Making NYC Safer, One Building At A Time

Communications Are Vital For First Responders

On May 30, 2019, we received another FDNY stamp of approval, this time for our work on Park Avenue Green, the new 15-story residential midrise affordable housing development, built by Monadnock Construction in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx. It’s been a long road getting public safety radio standards into today’s new construction, and I’m proud to play an active role in this new life-saving initiative. The installation of an ARCS (Auxiliary Radio Communication System) is now required by the NYC Department of Buildings to provide a communications method for firefighters in emergencies. 9/11 was a devastating example of how vital communications are for first responders.  Fire protection requirements in NYC are among the most demanding in the world, and Park Avenue Green is a perfect example of the success you can achieve when you combine a life safety grade product, industry-leading engineering practice, and dedicated team members, all focused on a common goal.

Soup to Nuts Design

Not only will the city of New York welcome 154 brand-new affordable apartments, but they’ll know that the highest-level life-safety standards have been met, and going forward they’ll be maintained and monitored by our firm, RF Solutions. Jude Fauteux, Senior Project Manager for RF Solutions, said, “The project started in September 2017 and it was a soup to nuts design. We were responsible for the design, agency filings, and approvals, project management in the field, as well as monitoring and providing support and advice to the installers of the ARCS.”

Rigorous FDNY Inspection Passed On First Attempt

Lou Dionisio and his team who were responsible for the installation of the ARCS said, “Every project we’ve worked on with RF Solutions has passed rigorous FDNY inspection as well as the communication local battalion inspection on the first attempt! What separates RF Solutions is its team of professionals. They follow through and are completely prepared on the day of the inspection. We look forward to many more projects together in the future.”

Advanced Technology And Collaborative Partnerships 

At RF Solutions, we understand that projects have budget restraints, and we use iBwave, an advanced 3D modeling software to creatively and efficiently engineer each building to meet both budget and all FDNY requirements. But our success is also a product of teamwork, and we couldn’t do it without exceptional collaboration with our partners. Gibson Pierre, Business Development Manager for High Rise Fire and Security, said, “The level of communication between RF and High Rise Fire’s sales and project management team was exceptional. From start to finish, RF took the time to meet with all parties involved and walked us through, step by step. From the first release of contract plans, delivery of equipment, onsite support, and final submission to FDNY. Working with RF, we are assured a level of quality and professionalism very rarely seen in the industry. Having successfully passed several projects with RF Solutions, we are more than pleased to have them as a strategic partner. 

RF Solutions takes pride in the work we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that we play a part in making NYC safe for the people who live and work here.