What new web services or information do you want from the Department of Buildings? The International Code Council is consulting with DOB on Internet services and ABO is meeting with the ICC in two weeks to discuss ideas. Send your DOB wish list to Dan Margulies at the ABO office or call if you would like to participate in the meeting.
Affordability? The State of the Nation’s Housing 2011, just published by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, reported that the median home payment was 52 percent of the median income in New York City in the third quarter of 2007, and dropped to 31 percent in the fourth quarter 2010 vs. 30 and 18 percent nationally. By contrast, in Los Angeles, home payments were up to 69 percent of median income in 2007 and dropped to 30 percent in late 2010.
Commercial builders, architects, engineers and other industry professionals are encouraged to apply for the 2012 Awards of Excellence sponsored by NAHB. The deadline is Aug. 1. The Awards of Excellence recognize achievements in the commercial building industry for remodeling and new construction design, market appeal, energy efficiency, challenges faced during building and overall project success. Any non-residential project or facility in the U.S. completed after Dec. 31, 2009 is eligible. NAHB membership is not required.
Our condolences to ABO member JoAnn Giffuni Wellner on the loss of her husband Kenneth Wellner. The family has suggested donations in Ken’s memory to NYU Langone Medical Center, ED Development, One Park Ave, 17th Flr., NY, NY 10016, attn: Donna Marino or to WNET-THIRTEEN, 825 8th Ave, NY, NY 10019 attn: P. Hayes.
Don’t forget our summer event August 10th at the Hotel Gansevoort; get 25 percent off at GreenPearl New York: Beyond Distress with the code ABOGNY25; and if you are traveling this summer remember to check out the rental car discounts from www.nahb.org/ma