"The first bill before me is Introductory Number 478-A, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Provenzano, Lopez, Oddo, Comrie, Sanders, Katz, Rivera, Lanza, Weprin, Vallone, Felder, Sears, Gallagher, Jennings, Reed, Stewart, Avella, Foster and Brewer.  This bill enacts new plumbing and administrative provisions as part of the adoption of a model building code for New York City.

"In 2002, I announced the creation of a commission to study the feasibility of adopting a model building code for New York City. The existing code was out of date, lacked clarity, and was considered one of the most restrictive codes in the country.  Under the leadership of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, the commission evaluated several options before publishing their recommendation to adopt the International Building Code.  Over the next two years, the Department's Model Code Program engaged over 400 engineers, architects, tradesmen, safety experts, industry representatives, labor professionals and government officials in a consensus process to review the International Building Code and propose any modifications necessary to account for New York City's unique high density environment.  Many of these recommendations are contained in the bill before me today.

"In addition to including administrative and enforcement provisions for the new building code, as well as the city's new plumbing code, Intro. 478-A also provides for the adoption of subsequent legislation, which we expect to introduce in 2006, containing the remaining portions of the code.  The provisions of Intro 478-A will become effective after the code has been adopted in its entirety.

"The passage of this legislation is a tremendous step forward for New York City, but there is still much work to be done.  I would like to thank all of the volunteer professionals, many of whom are with us today, who remain hard at work reviewing the remaining portions of the International codes and preparing the final piece of legislation.

"I would also like to thank Councilwoman Madeline Provenzano for championing this legislation in the City Council, Department of Buildings Commissioner Lancaster and her staff, as well as the staff of the Fire Department, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and Law Department for their hard work and participation in this effort."