Work scopes in this area may include: installing new basins, faucets, safe (GFCI) outlets, lighting, electrical lines, and bathroom ventilation; installing new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and low-flow toilets, stall doors and walls, plumbing, and tile/equivalent material flooring; installing accessible grab bars with textured finish; accessories such as toilet paper dispensers, paper towel dispensers and receptacles; coat hooks; soap dispensers; hand dryers; baby changing tables; sanitary product dispensers; and repainting and refinishing plasterwork.
Stairwell & Hallway – Work scopes in this area may include: installing new walls and plasterwork/drywall; installing upgraded lighting and electrical panels, lines, and receptacles; and repairing and/or replacing flooring, ceilings, window and door frames, and molding.
Lobby – Work scopes in this area may include: installing new walls and plasterwork/drywall; installing upgraded lighting and electrical panels, lines, and receptacles; and repairing and/or replacing flooring, ceilings, window and door frames, and molding.
Laundry – All developments should have access to on-site laundry facilities. NYCHA prefers community laundry facilities where older facilities are not in use or where space can be repurposed for community laundry facilities. Identify locations and ensure that all buildings have convenient laundry access where per-building laundry facilities are infeasible.
Office / Retail – Work scopes in this area may include: converting a space into office space; installing new walls and plasterwork/drywall; installing upgraded lighting and electrical panels, lines, and receptacles; and repairing and/or replacing flooring, ceilings, window and door frames, and molding.
Baseline
Provide a custodial/janitor closet that contains a slop sink or floor mop sink, shelves, floor drain, hose bib, at least (1) electrical outlet, sufficient lighting, and ventilation in common areas.
Incorporate resident input on the design of Lobbies, Stairwells, and Halls. [COMPMOD]
Stairwell
For stairwells, note that stairwells in NYCHA buildings, especially mid- to high-rise, can be undermaintained and underused. It is important during stairwell upgrades to try wherever possible to make the stairwells as user-friendly and inviting as possible, including improving lighting, ensuring doors have the maximum size vision panel allowed by the required fire rating, bright finishes including resilient floor and tiles, ADA compliant railings. Consider poured urethane or epoxy flooring where traffic can be paused to allow installation. Lighting can also be installed on a motion sensor for energy savings, although the stairhalls should be lit at all times.
Hallway
Resilient flooring tiles are acceptable for hallways and upper-floor lobbies. Verify resilient tiles are not vinyl based.
Community Center
Incorporate resident and provider input into design of Community Centers. [COMPMOD]
Lobby
Lobbies should be accessible and include a vestibule unless a vestibule would drastically impair sightlines necessary for security.
First-floor lobby materials must be appropriate for heavy foot traffic–NYCHA prefers terrazzo and quarry tiles. Ceramic tile can also be used, unglazed, with slip-resistant surfacing. Larger tiles (12 x 12) are preferred, to prevent undue cracking, settling, and minimize grout joints. Ensure the lobby flooring materials are installed over a stable, smooth, level substrate. In a renovation wherever possible the entire floor should be replaced or upgraded to avoid new flooring butting against old flooring.
Entrances should be accessible and include canopies, security lighting, and address signage.
If residents will be relocated temporarily, provisions must be made for mail pickup which does not require entry back into the building. [COMPMOD]
Mailboxes should be installed in accordance with NYCHA details and specifications. The latest USPS mailbox standards should be used, including full size mailboxes, ADA height requirements, and parcel boxes. At least three-pin mailbox locks should be used. Install vandal-resistant trim at the outside of the enclosures and all seams. Mailboxes should be located in the lobbies, in visible areas within the view of CCTV cameras if installed. Boxes should be numbered. No resident names should be listed.
Use heavy-duty non-proprietary door hardware for entrances. For entrance and exit doors the hardware should comply with the current NYCHA standards for layered access. [COMPMOD]
Lesson Learned: proprietary hardware is often more durable but has caused ongoing problems and delays for repair and maintenance.
Laundry
Where possible, locate community laundry facilities on the ground floor, basements are not ideal.
Community laundry facilities should include commercial washers and dryers with required ventilation, electrical, and water supply to meet all NYC Building Codes, Fire Codes, and ventilation requirements.
