SMARTBRIEF
Top Story
BCTC among initial investors in affordable housing fund March 14, 2024
The Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York has pledged $100 million from pension funds toward an affordable housing fund for New York City. Mayor Eric Adams is also part of the effort, as is Cirrus Real Estate Partners, which expects to raise hundreds of million of dollars more from its investors. Commercial Observer (3/8)
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Project Focus
NYC lays out $1B plan for climate-related construction March 14, 2024
Officials in New York City announced a nearly $1 billion roadmap for the city's response to climate change focused on construction and infrastructure. The Green Economy Action Plan includes a new $100 million Climate Innovation Hub at the Brooklyn Army Terminal to span 112,000 square feet. Construction Briefing (3/7)
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Project Focus
New renderings show scope of casino proposal for Queens March 14, 2024
New sketches reflect the refurbishment of Aqueduct Race Track in Queens into a $5 billion project that will include a casino complex, housing, a hotel and a basketball academy run by former pro player Kenny Smith. The project is expected to include 5,000 union jobs in the build-out, with thousands to come when the facilities are operational. New York YIMBY (3/9)
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Project Focus
NYC to provide up to $2B for bus terminal's replacement March 14, 2024
NYC has come up with a plan to direct a payment in lieu of taxes, known as a PILOT, for up to $2 billion over 40 years to help pay for a new Port Authority Bus Terminal. Replacing the terminal is expected to take $10 billion overall and construction could begin this year, officials have said. North Jersey Media Group (Woodland Park, N.J.) (3/13)
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Project Focus
Plan for NYC soccer stadium advances March 14, 2024
New York City's Planning Commission has approved a redevelopment plan that could bring the city its first professional soccer stadium. The proposal for a 25,000-seat venue in Queens would also include a school, retail space and 2,500 affordable housing units that are already under construction, while the stadium itself will require an additional commission approval. WCBS-TV/WLNY-TV (New York City) (3/8)
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Policy Watch
Plans detailed for 4,000 homes in Midtown South March 14, 2024
The NYC Department of City Planning proposes rezoning part of predominantly commercial Midtown South to allow mixed-used projects with high housing density. Rezoning four sections of the neighborhood would allow about 4,000 new homes in an important economic center. 6sqft (New York City) (3/8)
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Policy Watch
State Senate endorses office-to-housing conversions March 14, 2024
The New York State Senate's budget proposal includes incentives to convert office buildings to dwellings but nothing about the now-expired 421a tax exemption for developers. The Senate's wish list also includes $250 million for a new housing voucher program and $40 million in grants to improve rent-stabilized apartments. Commercial Observer (3/12)
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Policy Watch
New joint-employer rule struck down March 14, 2024
The National Labor Relations Board's contested joint-employer rule has been struck down in federal court for a lack of clarity and over-broad application. The lawsuit filed by the US Chamber of Commerce contended the rule could have led to excessive liability for companies applied to employees who weren't on their payroll. The Construction Broadsheet (3/9)
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Top Story
Soccer stadium proposal on its way to City Council March 7, 2024
New York City Football Club's proposed new 25,000-seat stadium at Willets Point across from Citi Field includes a seven-story display of LED lights in the entryway. The NYC Planning Commission has signed off on the privately financed soccer facility, expected to cost $780 million, with the next hurdle approval by the City Council. amNewYork (3/6)
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Project Focus
Douglaston plans 39-story residential tower in Manhattan March 7, 2024
Douglaston Development reportedly has acquired the rental units at 1450 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side with a plan to demolish part of the existing structure and build a 39-story tower with retail on the ground floor and parking above. Together, the structures would have 172 units, with Cetra Ruddy Architecture handling the design. The Real Deal (3/1)
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Project Focus
Demolition continues at old Brooklyn Detention Complex March 7, 2024
Most of the superstructure has been razed at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, site of a jail complex that will rise 15 stories and replace the old Brooklyn Detention Complex, closed in 2020. The NYC Department of Design and Construction is the developer, with Northstar Contracting Group overseeing the construction. New York YIMBY (3/2)
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Project Focus
Video previews new NYC airport terminal March 7, 2024
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has released an animated artist's rendering previewing the new Terminal 6, which is scheduled to open in 2026 at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The $4.2 billion project is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs and include a collection of New York City-inspired artwork. Passenger Terminal Today (3/1)
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RESEARCH
THE UNION ADVANTAGE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION LABOR SHORTAGE
Research
THE UNION ADVANTAGE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION LABOR SHORTAGE
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and Project for Middle-Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign report that unionizing is key to retaining workers and avoiding labor shortages. They find that unionized labor is more efficient, dependable, and safe, and "less likely to have delays in completion times due to shortages of workers - and they've actually been more likely to add workers in this tight labor market.” The New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters and union contractors maintain a reliable supply of skilled labor with state of the art training and continuing education programs for members from all backgrounds.
