As the Climate Mobilization Act deadlines quickly approach and our members are searching for ways to pay for these expensive retrofits and other “green” measures, the New York City Council is now considering another monstrous unfunded mandate in the form Intro 1146B. 

 

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the City Council held a hearing on Intro 1146B “the sprinkler bill”, a copy of which is attached. The bill would require all residential buildings 40 feet or taller to be retrofitted with automatic sprinklers by December 31, 2029. Building owners would need to file an interim report describing a plan for compliance one, five and nine years after the effective date or until the reach full compliance.

 

Many experts in this field have pointed out that this requirement would be extremely expensive and intrusive. It would require buildings to install new water lines, open up ceilings and do major work in all residential units. 

 

Access for this work could be problematic if a resident does not provide it. In addition, experts have expressed that the level of safety provided by these requirements is minimal and the costs to comply will be exorbitant.

 

The City Council must be made aware that these unfunded mandates are breaking the financial backs of the Co-op and Condo communities in New York City. We all want to promote health and safety in our buildings, but complying with Intro 1146B would be extremely onerous both physically and financially, with minimal safety benefits.

 

We encourage you to contact your Council Member and express your opposition to Intro 1146B.