Page 22 - Nevada Cooperator Expo March 2019

22 THE NEVADA COOPERATOR
—MARCH 2019
NEVADACOOPERATOR.COM
tractor will be fined heavily.”
Vibrations
After demolition, particularly with most oversight responsibility along with
the construction of high-rise proper-
ties, excavation and the construction of vation. In New York, it’s also the Depart-
new foundations will be required. That’s ment of Buildings and the local commu-
where the vibrations kick in. Interesting-
ly, according to Strnad, taller buildings the Landmark Preservation Commission.
are on deeper foundations, so they are Be sure to check with your local govern-
more protected from foundation damage ing authorities if a project is about to be-
caused by next-door digging, blasting, gin near you.
and pile driving. Shallower foundations
might have more serious problems like advice. “Try to develop a good rapport
settlement, and might require underpin-
ning. This is particularly true in places And be aware that your priorities are not
like Florida, where the natural geology the same as the developer. You have to
predisposes the ground to sinkholes. The remember that your priority is to protect
underpinnings used to support these your building and its residents. Some-
structures are in any event similar to re-
medial actions taken to stabilize existing a lot of money on the table and they can
buildings beset with sinkhole problems.
Vibrations often “depend on activity stand your ground politely. Keep board
and proximity,” says Strnad. “We recom-
mend developers install a vibration mon-
itor throughout construction. The af-
fected building should also hire their own
vibration consultant and install a seis-
mograph. Most vibrations are felt during tional insured on their policy, and make
piling work.” Piles are often required to sure their work will be conducted among
stabilize new foundations. Strnad also other things. Make sure you’re represent-
reports that some people – even those ed by counsel to protect yourself.
living in the same apartment – may feel
vibrations differently, with one not notic-
ing and the other severely affected by the
same vibrations.
Pests
Perhaps the most disturbing result
of living next door to the changing face
of your neighborhood is the inevitable
increase in pests that results from con-
struction and demolition work. While we
don’t see them—hopefully—we share our
space with many creepy, crawly, furry lit-
tle creatures. When their homes are dis-
turbed, they seek new ones – and we have
to hope it’s not with us.
“Typically, the developer will hire an
extermination company before demoli-
tion to try to eradicate the pests,” says
Strnad. “Once you start demolition they
will scatter on their own. Pest control
plans start before demolition. Pest control
must be dealt with in an ongoing, timely
manner. It’s not a one-time exercise.”
Getlin adds that “when you negoti-
ate an access or license agreement, cover
this. Also, increase the visits of your own
exterminator, and seal everything up.”
That’s the approach she took when deal-
ing with nearby construction in proper-
ties she’s managed. “The problem is un-
avoidable and an uphill battle, but it can
be fought.”
Governing Authorities
Freedland explains that laws and regu-
lations governing construction are found
in both state and local ordinances and ju-
risdictions. Getlin, Strnad and Freedland
all agree, though, that for the most part
it’s local laws and regulators who oversee
the process. In Chicago, it’s the Depart-
ment of Buildings and the Office of Un-
derground Construction who have the
those agencies governing historic preser-
nity boards – and in relevant instances
In the end, Getlin offers the following
with the point person for the developer.
times that’s difficult. The developer has
be very emotional about it. Know how to
and owners informed and be proactive.
That makes people feel more comfort-
able. This is about their quality of life.”
Make sure the agreement is reason-
able. You should be named as an addi-
n
A.J Sidransky is a freelance writer/reporter
with Th e Nevada Cooperator.
BUILDING...
continued from page 6
volved, and there’s a lot going on in that
space which I’ve seen lately.”
Have you ever had any contractual is-
sues or general resident dissatisfaction
with a provider?
“Because it’s not an exclusive arrange-
ment – and I don’t believe that it is al-
lowed to be – if a provider is not actually
providing good service, condo owners
can always get an alternate service put in.
“But one of the areas where we do
tend to struggle is access, when devel-
opers are shortsighted and install, for
example, phone lines for DSL service in
a clubhouse, and in order to have other
services put in, you’d have to tear up the
parking lot and rewire the whole opera-
tion. Installing conduits for future op-
tions would always be useful, but many
developers don’t have the foresight.”
n
Mike Odenthal is a staff writer/reporter
with Th e Nevada Cooperator.
TELECOM...
continued from page 19
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