DOB Sees Success from Internet Database

NEW YORK CITY-Real estate developers here may be looking at reduced construction costs and less lag time due to the launch of the Department of Building’s on-line property information system, BIS on the Web. The new Internet service, www.NYC.gov/buildings, provides owners and professionals with greater transparency in the department’s operations and cuts back on the time spent in several stages of development.

The technology translates information from the DOB’s mainframe database, previously only available at the department or by subscription, into dynamic Web pages. The service is primarily geared to streamline the design and construction processes, but can also be used to expedite the loan and mortgage application procedures, search for building violations, or check the status of an application.

Originally soft-launched in January, BIS on the Web is reporting much success, according to commissioner Patricia Lancaster. Hits on the department’s website have jumped from 9,000 per day to 80,000 per day and many professionals have chimed in with compliments. “I got fan mail from a plumber,” says Lancaster. “He said how great he thought the system was.”