Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com
REPORT FINDS MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH NYC INSPECTIONS
A report released on June 6 by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli says an audit of private elevator inspectors in New York City (NYC) found that many of them are missing hazardous violations, putting the public at risk. The audit looked at work done by certified elevator inspectors who worked for companies contracted by the NYC Department of Buildings to perform the annual inspections required of the city's 71,000 elevators. Problems ranged from inspectors falsely certifying the inspections were done, to ignoring “imminent hazards” that should have resulted in the elevators being immediately shut down. Other problems included neglecting to inspect pits and car tops. DOB officials agreed with eight of nine recommendations made by the audit and noted they have already taken steps to implement changes to improve inspection oversight.
DEVELOPER PLANS TALLEST BUILDING IN CYPRUS
A developer is planning to demolish a shopping center to make way for the Aura, a 197-m-tall luxury apartment tower in Limassol, Cyprus, that would be the nation's tallest building, the Cyprus Mail reports. Limassol Beach & Seaview Properties, a subsidiary of the Shacolas Group's Woolworth Properties, applied for a town-planning license for the tower, which would front the Mediterranean Sea. The Aura will be designed by architects Foster + Partners, and will have 137 apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms and a five-bedroom penthouse with panoramic views. The building is designed to look like it hangs over its landscaped gardens.
PENNSYLVANIA EYES NEW ELEVATOR REGULATORY BOARD
WBRE/WYOU-TV reports that lawmakers in Pennsylvania are considering new oversight for elevators, in response to an incident in which a Luzerne County corrections officer and an inmate who attacked him both died when an elevator door they hit gave way, and they fell down the shaft. The State Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for enforcing elevator safety regulations, but lawmakers say the board has not been adequately informed of safety issues. Senate Bill 934 would create a nine-member elevator safety board that would have the authority and time to research incidents involving elevators statewide. County officials noted that the elevator in the prison had passed its most-recent inspection.
CHICAGO TOWER GETS NEW NAME, UPDATED RENDERINGS
The developer of a 29-story apartment tower under construction along the South Branch of the Chicago River has revealed a new name and new renderings, Curbed Chicago reports. Previously called Ancora at Riverline, developer Lendlease has rechristened the building at 720 South Wells Street as The Cooper at Southbank. It will feature 452 apartments, including 26 townhouse-style units, and will have retail space and garage parking for 230 vehicles. The building will offer residents 11,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including a gym, a demonstration kitchen, a musical “jam room,” a virtual sports simulation room, a rooftop pool deck and more. Under construction since 2016, The Cooper comes from architect Perkins + Will. Construction is expected to be complete in September.
Image courtesy cyprus-mail.com:
https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/06/01/shacolas-plans-to-demolish-limassol-debenhams-for-new-high-rise/
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