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PAYROLL FRAUD IN NEW YORK’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: ESTIMATING ITS PREVALENCE, SEVERITY AND ECONOMIC COSTS
Research
PAYROLL FRAUD IN NEW YORK’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: ESTIMATING ITS PREVALENCE, SEVERITY AND ECONOMIC COSTS
Research by the Institute for Construction Economic Research (ICERES) finds that payroll and tax fraud costs New Yorkers more than $1 billion annually. Cheating contractors gain a $13,500-15,000 cost advantage per worker over law-abiding contractors and workers paid off-the-books or misclassified as independent contractors are robbed of $9,000-10,000 annually.
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The Limited Record of the Associated Builders and Contractors in New York City Metropolitan Region Construction, MWBE Development, and Workforce Training
Research
The Limited Record of the Associated Builders and Contractors in New York City Metropolitan Region Construction, MWBE Development, and Workforce Training
According to a new report by Rochester Research Associates, the upstate-based Associated Builders and Contractors Empire State Chapter has few contractors, MWBEs and training programs in the NYC metro area, which calls into question its qualifications on policy concerns in NYC construction. With the need to address major issues such as mass transit infrastructure, MWBEs, and safety training, it is important that those with actual experience and expertise in NYC construction lead the discussion.
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New York’s Prevailing Wage Law - A cost-benefit analysis
Research
New York’s Prevailing Wage Law - A cost-benefit analysis
The Economic Policy Institute’s analysis of peer-reviewed research shows how prevailing wage laws (1) promote cost-effective quality and safety on taxpayer-funded construction projects, (2) stimulate economic growth and higher tax revenue, and (3) reduce poverty and reliance on public healthcare and assistance programs.

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Healthy City: Inside New York City's Hospital Building Boom
Research
Healthy City: Inside New York City's Hospital Building Boom
New York City's large hospital systems are making major capital investments not only to modernize their facilities but to transform how they deliver healthcare. This New York Building Congress report details how they are an important factor in NYC's construction and overall economy.
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The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law
Research
The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law
76% of peer-reviewed economic research shows that prevailing wages do not increase public construction costs. Here is more research from Ohio that reaches the same conclusion.
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Union Construction workers diversify
Research
Union Construction workers diversify
NYC union construction has become significantly more racially diverse in the past two decades.
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MEDIA
Veterans Thrive as NYC Union Carpenters and Contractors
Media
Veterans Thrive as NYC Union Carpenters and Contractors
Union carpenters and contractors are committed to welcoming military veterans into New York's unionized construction industry as tradespeople and business owners. The New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters has hundreds of military veterans who are union members working in the industry.
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NYC and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters Training Center
Media
NYC and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters Training Center
The Carpenters Training Center is jointly sponsored by union carpenters and contractors to provide members with the training needed to bring the highest level of skill and safety to projects throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
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COMMERCIAL MARINE DIVERS WITH LOCAL UNION 1556
Media
COMMERCIAL MARINE DIVERS WITH LOCAL UNION 1556
Each year, commercial marine divers with Dockbuilders and Timbermen Local Union 1556 perform more than 150,000 hours of work. They are essential to developing and maintaining critical infrastructure including bridge and waterfront repairs, coastal resiliency, offshore wind power turbines, and much more.
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Union Carpenters and Contractors - Leading the way in hotel and hospitality construction
Media
Union Carpenters and Contractors - Leading the way in hotel and hospitality construction
Hotel and hospitality construction are essential to our recovery. Watch here to see how union carpenters and contractors have been leading the way on these projects and are ready for your next job. From new construction to renovations and improvements, we have the experience and reliability to deliver on-time, on-budget value to you as hotel and hospitality project owners.
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Union Carpenters and Contractors – Trained for Safety and Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
Media
Union Carpenters and Contractors – Trained for Safety and Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare construction, whether it involves renovations to occupied spaces or the development of new facilities, presents unique challenges and risks. Union carpenters and contractors are dedicated to partnering with healthcare professionals to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Our Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) training program sets the industry standard. ICRA training is highly recommended for employees of contractors performing healthcare construction as well as professionals in facilities management, construction planning & design, maintenance, infection prevention, nursing, life safety, regulatory compliance, and more. Visit our website for more information: https://www.ccametro.com/results-for-owners/#icra
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Union Carpenters and Contractors - Essential to Building New York's Best
Media
Union Carpenters and Contractors - Essential to Building New York's Best
The New York City District Council of Carpenters and union contractors have responded to COVID-19 in our industry and local communities. We're committed to building an even better future. See how we adopted new safety standards and provided critical training to keep essential projects moving forward. Visit here to see some of the outstanding work accomplished throughout these challenging times.
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BUILDING NEW YORK'S BEST - PRIORITIZING SAFETY
Media
BUILDING NEW YORK'S BEST - PRIORITIZING SAFETY
Union carpenters and contractors in New York provide ongoing safety training and enforce safety standards on the job. That means safer workers, and a safer city for all of us.
