Request to Revive Old Coney Island Boardwalk

Plans are underway to convert a portion of the iconic wooden Coney Island Boardwalk to a less-expensive, sturdier concrete path. As with many prospective NYC construction changes, there is some resistance to the plan. 

Source: Own Work by Alcmaeonid

According to ny.curbed.com, "Critics of the measure, of which there are many, argue that the wooden portions of the 2.5-mile stretch actually held up much better during Hurricane Sandy than its concrete sections." While the Landmarks Preservation Commission is reviewing the request it could take up to a year to complete. 

What are you thoughts about this preservation battle? Let us know on our Facebook or Google+ page. 

Alan Margolin & Associates is made up of engineering and special inspection experts, offering services from concrete inspection to structural safety and stability inspections. Visit our website for a complete list of services we provide. 

New Sprinkler-Notification Law

Source: Flickr: Day 25: Fire Sprinkler

Did you know that a new law that went into effect on December 3rd, 2014 now requires all residential leases to contain boldface notice as to whether or not there is a sprinkler system installed on the premises? According to habitatmag.com, the joint legislation signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo specifically mandates the following:

1. Every residential lease must specifically note whether or not the property contains an operating sprinkler system.
2. "Sprinkler system" in the instance of this legislation has the same meaning as defined in section one hundred fifty-five-a of the executive law.
3. If an operative sprinkler system does exist, the lease should then also provide exact information as to the last time the system was properly maintained and inspected. 

This is important news for landlords and tenants alike. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

#TrendWatch | NYC Housing Market 2015

What's to come for Manhattan real estate in the new year? Experts have spoken! A few trends we can expect in the months to come include the following:

Price growth will slow in Manhattan and continue to accelerate in other boroughs. There's no doubt that million dollar condos have been popping up left and right. There will be, however, about a 50% decrease in the growth rate. Brooklyn and Queens, on the other hand, will continue to experience an influx in demand - pushing prices. 

Amenities are being put to work. In ground pools and fitness areas are included in rent but rarely get used. To switch things up, events and programs will be used to ensure these spaces are taken advantage of. It's a good way to keep residents for a longer period of time and support good value. 

Making room for roommates. Developers are not blind to the fact that young professionals are gravitating towards the city but without the funds to afford a one-bedroom apartment. To address this need, "micro-suite" models are being created to accommodate three tenants in smaller bedrooms. 

There's a great deal more where these trends came from. For more of what you can expect to see in 2015, visit DNAinfo »

AM & Associates has been providing special inspection engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. For updates on construction codes and NYC happenings, connect with us on social media! 

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New Year, New Project? Choose AM & Associates

We live in a city that never sleeps and neither does its construction! For your 2015 engineering projects and special inspection needs, consider our team at Alan Margolin and Associates. 

Our proactive approach to every project we complete ensures that your work will be completed in a timely manner while safeguarding against costly defects and code violations. 

Open communication has always been key to a project's success and will continue to be so in the upcoming year. Help your project stand out by connecting with us at AM & Associates. For a few more reasons you'll be glad you worked with us, see our YouTube video below: 




For updates on construction codes and NYC happenings in the new year, connect with us on social media! 

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NYC Housing Market Brings Demographic Changes

The NYC housing market is ever-changing and the demographic changes by neighborhood are certainly no different. Between 2000 and 2010 there has been a lot of movement within the boroughs - as certain demographics (categorized by race, age and income) have shrunk in some areas and grown in others.

According to the Citizens Housing & Panel Council, 5 major trends can be highlighted:

1. In 2010, the largest population cluster (1 million residents) includes low-income families and singles, majority-Hispanic. 
2. The black middle class declined by 18%, with an overall 5% decline of the city's overall black population.
3. Majority-white upper-middle class areas have become whiter. 
4. Traditionally diverse areas are becoming increasingly occupied by high-income white, mostly single, households. 
5. Asian populations have expanded into areas preciously dominated by white populations. 

Learn more about these housing market changes here »

IAS accredited and experts in NYC construction and applicable building codes, AM & Associates is comprised of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians and more. Our clients own and manage over 100 million square feet of space in NYC, including high rise office buildings and other major complexes. 

Tips for Avoiding Illegally Converted Apartments

Choosing safe and legal living conditions in New York can be tough if you don't know the kind of requirements to look for. To ensure both the safety of yourself and your family, use these tips below for eyeing an illegally converted apartment:

• Educate yourself on market prices. Rent that seems too low for the area in which the building resides could be illegal. 
• Look for certain keywords in postings. "Basement," "attic" and "flex" are all red-flags for conditions that would not provide adequate exit options. "Utilities included" may also be a sign that the landlord does not want another name connected to the property for maximum occupancy reasons. 
• If the address is not disclosed on the listing or mail can not be delivered directly, the landlord is likely afraid to expose the exact location due to illegal features involved. 
• Never rent a room with very small windows or locked doors. Residents should have access to efficient light, escape options, and all available exits. 

As always, New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 if they become aware of unsafe construction conditions. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

An "Urban Bowl" Penn Station?

Plans for a new Penn Station are in the works but it does require some negotiating with the long standing Madison Square Garden. NYC architects and city planners hope to reveal a drastically improved Penn Station by 2023 which, in recent years, has been an extremely overcrowded transit hub. 

To make this dream a reality, "the Garden would need to relocate to the Morgan postal facility between 28th and 31st streets and Ninth and Tenth avenues." Solutions that do not require the removal of the Garden from its current location are also in the works but sources of funding still need to be discussed. 

For more on the potential transformation of Penn Station visit ny.curbed.com. 

Alan Margolin and Associates is your New York City special inspection agency. For a complete list of services we provide to support a bigger, brighter and safer metropolitan area, visit our website. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.