0:26:10
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30 sec
Concerns about proposed amendments to the fuel gas code
The DOB expresses concerns about proposed amendments to the fuel gas code in Section 101.2.2. - The department is concerned that the proposed language could be interpreted to impose new …
0:26:41
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43 sec
Statistics on radiator complaints and violations in NYC
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the nature of radiator-related complaints and violations in New York City. Deputy Commissioner Santiago from HPD provides statistics on complaints received and violations issued, including …
0:28:19
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93 sec
Risks associated with radiator malfunctions
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the specific risks associated with radiator malfunctions, particularly focusing on air valve issues. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the potential dangers. - Air valve malfunctions in …
0:29:55
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18 sec
Estimates of NYC buildings with steam radiator systems
Council Member Sanchez questions Deputy Commissioner Santiago about the estimate of buildings in New York City that use steam radiator systems. The discussion reveals the lack of precise data and …
0:30:16
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66 sec
HPD's concerns about implementing new radiator inspection requirements
Council Member Sanchez asks Deputy Commissioner Santiago about HPD's concerns regarding the implementation of new radiator inspection requirements. The discussion touches on the potential administrative challenges HPD foresees. - HPD …
0:31:24
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41 sec
Comparison to existing lead and bed bug reporting systems
Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the current systems for lead inspection information and bed bug reporting, providing a comparison to the proposed radiator inspection requirements. The discussion highlights the administrative challenges …
0:32:06
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57 sec
Tracking of safety incidents related to radiator violations
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's tracking of safety incidents related to radiator violations, particularly those classified as immediately hazardous. Deputy Commissioner Santiago provides a brief response. - The council …
0:33:05
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15 sec
HPD's response to past radiator-related tragedies
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's actions following the 2016 tragedy and Benjamin's tragedy. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains that HPD continued its standard practices, focusing on educating tenants and owners …
0:33:21
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59 sec
Number and significance of radiator complaints received by HPD
Council Member Sanchez questions HPD about the number of radiator complaints received and whether this reflects the true extent of defective radiators citywide. Deputy Commissioner Santiago acknowledges that the number …
0:34:21
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58 sec
Investigation of Benjamin's apartment inspection case
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the specific inspection of Benjamin's apartment in December 2022. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the circumstances and outcome of that inspection. - Inspection was prompted by …
0:35:20
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65 sec
Current system for addressing radiator issues in NYC
Council Member Sanchez questions the complaint-driven nature of radiator inspections. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the conditions under which HPD would proactively look at radiators. - Radiator inspections are primarily complaint-driven …
0:36:28
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56 sec
Safety measures for preventing injuries from faulty steam radiators
Council Member Sanchez inquires about safety measures to prevent injuries from faulty steam radiators. Deputy Commissioner Santiago provides limited information on potential safety measures. - Santiago admits to not being …
0:37:25
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31 sec
Qualifications for radiator inspectors and inspection requirements
Council Member Sanchez questions the qualifications of HPD inspectors and explores the requirements for steam radiator inspections. The discussion reveals gaps in the current system and lack of specific qualifications …
0:38:00
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111 sec
Notification requirements and timelines proposed in Intro 925
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the notification requirements in Intro 925 and the feasibility of proposed timelines for addressing hazardous radiators. HPD and DOB representatives discuss potential implementation strategies and …
0:39:57
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155 sec
Current requirements and qualifications for radiator repair work
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the current requirements for radiator repair work and the qualifications needed for various types of repairs. DOB and HPD representatives provide information on the current …
0:42:33
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159 sec
Concerns about tenant safety and Intro 429's emergency work expansion
Council Member Sanchez expresses concerns about the lack of protocols for in-home radiator issues and tenant safety. The discussion then shifts to Intro 429 and the proposed expansion of the …
0:45:13
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5 min
Notification process for buildings without gas piping
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the existing provisions for notifying the Department of Buildings when a building does not have gas piping. DOB representatives explain the process, which …
0:50:24
