WHEN WILL THE PROJECT START AND WHEN WILL IT BE COMPLETED?
The project is expected to begin over the summer of 2007 and will have a duration of approximately 32 months.
WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF WORK?
Phases 1 and 2 will include the demolition of the building behind the façade and the support of the existing façade. At this time, the building’s new superstructure will also be erected (new steel columns and floors). The last stage of the project will be the interior build-out of the project.
A phased schedule is available here.
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED TIMES FOR CONSTRUCTION?
Work will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Work will mostly be limited to Mondays through Fridays except as required by city agencies for certain types of work.
WHY CAN'T YOU BUILD DOWN INSTEAD OF UP?
We are doing both. Lower level spaces will be used for classrooms and storage space which are not dependent upon, and may benefit from, lack of natural light.
WILL THE FINAL BUILDING HAVE A LARGER FOOTPRINT?
No. There will be some digging during the construction to help stabilize the new structure, but the new building will stay within the same footprint as the old building.
WHAT WILL BE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FROM THE BUILDING?
The project will not cause significant adverse impacts to traffic, air quality, or noise, nor would any applicable city, state, or federal standards be exceeded.
WILL THE BUILDING BE "GREEN?"
Most significantly, the building will be connected to NYU's new cogeneration facility, and therefore it will not depend on independent boilers or the Con Edison grid.
WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR DUST MITIGATION?
The construction company has been asked to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to minimize the dust affiliated with the demolition of the building. Sometimes this is as simple as hosing down the building.
In addition, the back of the building will be covered with tent-like plastic and mesh.
WILL THERE BE STEPS TAKEN FOR RAT MITIGATION?
We will conduct regular pest mitigation as part of the construction project.
HOW WILL THIS CONSTUCTION BE COORDINATED WITH THE CO-GEN CONSTRUCTION AND THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK RENOVATION?
The University is working to coordinate its projects and plans on sending out frequent communications to keep people updated.
WILL THE BUILDING CAST A SHADOW?
A minor shadow will be cast during the winter months. However, we have set the addition to the building back by 20 feet to minimize the shadows cast. Most of the existing buildings in the area are as tall or taller than the proposed addition to 12-16 Waverly Place and already cast much of the area in shadow.
WILL THERE BE GLARE FROM CONSTRUCTION LIGHTING?
New York State law requires lights on the worksite. We will use light coverings where appropriate and a plastic tarp on the rear wall to reduce glare.
WHAT WILL BE DONE TO MITIGATE NOISE ON THE WORKSITE?
We are following the new DEP rules and regulations regarding construction noise. Additionally, we are installing a tarp at the rear courtyard to help dampen noise transmission.
WHAT SECURITY MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN?
NYU Public Safety will conduct regular patrols of the worksite during the construction period.
WILL THERE BE ASBESTOS REMOVAL?
The interior and exterior of the building contain some asbestos that must be removed prior to any demolition and the start of construction. Much of the exterior asbestos is such that it can be removed without becoming airborne.
Interior abatement will have a filtered negative air machine to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely. The University hires only licensed asbestos removal contractors, and adheres to rigorous standards and policies for all abatement projects.
Rules and Regulations from the Department of Environmental Protection concerning the removal of asbestos can be found here.
HOW IS ASBESTOS REMOVED FROM THE BUILDING?
During the removal process, contractors take several precautions to minimize dispersal of asbestos fibers, including wetting the materials and sealing the building’s ventilation system. The contractors place the wet asbestos debris in specially marked bags. Before bringing them out of the abatement area, the sealed bags of debris are washed and then placed in secondary bags that are also marked "Asbestos-Containing Materials". The sealed bags are placed in locked dumpsters before being transported to a secure landfill that accepts asbestos waste. Only the abatement contractors are allowed to enter the abatement area once the project begins.
During the abatement, contractors wear disposable suits, hoods, gloves, shoe covers and respirators. Between the abatement area and the non-abatement area, there is a clean-up/decontamination area where the contractors remove their protective clothing before entering the clean zone. At no time does a worker exit the abatement area without properly decontaminating himself/herself.
Asbestos abatement regulations require the University to hire a third party firm to conduct continuous air testing for asbestos outside of the abatement area, clearance testing after the area has been cleaned up, and before the area may be reoccupied.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED OF THIS PROJECT’S PROGRESS?
This website will be updated during the project and we will communicate with building managers throughout each phase of work. Please click on the website ‘Mailing List’ and enter your email address and click ‘Submit’ to receive notices for website updates. The website will indicate project status, project schedule, and news about upcoming construction activities events. [click here to join the ‘Mailing List’].
In addition, FCM Construction Activity notices indicating upcoming construction events will be posted in the lobby of buildings directly affected by the construction.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROJECT?
Any questions, concerns, or comments regarding this project can be sent by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ link on the FCM Genomics website, by calling the FCM Helpdesk at (212) 998-1001, or by sending an email to fcm.helpdesk@nyu.edu
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