Contain dedicated electrical panels.
Have floor drains in case of washer overflow or water leaks.
Have durable finishes. Flooring shall be skid and slip-resistant, waterproof, able to tolerate high levels of foot and cart traffic, anti-microbial where possible, and resistant to bleach, detergent, and other cleaning agents.
Contain at least one commercial-grade slop sink.
All laundry machines require a dedicated 220V/20A outlet for electrical supply.
Most commercial laundry machines need a 3-phase + N power supply.
Most commercial washing machines need to be raised above the floor to achieve a long enough fall into the main drain.
All commercial tumble dryers require exhaust ducting to the atmosphere, which means that your community laundry facility should be in an area of the building with at least one external wall. This wall should not be part of the front elevation of the building and is better suited to the rear or a dedicated ‘service’ area.
Type 2 clothes dryers shall be equipped or installed with lint-controlling means.
The exhaust system shall operate continuously or be interlocked with the exhaust system when a clothes dryer is in operation.
Make-up air shall be provided via fixed, vented louvers in an external wall.
Stretch
Community Center
Include warming pantries which are a coveted feature of Community Centers. [COMPMOD]
Lobby
If an entrance does not have a vestibule, or there isn’t room for an interior vestibule, it may be possible to enclose the area under existing entrance canopies with stainless steel or aluminum thermally broken frames to create vestibules to reduce heat loss in lobbies. Note that the new enclosure would need to comply with ADA access clearances, NYCHA security glazing, and layered access intercoms and hardware. If the new enclosure extends to the edge of the existing canopy, it would be desirable, if possible, to extend the canopy at least 24” over the new doors for weather protection for the users. [COMPMOD]
Upgrade Mailboxes to current accessible standards. [COMPMOD]
Replace gas powered tumble dryers with electric heat-pump tumble dryers.
Consider the installation of Mechanical Dryer Venting System with Make-up Air Supply (MDVS & MCAS) and the associated control panels.
Consider installation of Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS).
Where possible provide dedicated closets for stackable in-unit washer/dryer. The dedicated closet should have a 220V/20A outlet for the washer and dryer. The dryer must be ventless.
RAD Conversions
Community Facilities (Existing and Proposed)
Any community center or other community facility space must be renovated, maintained, and operated, as applicable. All upfront capital repairs on community centers and community facility spaces should be completed. All community facility spaces should be brought into code compliance, ensuring such spaces are accurately reflected on existing certificates of occupancy.
Offices / Retail
Any retail or other commercial tenant space included in the Project must be renovated, maintained, and operated, as applicable. All upfront capital repairs on retail and/or commercial spaces should be included in the rehabilitation Scope of Work.
Laundry Facilities
Assume that all developments should have access to on-site laundry. NYCHA prefers community laundry facilities but will also consider in-unit laundry. For community laundry facilities, identify locations and ensure that all buildings have convenient laundry access where per-building laundry facilities are infeasible.
Where in-unit laundry is proposed, if dryers are provided, they must be ventless.
Gymnasiums in multi-family housing complexes like NYCHA’s serve as versatile spaces that benefit residents. These indoor recreational areas provide amenities such as basketball courts, scoreboards, fitness equipment, equipment room, stage (and associated equipment), and tenant organized exercise classes, promoting physical well-being and fostering a sense of community. Health-conscious residents are drawn to these facilities, appreciating the convenience of on-site fitness options. Additionally, having a well-maintained gymnasium can enhance the overall appeal and property value of the complex, making it an attractive choice for potential renters. (look at Baychester CC gym or Morris Houses Community Center). The flooring should be athletic flooring over rubber sleepers, installed on a firm concrete base. Typical athletic flooring is maple or beech, and this is also a good material for other common uses. Ensure the lumber used is sustainably sourced. It is also possible to use bamboo athletic flooring, with the approval of the stakeholders. This would also apply to spaces such as dance studios. Any stage area should be accessible if possible. The community space would also want an infrared loop or other audio-assistance system as required by ADA.
Work scopes in this area may include: installing new interior doors, door frames, and a panic system with door closers.
