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    Update: DOB Blackout Days in Manhattan

    Citing a severe backlog in application review, the DOB has implemented an appointment ‘blackout’ on Tuesdays and Fridays. During these days, there is no access to the plan examination staff, and no appointments are being scheduled. This blackout applies to Manhattan only, and not the outer boroughs.

    Surprisingly, the balance of days are not completely open for applicants either. The DOB continues to schedule trainings, meetings and other department activities during these limited appointment days.

    What’s changed here is the accessibility to examiners for review – if you add up all of the time, the DOB examiners are only available 50% of the time. The initial review may be happening more quickly, but the follow-up appointment is now being limited by the blackout schedule.

    Essentially, they are replacing one backlog with another. While the initial review gets done in a more timely fashion, it’s yet to be proven that there will be any benefit to the developer community.

    Posted by Phil Jackier

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