Task Force Formed to Restructure Buildings Dept.

NEW YORK CITY-Today Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced the publication of a report and the formation of a task force in order to take the bedraggled Buildings Dept. into hand. The Mayor has also submitted legislation to the City Council that would transfer Buildings Dept. inspectors to the Fire Dept., and conversely, civilian members of the Fire Dept. would be able to inspect buildings and enforce the building code. “This merger will improve the building inspection and enforcement functions by promoting a high degree of professionalism and integrity,” says Giuliani.

Bart Schwartz, president of Decision Strategies/Fairfax International and former head of the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office, will chair the task force. Schwartz has identified several key recommendations to aid in this restructuring, including the institution of anti-corruption measures within the Buildings Dept. as well as staff and organizational changes. Giuliani and Schwartz say they hope to make the Building Dept.’s precedents and policies available to both homeowners and professionals over the Internet.