Baseline
General Interior Doors
In all multiple dwelling buildings, building entrance doors, unit entrance doors, fire stair doors, fire tower doors, bulkhead doors, and rubbish chute closet doors are required to be self-closing. Ensuring doors generous size vision panel allowed by the required fire rating for security and to encourage use stairs. Local Law 62 of 2022 defines a self-closing door as a door equipped with a device that will ensure the door when opened and released, returns to the closed position and self-latches shut.
All self-closing doors should comply with the NYS Housing Maintenance code section 27-2041.1.
Replace/provide non-residential door, frame and hardware with appropriate fire rating and ADA compliance as needed.
Use heavy-duty non-proprietary door hardware. Lesson Learned: proprietary hardware is often more durable, but has caused ongoing problems and delays for repair and maintenance.[COMPMOD]
Interior signage should employ visual elements to aid navigation, enhance safety, and convey information to residents and visitors. Effective design should prioritize clarity and consistency, include tactile elements for accessibility, easily readable fonts, clear symbols, or icons for wayfinding, and have consistent placement. Interior signage in lobby areas or common facilities such as community centers should conform to the requirements of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and ICC ANSI A117.1 Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities for simple or sans-serif font, character proportions and height, high contrast between the characters and the background, and Braille. Signage labeling permanent locations should be made of materials stronger than plastic where possible and affixed to the wall with tamper-proof screws or anchors.
Room signage in Community Centers:
Provide room signs and numbers for all rooms in Community Centers.
Baseline
Building lobby and hallway corridor directional marking shall be placed or a sign posted in a conspicuous location in the elevator lobby or other public entry on each floor, and in the public corridor. Such markings or signs are not required where the entrances to dwelling units are dwelling units are located along a single corridor.
In lobby renovations, consider adding a bulletin board or other space to display temporary postings.
All apartment buildings that are not protected by a sprinkler system and have more than 8 apartments on a floor, are required to install the fire emergency markings on apartment and stairwell door jambs.
All apartments are required to have the apartment number clearly marked at eye level on the main entrance door to the apartment, in the building corridor.
Apartment Entrance Doors
Each dwelling unit shall be marked or have a sign identifying the apartment letters and/or number that is conspicuously posted on or adjacent to the entrance door, on the public corridor side of the door. Fire emergency markings shall be placed on the public corridor side of doors. The fire emergency marking letters and/or numbers shall not be more than 12 inches above the floor.
Many apartment buildings are now required to post or mark the apartment number on the door jamb, at floor level. These reflective or luminous “fire emergency markings” will help the Fire Department locate your apartment during a fire or smoke condition when the eyelevel door numbers are not visible.
Provide apartment number door signs. Note that resident names are not used as part of apartment or lobby signage. [COMPMOD]
Exit Doors
Exit and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign visible from any direction of egress travel.Each stairwell door in any building shall be identified as a stairwell door by placing the fire emergency marking required by NYC Fire Code on the door jamb on the hinged side of the stairwell door in the public corridor. This requirement does not apply to any building with photo-luminescent exit path markings on stairwell entrance doors; any building protected throughout by a sprinkler system.In high-rise buildings exit signs shall be placed within exits at horizontal extensions to indicate the transition from vertical to horizontal direction and at turns along the horizontal path.Provide floor number signs in stairwells. [COMPMOD]
Provide all exit and emergency signage as required by applicable codes. [COMPMOD]
RAD Conversions
Assume new comprehensive and cohesive building signage and campus wayfinding. Typical signage to be updated or replaced may include:
Work scopes in this area may include: installing new concrete or metal stairs and treads; replacing and/or repairing railings and balustrades; and installing new low-voltage and IT infrastructure in stairwells. Note that for stair halls and lobby stairs, as well as exterior rails at stair and ramps, a finish of field-painted steel tube rails will not be sufficient. The prime and paint layers will wear down to the bare metal on the handrail portion, and it is difficult to maintain. It is preferable to specify a handrail either without an applied finish such as stainless steel or aluminum, a factory-applied powder coated finish, or for interior applications a heavy-duty flame-resistant textured PVC rail cover such as used in hospitals, anchored to the rails with tamper-proof screws. This also applies to Newell post caps.
