City amended rules to mitigate noise from interior renovation. On October 18, 2018, New York City Department of Environmental Protection rolled out a new initiative to mitigate the noise caused by interior renovation.
Department of Environmental Protection
Fire Hydrants – The Watering Holes of The Concrete Jungle
Opening a hydrant without a permit is a violation that is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail. City fire hydrants may be opened by authorized employees of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fire Department at any time. However, the DEP and FDNY have procedures and guidelines for how residential New Yorkers and commercial businesses can gain access to fire hydrant use for recreational and non-recreational purposes. Almost … <Read More>
Mayor Urges Emissions Reductions for Existing Buildings
Mayor Bill de Blasio calls for emissions reductions by mandating improvements to existing buildings. On June 2, 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Executive Order No. 26, Climate Action Executive Order, to commit New York City to the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement. On September 14, 2017, the Office of the Mayor announced new mandates on building upgrades to implement the executive order. According to the Mayor’s press release, these mandates … <Read More>
Environmental Control Board Finds Post Office Subject to City Jurisdiction
ECB found federal Postal Service not exempted from Noise Code on grounds of preemption. On April 4, 2014 the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation against the Staten Island Main Post Office for operating an air conditioning unit in excess of the allowable decibel limit under the City Noise Code. The Post Office contested the notice with the Environmental Control Board, arguing the United States Postal Service was “an independent establishment … <Read More>
Mayor Announces Citywide Community Parks Initiative
$130 million secured to invest in 35 under-resourced parks throughout NYC. On October 7, 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver announced a $130 million investment in 35 community parks throughout the five boroughs. This is the first phase of a multi-faceted program to support investment in the most under-resourced parks and communities, known as the Community Parks Initiative. The Mayor’s capital budget raised $110 million … <Read More>
Hydroelectric Power Plant to Provide for City
New hydroelectric power plant for City to be erected at reservoir in Cannonsville, NY. On September 16, 2014, Emily Lloyd, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, announced that a standing ninety five billion gallon reservoir one hundred and twenty miles northwest of New York City in Cannonsville, NY will be outfitted with four turbines to generate clean electric energy for the City. This is New York State’s largest hydroelectric project … <Read More>