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138 sec
Access requirements for tenant spaces during inspections
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about proactive requirements for accessing tenant units during inspections. DOB Deputy Commissioner Gus Sirakis explains that there are no mandatory inspections inside tenant spaces …
0:52:44
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66 sec
Abnormal operating conditions in gas piping systems
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks for examples of abnormal operating conditions in gas piping systems. DOB representatives explain various scenarios, distinguishing between hazardous and non-hazardous conditions. - Examples include …
0:53:57
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128 sec
Qualifications for conducting gas piping inspections
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the qualifications required for individuals conducting gas piping inspections, focusing on the roles of licensed master plumbers, journeymen, and other workers. DOB representatives …
0:56:08
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171 sec
Former plumbing licensing board operations and staffing
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the former plumbing and fire suppression piping contract licensing board. Deputy Commissioner Sirakis explains the board's operations, including: - Staffing of about 4 …
0:59:05
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80 sec
Department of Buildings' current oversight processes
Council Member Sanchez inquires about how the Department of Buildings has continued to oversee responsibilities previously handled by the licensing board. Deputy Commissioner Sirakis outlines the current processes: - Thorough …
1:00:26
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45 sec
Industry engagement post-licensing board elimination
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the Department of Buildings' engagement with industry representatives following the elimination of the licensing board. Deputy Commissioner Sirakis explains the current approach: - Regular business …
1:01:17
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158 sec
Feedback on licensing board elimination from trades
Council Member Sanchez inquires about feedback from trades regarding the elimination of licensing boards. Deputy Commissioner Sirakis provides insights on the department's perspective: - Some trades, like electrical, may want …
1:03:58
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60 sec
Vehicle seizure policies for unlicensed construction work
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the Department of Buildings' policies on seizing vehicles or tools used in unlicensed or unregistered construction activities. Deputy Commissioner Sirakis explains the current situation: - …
1:05:05
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3 min
Inquiry about increase in heat violations reported in mayor's management report
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the continued increase in heat violations as reported in the mayor's management report. She notes a rise from 6,211 violations in fiscal year …
1:08:13
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33 sec
Explanation of reasons for increase in heat violations
Deputy Commissioner AnnMarie Santiago provides reasons for the increase in heat violations, attributing it to improved staffing and quicker response times. - Increased staff and faster response times are cited …
1:08:47
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33 sec
Discussion on the impact of weather on heat violation numbers
Deputy Commissioner Santiago addresses the difficulty in accounting for weather-related factors in heat violation statistics. - The intensity and duration of cold weather during the heat season is mentioned as …
1:09:21
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14 sec
Concerns about lack of changes in radiator inspection protocols and gaps in home inspections
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses concerns about the lack of changes in radiator inspection protocols since recent tragedies and identifies a gap in home inspections for radiators and boilers. …
1:09:36
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42 sec
Closing remarks on Intro 429 and preparation for public testimony
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez concludes the session with remarks on Intro 429 and prepares for public testimony, acknowledging additional council members who have joined. - Sanchez mentions issues raised …
1:10:19
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10 min
Testimony by Bessie Kimmelfeld on Steam Radiator Safety
Bessie Kimmelfeld, mother of Benjamin Zachariah Karowski who died from a steam radiator malfunction, testifies in support of the Ben Z's bill to require inspections of steam radiators in NYC …
1:22:50
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4 min
Testimony by Alexander Kuravsky on Radiator Safety Inspections
Alexander Kuravsky, who lost his baby, Benjamin Zachariah, due to a radiator accident, passionately argues for the necessity of Intro 925, emphasizing the failure of the current complaint-based system and …
1:27:14
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134 sec
Testimony by Annie Martinez, President of 720 Hunts Point Tenant Association
Annie Martinez, President of the 720 Hunts Point Tenant Association, testifies in support of passing a bill mandating radiator inspections. She speaks about the tragic loss of two young girls …
1:29:34
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59 sec
Council member inquires about Benjamin Zachariah
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks Alexander Kuravsky and Bessie Kimmelfeld about their son Benjamin, who died in a radiator-related incident shortly before his first birthday. The parents share emotional …
1:30:34
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80 sec
Discussion on lack of progress and complaint process
