Advocacy in Albany: AIANY Takes on the New York State Legislature

On 04.28.15, representatives from AIANY headed up to Albany for the annual AIA New York State Architects in Albany Lobby Day. Joined by architects from throughout the state, AIANY advocated for a number of bills currently making their way through the legislature. AIANY supports the Emergency Responder Act and Due Process for Design Professionals, two of the most important items that were on the table.

AIANY members had a series of fact-based and focused meetings at the offices of Senators Squadronand Krueger, and Assemblymembers Glick, Rosenthal, Wright, Farrell, Kavanagh, and Gottfried. The short trip also allowed the opportunity to strategize with our AIA NYS colleagues and fellow chapters. Our work continues back in the city, where we will set up in-district meetings with our representatives to continue to push our agenda.

Pulse Points

• NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora appointed Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, 2011 AIANY President, as Chief Architect of DDC. She will lead the agency’s architectural design efforts. Rick Bell, FAIA, will serve as Executive Director of Design & Construction Excellence, supporting the Chief Architect.
• Expanding on Mayor de Blasio’s One New York: The Plan for a Strong and Just City, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced the new Green Housing Preservation Program. The program will assist small- to mid-sized multifamily property owners carry out energy efficiency and water conservation improvements as well as moderate rehabilitation to improve building conditions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve affordability. Read more about it here.
• AIANY participated in a series of focus groups with the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP), which wanted its customers to provide feedback and suggestions on how DCP can improve its application process. Each group included architects, city employees, engineers, and others who work with DCP on a regular basis.
• AIANY testified before the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission on 05.05.15 in favor of SOM’s proposed renovation of 28 Liberty Street. Read the testimony here.
• AIANY submitted comments on the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission’s effort to address its backlogged calendar. Read the statement here.
• On 05.05.15, the New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises voted to pass the NYC Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone the Vanderbilt Corridor, a 5-block section of Vanderbilt Avenue west of Grand Central Terminal, which would allow the KPF-designed One Vanderbilt to proceed.

Emma Pattiz is the AIANY Policy Coordinator. For more information on AIANY policy initiatives and programs, please contact her at epattiz@aiany.org.