Formerly Served In DOB’s Queens, Bk. Offices
Before embarking on his family vacation to Italy, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed three officials-including a new Buildings Department (DOB) commissioner-last Thursday, July 17.
Rick Chandler was tapped to head th DOB, while de Blasio’s two other appointments were Richard Emery as chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board; and Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick to chair and vice chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary.
Chandler is a professional engineer and a former assistant vice president of facilities at Hunter College in Manhattan, it was noted in a press release. He served terms as commissioner for Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx from 1995 to 2002, and has expertise in building code and zoning, de Blasio stated.
As incoming commissioner, Chandler will be charged with enforcing the building code, electrical code, zoning resolution, state labor law and multiple dwelling law for more than 975,000 buildings across New York City, the release noted.
“The stakes of this work are incredibly high,” Chandler said. “We’re there to make sure New Yorkers’ homes and workplaces are safe. We’re there to help get more affordable housing and job-creating construction underway.”
Chandler supervised 300 employees on 10 million square feet at Hunter College, it was noted. He received a masters in civil engineering from Columbia University in 1990.
“From protecting New Yorkers inside our buildings to protecting their rights as they walk on our streets, the leaders joining our administration today have the skills and experience to deliver for the people of this city,” de Blasio stated.