Council Member Sanchez expresses frustration over the lack of progress in radiator safety since previous incidents. She questions the family about their experience with the complaint process and whether they …
1:31:54
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55 sec
Family explains lack of visible radiator issues
Alexander Kuravsky and Bessie Kimmelfeld describe their experience with the radiator, emphasizing the absence of visible issues or red flags prior to the incident. They stress the importance of professional …
1:32:52
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3 min
Inquiry about specific radiator malfunction
Council Member Sanchez asks the family about their understanding of what went wrong with the radiator. Alexander Kuravsky shares their findings from independent research and consultations with professionals. - The …
1:36:28
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62 sec
Closing remarks and calls for accountability
The council member invites final comments from the family and a tenant representative. They express frustration with the current system and call for greater accountability from landlords and more proactive …
1:37:33
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97 sec
Council member expresses gratitude to bereaved families
Council Member Eric Dinowitz thanks the families who testified about losing their children to radiator accidents. He acknowledges their strength in working to prevent future tragedies during a time when …
1:39:12
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28 sec
Council member criticizes HPD's reactive approach to inspections
Council Member Eric Dinowitz strongly criticizes HPD's testimony and their reliance on complaint-based inspections. He argues that the current system is inadequate and that HPD should be more proactive in …
1:39:41
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78 sec
Testimony by April McIver, Executive Director of the Plumbing Foundation
April McIver, representing the Plumbing Foundation, testified in support of Intro 429, focusing on revisions to Local Law 152 regarding gas piping inspections. She addressed concerns raised by the Department …
1:43:41
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3 min
Testimony by Terence O'Brien, Executive Vice President of the Association of Contracting Plumbers, on Intro 429
Terence O'Brien, representing the Association of Contracting Plumbers, expressed strong support for Intro 429, emphasizing its positive impact on the construction industry. He focused on two main points: the reestablishment …
1:46:59
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3 min
Testimony by John Sullivan, Full Time Instructor at Plumbers Local 1 on Intro 429
John Sullivan, representing Plumbers Local 1, testified in full support of Intro 429. He discussed three main aspects of the bill: changes to emergency and ordinary plumbing work definitions, updates …
1:50:30
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4 min
Testimony by George Bassolino, Member of Master Plumbers Council
George Bassolino, representing the Master Plumbers Council, testified on various aspects of Intro 429, focusing on plumbing work regulations, gas safety inspections, and the reinstatement of the plumbing licensing board. …
1:54:46
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4 min
Council member inquires about licensing board's effectiveness in catching fraud
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks about examples of the licensing board catching fraud or other misdeeds. Multiple participants, including George Bassolino, April McIver, and Terence O'Brien, provide responses highlighting …
1:58:50
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146 sec
Testimony by Melissa Barbour, Representative of Mechanical Contractors Association of New York
Melissa Barbour, representing the Mechanical Contractors Association of New York, testified on Intro 925 and Intro 429. She supported the intent of Intro 925 but suggested expanding the scope of …
2:02:28
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122 sec
Council member inquires about qualified professionals for radiator inspections
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks Melissa Barbour to clarify which professionals, besides licensed master plumbers, would be qualified to conduct radiator inspections as required by Intro 925. Melissa Barbour …
2:04:33
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58 sec
Testimony by Barbara Manu on Housing Challenges and Health Issues
Barbara Manu, a mother of two disabled children, shares her family's struggles with homelessness, health issues, and navigating the shelter system in New York City. She describes how past housing …
2:05:52
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3 min
Council member offers individual follow-up for speaker's concerns
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez responds to Barbara's testimony by acknowledging that her concerns are not directly related to the legislation being discussed in the hearing. The council member offers …
2:09:08
·
26 sec
Testimony by Oksana Mironova, Housing Policy Analyst at Community Service Society of New York
Oksana Mironova from the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) testified in support of Intros 429 and 925, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in New York City's …
2:09:36
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3 min
Council member thanks previous speaker and acknowledges their testimony
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses gratitude for the testimony provided by the previous speaker from the Community Service Society of New York. She specifically mentions that the speaker addressed …
2:12:40
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38 sec
Testimony by Brett Thomason, Political Director of Steamfitters Local 638
Brett Thomason, representing Steamfitters Local 638, testified in support of widening the scope of professionals allowed to inspect and work on steam and gas systems. He emphasized the importance of …
2:13:56
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136 sec
