Beyond Paper Pushing: Enhancing Permit Expediting Across NYC

A Q&A with Tom Tabone and Paola Bergonzi

Navigating the complexities of New York City’s approval process can be daunting — even for seasoned developers. Between overlapping agency requirements, ever-evolving codes, and the fast-paced nature of construction schedules, securing timely approvals can feel like a full-time job. That’s where permit expediters come in — not just to file paperwork, but to drive strategy, resolve roadblocks, and keep projects on track. 

Expediters are the vital link between your team and the web of agencies overseeing construction approvals in New York City. A skilled expediter doesn’t just navigate the process— they anticipate challenges, foster agency relationships, and find creative ways to move projects forward. 

At Bohler, Tom Tabone and Paola Bergonzi lead the charge with a unique perspective shaped by years of experience in construction and development. Leveraging this background, they both bring a strong understanding of the entire project lifecycle — from entitlements and design to construction completion — and how permitting affects every stage. Having worked directly with NYC agencies such as DOB, DOT, MTA, LPC DPR and FDNY, this team brings the credibility, insight, and relationships needed to streamline even the most complex urban projects. 

With this extensive experience navigating New York’s intricate permitting landscape, Tom and Paola have seen firsthand the impact a seasoned expediter can have on a project. We sat down with them to uncover what a permit expediter should really be doing to support your team — and what you should expect from the best. 

What’s one of the biggest challenges facing property owners and developers in dealing with a permitting consultant in NYC?

Tom: One of the biggest frustrations is getting passed from person to person for different parts of the process. Permitting in NYC is complex and often broken into highly specialized tasks—whether it’s navigating DOB filings, DOT reviews, or agency comments—so it’s common for multiple people to be involved. But without a clear point of contact, things can get messy fast. 

At Bohler, we solve that by assigning a dedicated Project Manager who follows the project from start to finish. While our managers lead a team of specialized expeditors behind the scenes, clients work with one consistent point of contact who knows the project’s full history, current status, and what needs to happen next. It eliminates confusion, prevents miscommunication, and keeps everything moving forward.  

What makes a permit expediting team successful in NYC?

Paola: One of the biggest factors in a successful expediting process is close collaboration with the project team. In New York City, the submission process can involve various stakeholders, agencies, required approvals and steps. 

That’s where our team really excels. We work hand-in-hand with architects, engineers and contractors reviewing plans carefully, flagging potential issues early, and making sure the application package is complete and accurate. If a reviewer has a question or pushes back on something, we’re right there working with the team to address it quickly and keep the process moving. When this relationship works well, approvals happen faster—and that’s a win for the whole team. 

But success in NYC permitting also comes down to knowing how to navigate the system. Our team maintains direct lines of communication with commissioners and key agency personnel, which allows us to stay current with department initiatives, changes in process, and quick access to resources for those atypical phases or projects. As a result, we can often avoid months-long delays that could derail a schedule.  

In your experience, what sets Bohler apart from other permit expediters in the City?

Tom: What really sets Bohler apart is the integration of our permitting team with our site civil engineering practice. We’ve been doing both in New York City for more than 20 years, and that combined expertise gives us a serious edge. Our team knows how to read and interpret complex site plans and zoning regulations — not just from a permitting lens, but from an engineering perspective. That depth of understanding allows us to foresee potential roadblocks and resolve them proactively. 

Paola: Unlike many expediters who focus solely on the DOB, we’re experienced in working with a full range of city and state agencies, including DOT, DEP, DOH, FDNY, LPC, DPR, the MTA, and the Port Authority. We know how these agencies operate, how their timelines work, and what it takes to get things through the door. Over the years, we have set the stage for that cross-agency experience that lets us coordinate approvals more efficiently and keep projects moving, even in the face of complex regulatory hurdles. 

What are you most excited about as the permitting team expands?

Tom: As our team grows, I’m most excited about the opportunity to deepen our impact across more projects and help even more clients move forward with confidence. The permitting landscape in New York City is constantly evolving — policies shift, agencies update their processes, and new regulations come into play. A strong expediting team doesn’t just respond to these changes; we stay ahead of them. We’re in regular communication with agency decision-makers, and Paola is often part of the conversations shaping those changes. That proactive insight allows us to guide our clients through the process with fewer surprises and faster results. 

Paola: What’s especially exciting about Bohler’s expanding team is the way we integrate deep technical knowledge, strong agency relationships, and full-scale project management. We’re not just here to file paperwork—we’re here to be a strategic partner. As we continue growing, we’re doubling down on that commitment to be an active force in moving NYC development forward. 

This summary is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Regulatory impacts vary by project, and a licensed civil engineer should be engaged to evaluate the specific circumstances and requirements of any proposed development.