New-York tribune., 1900-11-26
Observation-Disclosures
ITS DUTIES AS EXPLAINED BY MR.
BRADY TO THE LEAGUE FOR
POLITICAL EDUCATION.

Department of Buildings the subject OF
lecture given by the president of that Department
Thomas J. Brady, at the Saturday meeting Of
the League for Political Education. The audience
listened with close attention, however. the
practical business details described in en-
tertaining way by Mr.. Brady. He briefly traced
the beginning of the building inspection system
ard its development from branch of the Fire
Department into important individual depart
ment. OF whose magnitude idea may be
gained from the fact that last year in greater New
York sl56,0o0.000 expended in building opera
tions He then sketched the routine through which
a plan passes before permit to begin build
ing is granted II must be studied by the plan clerk
10 that it complies with all the building Law
quirements: then by the engir reering expert to be
criticised in reference to foundation, grders and
beams; then. If tenement house by the sanitary
expert who examines the arrangements for light,
heat ventilation and width of halls doors and
stairways The plumbing expert then investigates
the details in that branch, and the permit is is
sued only after all have certified that every legal
demand has been met. Otherwise. the architect
ard consult the Department, making
the necessary changes.
1T is q surprising fact said Mr. Brady, that
% per of the plans submitted need 10 be
amended or altered, owing to the careessness or
ignorance Of the architects regarding the law.
The matter becoming better understood, how
ever. year by year, and many large firms of archi-
tects have civil engineer in the office"
The duties of the inspectors of the actual building
operations werc sketched and the difficulties out
lined that arise from the unwillingness of the
age comply with rules that they seem to
regard as malicious and impairment interference
with their right to build they choose.
1T appears an impossibility for them realize,
or else they do not that the laws protect
them well their tenants. All building legis-
lation is based on the best and most advanced
thought on the subject 1t tries make the re-
strictons little onerOus possible, and avoid
increasing the cost Of construction beyond
probability Of a fair return on the investment
through rentals
Mr.. Brady went on TO say that they are now
trying effect legislation that will make possi-
be for the Department TO compel Improvement in
the large houses that once were handsome resi-
dences, but have been changed through the en-
croachments OF business into crowded tenement
houses. without structural changes to correspond.
An interesting phase Of the Departments work
descrihe5 nv tae president its supervision of
all calamties befalIug buildings. exclusive fire,
and their resToT sDil:'y for damaged by fire
after II is eXiingushed. When a house is blown
down or demolished by falling wall, or tumbles
into ruins while being built. all Of which disasters
happen at times IL Is the Building Department
that must remove the debris extrcate the living
dead. and guard against further accident while
the work Is going Incidentally. Mr.. Brady gave
a really thrilling description OF the falling OF a
wall Of the Windsor Hotel after the fire.
The lecture next Saturday Will be given by
Bernard j. York. president OF the Police Board