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Building New York's Best - Spotlight on Union Carpenters and MWBE Contractors
Media
Building New York's Best - Spotlight on Union Carpenters and MWBE Contractors
Infinity Contracting is a union MWBE affiliated with the NYC District Council of Carpenters and the Building Contractors Association. This project is built through a DASNY PLA with 100% union labor.
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Building New York's Best - Hoisting and Scaffolding
Media
Building New York's Best - Hoisting and Scaffolding
Take a look at this short video highlighting the contractors of the Hoisting and Scaffolding Trade Association – HASTA – and the Timbermen of Local Union 1556. Together, they build, erect and dismantle material and personnel hoists, scaffolding, sidewalk bridges and more on NYC’s most challenging construction projects.
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ICSC New York Deal Making Expo at the Javits Center
Media
ICSC New York Deal Making Expo at the Javits Center
The ICSC New York Deal Making Expo is the largest retail real estate event on the East Coast, welcoming over 10,000 attendees and 530 vendors to the three-day event! See how union carpenters from the New York City District Council of Carpenters and union contractors played a critical role in bringing the expo to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
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Dockbuilders, Pile Drivers, & Marine Divers
Media
Dockbuilders, Pile Drivers, & Marine Divers
Above ground, under ground, and even under water, union dockbuilders, pile drivers, marine divers, and the contractors that employ them bring strong foundations to structures throughout New York’s skyline, infrastructure, and waterways. Check out this short video highlighting the union training and skills that are crucial to both a project’s success and the safety of workers.
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Building New York's Best - Architectural Woodwork and Cabinetry
Media
Building New York's Best - Architectural Woodwork and Cabinetry
Take a look at this video that highlights how cabinetmakers and woodworkers of Local Union 2790 and contractors that employ them bring superior skill and artistry to commercial, residential, institutional and retail interiors. They fabricate and install both decorative and functional elements of design specifications including trim and molding, cabinetry, ceiling treatments, doors, windows, exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels, and staircases.
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LU 740 Millwrights at the New York Proton Therapy Center
Media
LU 740 Millwrights at the New York Proton Therapy Center
The New York City Proton Therapy Center will be the first and only specialized treatment facility in the state of New York. Learn how members of Millwright Local Union 740 are working with Bay Crane and Varian Medical Systems to go above and beyond in Building New York’s Best!
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Building New York's Best - Resilient Floor Covering
Media
Building New York's Best - Resilient Floor Covering
Union floor covering carpenters and contractors are trained to meet the specifications of your project and the flooring product’s manufacturer. Because every flooring project should be installed with Quality and Performance to Stand On. Union carpenters and contractors are Building New York’s Best!
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Building New York's Best - Interior Systems, Wall & Ceiling carpenters and contractors
Media
Building New York's Best - Interior Systems, Wall & Ceiling carpenters and contractors
Union carpenters performed 10 million hours of work last year for interior systems and wall-ceiling contractors in New York City, bringing the highest quality to new building interiors and renovations for commercial, residential and institutional projects. These skilled professionals engage in general carpentry, gypsum drywall, acoustical ceilings, framing, finish carpentry, furniture installation, and more. Union carpenters and contractors are Building New York’s Best!
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Union Carpenters and Contractors Are Building New York’s Best
Media
Union Carpenters and Contractors Are Building New York’s Best
Take a look at this short video highlighting union carpenters and contractors who are building the best in residential, institutional, commercial, transportation and infrastructure. Build with Quality. Build with Safety. Build with Confidence.
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Building New York's Best - Reinforced Concrete Superstructures
Media
Building New York's Best - Reinforced Concrete Superstructures
Take a look at this short video introducing you to Local Union 212 and their affiliated contractors who build concrete superstructures. In the last five years, they have completed more than 50 million square feet of cast in place reinforced concrete superstructures. Their intensive knowledge of formwork systems allows for the most cost-effective construction on the market.
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Building New York's Best Trade Shows, Conventions and Exhibitions
Media
Building New York's Best Trade Shows, Conventions and Exhibitions
Take a look at this short video introducing you to union trade show carpenters and contractors. These skilled professionals erect prefabricated exhibits and build custom exhibits for trade shows at the Javits Center, area hotels and other venues. They engage in floor layout, pipe and drape work, carpeting, booth maintenance, and rigging of signs for exhibits. The Javits Center is the busiest convention center in the U.S. It hosts 175+ events a year and generates $2 billion of economic activity. Union trade show carpenters and contractors make it possible.
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Building New York's Best - Millwright and Machinery Erectors
Media
Building New York's Best - Millwright and Machinery Erectors
Call on millwrights from Local Union 740 and their contractors to deliver precision and productivity to every job. Put the best millwrights in New York to work on your next project.
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Building New York's Best - Transportation Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Media
Building New York's Best - Transportation Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Meet some of the union carpenters and contractors who are rebuilding the Kosciuszko Bridge and LaGuardia Airport. They have the training, skill, and experience to work safely and deliver the highest quality on projects bringing our transportation infrastructure into the 21st century.
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