New York City's skyline is iconic but it's constantly marred by a seemingly endless sea of scaffolding. Whether you're strolling through Midtown Manhattan or exploring the charming streets of Brooklyn, it's hard to escape the sight of these metal structures enveloping buildings of all shapes and sizes. But why is there so much scaffolding in NYC, and why does it seem to be a permanent fixture?
The truth is that the reasons for this phenomenon are multifaceted, ranging from legal requirements (less fun) to ongoing construction projects (slightly more fun).
Facade Inspections and Safety Program (FISP)
One of the primary culprits behind the scaffolding epidemic is the Facade Inspections and Safety Program, formerly known as Local Law 11.
This law mandates that buildings taller than six stories undergo facade inspections every five years. If any defects are found, repairs must be made, and scaffolding is erected to protect pedestrians from falling debris during the process.
This legal requirement alone accounts for a significant portion of the scaffolding you see around the city but comes with good reason. In the 26+ years this law has existed there have only been a very few incidents involving falling debris, however the law itself was inspired by multiple deaths that led to the creation of Local Laws 10 and 11.
This is one of those perfect examples of survivorship bias where it doesn't feel necessary to enact all of these fixes because we don't hear about issues anymore—however it's abundantly important for the safety of everyone walking the streets.
Ongoing Construction and Renovations
One of the more obvious reasons for so much construction being visible is that New York City is a constantly evolving metropolis, with new construction projects and renovations popping up all the time.
These projects often necessitate the use of scaffolding to provide workers with access to the building's exterior and to protect the public from falling objects. The city's booming real estate market and the demand for modern infrastructure contribute to the continuous cycle of construction and, consequently, the prevalence of scaffolding.
There are very few spaces in Manhattan especially where you can hide trash let alone giant scaffolding, so all work is very visible from the very early stages all the way through to completion, again to keep pedestrians safe.
Historical Preservation Efforts
Finally, New York City boasts a rich architectural heritage, with many historic buildings that require ongoing maintenance and restoration.
These preservation efforts often involve the use of scaffolding to access and repair the intricate details of these aging structures. While this contributes to the overall amount of scaffolding in the city, it also plays a crucial role in preserving the city's unique character and architectural legacy. Buildings like the Flatiron Building can have their complete facade covered for months making for terrible photos in the short-term, but allows it to remain for decades to come.
So yes, the scaffolding may be an eyesore for some, it serves essential purposes in ensuring public safety, facilitating ongoing development, and preserving the city's architectural treasures.
One of the most fascinating realizations is when the scaffolding is removed from a building and you suddenly get to see a place you've walked past for months or even years in a completely new light—take a moment!