Work scopes in this area may include: installing new basins, faucets, medicine cabinets, safe (GFCI) outlets, lighting, electrical lines, and bathroom ventilation; installing new shower stall walls and doors and tile/equivalent material flooring and walls; installing new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) entry doors; and installing new metal lockers and benches. For lockers installed in community centers, specify lockers with visibility holes in the locker doors, and if locker door locking mechanisms are used include locks with a master key override.
Baseline
Provide shower and locker room with ADA compliance. Replace all finishes and fixtures as needed.
Attachment E – PACT Accessibility Design Checklist
Description
Commercial cooking is a system consisting of commercial cooking equipment, exhaust hood, filters, exhaust duct system, fire suppression system and other related appurtenances designed to capture and contain grease-laden cooking vapors before exhaust the remaining heat and vapor safely to the outdoors.
Baseline
Provide/replace existing kitchen equipment with code compliant mechanical ventilation. Work may include associated plumbing and electrical work.
All new installations and proposed modifications / upgrades to existing commercial cooking fire extinguishing systems shall comply with the requirements of the 2022 New York City Fire Code, 2022 Building Code, and the referenced standards.
The exhaust system shall include exhaust hood, exhaust fan, exhaust ductwork, and make up air unit.
Appliances that generate smoke and grease (e.g. ovens, ranges, grills, griddles, deep fryers, etc.) should be provided with Type I exhaust hoods and an exhaust system.
Type I exhaust hoods are not required for electric cooking appliances where an approved testing agency provides documentation that the appliance effluent contains 5 mg/m3 or less of grease when tested at an exhaust flow rate of 500 cfm. This exception is more likely to apply to a microwave than an electric oven and range.
Type I exhaust hoods should be independent of all other mechanical exhaust systems.
The fan serving a Type I exhaust hoods should have automatic controls that will activate the fan when the cooking equipment generating heat is turned on, or a means of interlock that will prevent operation of such appliances when the exhaust fan is not turned on.
The protected area should include the area under the hood and over the cooking equipment, the area above or behind the filters and the opening of the hood into the branch duct.
Appliances that do not generate grease or smoke (e.g. dishwashers, food warmers, steamers, kettles, pasta cookers, etc.) but produce heat or moisture shall be provided with Type II exhaust hoods.
Under-counter-type commercial dishwashing machines do not require installation of a Type II hood.
Commercial cooking exhaust systems shall be cleaned by FDNY certified companies at intervals in accordance with the NYC Fired Code.
Make-up air should be supplied during the operation of commercial kitchen exhaust systems which are provided for commercial cooking appliances.
Non-Residential Kitchens are to be equipped with both smoke detectors and heat detectors or ASA (Advanced Signal Analysis) neural fire detectors as required by NYC Fire Code.
Where alarms are required to indicate the operation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, distinctive audible and visible alarms and warning signs shall be provided to warn of pending agent discharge per NYC Fire Code.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be interlocked with fuel shutoffs, ventilation and makeup air controls, door closers, window shutters, smoke and heat vents and other features necessary for proper operation.
The actuation of the fire suppression system shall automatically shut down the fuel or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation. A single system shall be designed to protect all hazards that could become involved.
Where a fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the fire alarm system and such FA system shall be connected to central supervising station.
A manual actuation device shall be located at or near egress from the cooking area.
Each commercial kitchen shall be provided with one or more Class K portable fire extinguishers. Extinguishers shall be installed within 30′ of commercial cooking equipment.
Where applicable, a rated, roll-down gate and associated controls shall be provided at the access opening between the kitchen and the adjacent dining area. The purpose of the roll down gate is to isolate the adjacent area from the kitchen area in case of fire condition in the kitchen area.
Work scopes in this area may include: installing a new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible lift with controls, railings, and electrical lines.
Baseline
Wheelchair lifts shall not be a part of a required accessible route in new construction except as indicated in 2022 NYC Building Code section 1109.8.
Usually found in community centers.
Stretch
There is no stretch requirement for wheelchair lifts for NYCHA buildings.
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