Matthew Gagliotta of Allied Building Inspectors Local 211 testifies on inspector staffing
He says the housing plan will increase workloads for inspectors at DOB, HPD, and NYCHA, and asks for increased funding for inspector staffing and equipment.
Good afternoon, Mr.
Chairman, members of the committee.
My name is Matthew Gagliotta, President and Business Manager of Allied Building Inspectors, Local 211, International Union of Operating Engineers.
Local 211 represents New York City's building and housing inspectors employed at the three agencies that will play a significant role in implementing this housing plan, Department of Buildings, HPD, and NYCHA.
Our members'workloads will be directly impacted and significantly increased by this plan across all agencies.
While our members are certainly up to the challenge, and we support any housing plan that will address our city's housing crisis, will this plan and this council take into account
The critical need to increase funding for inspector staffing levels across all inspector titles at all three agencies.
Address decades-long recruitment and retention issues of inspectors.
Provide adequate equipment to carry out our enforcement and
In order for any housing plant to succeed, there must be robust housing maintenance code enforcement, construction safety compliance inspections,
as well as construction development that is zoning resolution and code compliant.
Inspector staffing levels must be addressed for any plan to succeed.
Our members take great pride in ensuring public safety and ensuring tenants have the dignified, safe housing that they deserve.
We look forward to being on the front lines of the housing crisis and carrying out our duties, whether at DOB, HBD, or NYCHA.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Dave.