Sometimes it feels like once scaffolding goes up in the city, it stays up forever. But building owners could soon be facing a deadline for taking it down.
Manhattan Councilman Ben Kallos is pushing a bill that would put strict limits on how long scaffolding can be installed on city buildings.
The story was first reported by The New York Times.
The measure would give building owners up to six months to finish repairs so the scaffolding can be removed.
If the repairs aren’t completed in time, the city would finish the work and charge the owner.
The city requires scaffolding to protect pedestrians from falling debris during repair work.
Supporters of the bill say the structures are ugly and hurt business.
Critics say building owners don’t always have the money on hand to make expensive repairs.