The Real Estate Board of New York to The Committees Concerning Oversight of Fire, Gas, and Carbon Monoxide, T2020-6922, Int. 1917, Int. 1146, Int. 2151, Int. 842, Int. 1036, Int. 859, Int. 312, Int. 1256, Int. 1459, Int. 1746, and Int. 1341

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The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association representing commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, salespeople, and other organizations and individuals active in New York City real estate. REBNY thanks the Committees for the opportunity to testify on the safety protocols surrounding fire, gas, and carbon monoxide.

New Yorkers’ health and safety is paramount. In our ever-growing and changing cityscape, it is essential we remain diligent in adhering to, reviewing, and updating the safeguards against threats to the public’s wellbeing. To this end, REBNY maintains consistent communication with both the New York Fire Department (FDNY) and the Department of Buildings (DOB), and we regularly support them as an industry partner, reviewing and providing feedback on proposed changes to rules and codes. Most recently, we have engaged on several items, including fire mitigation considerations in construction and retrofit materials, procedures for fire alarm defect remediation, implementation of new carbon monoxide detectors, distribution of Fire and Emergency Preparedness Plan to residents of multiple dwellings, and more. We are committed to ensuring New Yorkers are safe and comfortable in their homes, offices, as well as places of commerce and leisure.

REBNY supports measures that provide meaningful improvements to the life-safety of the city’s built environment in functional and implementable ways. In considering any proposed changes to safety regulations, we encourage the Council to examine how it speaks to the existing requirements as well as consider potential practical obstacles to implementing the changes, including but not limited to operational disruption, availability of labor, and costs. REBNY stands ready to help Council explore equally effective measures that can avoid or overcome any of practicable impediments. 

To read the full testimony and specific comments, please click here.