SMARTBRIEFRESEARCHMEDIA SMARTBRIEF Subscribe here for free Top Story Hochul, state legislators clash over housing proposals March 16, 2023 Gov. Kathy Hochul's housing proposals took a hit when the state Senate and Assembly submitted budget proposals refusing to back the overriding of local zoning laws and a mandate to increase municipalities' housing stock. Also in jeopardy is 421a, a tax break for developers aimed at increasing affordable housing in New York City. City & State New York (3/14) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Filing made for mixed-use tower at former WeWork site March 16, 2023 Plans have been filed with the Department of Buildings to turn the 14-story commercial building at 609 Fifth Avenue formerly occupied by WeWork into a 29-story mixed-use tower with 76 residential units. The filing by RJ Capital Holdings lists Rafael Vinoly Architects as handling the design for the building, which would expand to about 226,000 square feet. Crain's New York Business (tiered subscription model) (3/14) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus McGraw-Hill Building's residential conversion nears March 16, 2023 Part of the McGraw-Hill Building in Midtown will be converted to residential space starting this summer, with the 12th through 32nd floors to host 224 apartments, a lobby and amenities. MdeAS Architects will lead the $100 million project, which could be completed by the second quarter of next year. Crain's New York Business (tiered subscription model) (3/14) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Cautious optimism permeates New York Build Conference March 16, 2023 Nick Farmakis of London-based real estate service company Savills was among speakers touting the "NYC is back" theme at the 2023 New York Build Conference. Farmakis also talked about companies making peace with hybrid work arrangements, but noted office construction remains muted, citing supply chain delays and costs. Construction Dive (3/10) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology AI can make construction safe, green, cost-effective March 16, 2023 One estimate puts artificial intelligence adoption by businesses at 37%, but the construction industry as a whole has not bought in. Real estate entrepreneur Angelica Krystle Donati argues that AI offers great potential to solve some of the construction industry's most nagging problems -- safety, cost containment and sustainability. Forbes (tiered subscription model) (3/7) VIEW ARTICLE Policy Watch NYC transit projects get $1.2B in Biden budget March 16, 2023 President Joe Biden's proposed budget allocates $1.2 billion to two new train tunnels under the Hudson River and to the Second Avenue Subway extension, two of New York City's most expensive mass transit projects. No further congressional action is necessary to proceed with the projects because the money is included in the bipartisan infrastructure law, says Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The New York Times (3/9) VIEW ARTICLE Policy Watch NYC-LaGuardia Airport rail link plan dropped March 16, 2023 A proposed rail link mass transit service connecting LaGuardia Airport with New York City's subway and commuter rail system has been abandoned in favor of additional bus service. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's rail link plan, which would have cost $2.4 billion or more, met criticism for its price tag. The Associated Press (3/13) VIEW ARTICLE Top Story NYC urged to drop lofty plans for Penn Station March 9, 2023 Vornado Realty has determined that a $7 billion redesign of New York City's Penn Station isn't feasible, prompting to call for the plan to be eschewed for a new one. The original plan calls for a refurbished station to be surrounded by immense skyscrapers to generate a flow of revenue, but critics say a more modest proposal should focus more on the station itself. WABC-TV (New York City) (3/3) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Protecting NYC from coastal storms to cost $52.6B March 9, 2023 Preventing New York City from the increasingly severe coastal storms brought by climate change is going to cost $52.6 billion, according to estimates by the US Army Corps of Engineers. "We're going to have to pay to dig ourselves out of the hole that we're in," said Rohit Aggarwala, New York City's chief climate officer. CNBC (3/4) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Comptroller: Worker shortages are hurting NYC services March 9, 2023 New York City's municipal workforce vacancies measure at 8%, hurting crucial services, according to a report from the office of the city's comptroller. Among the reasons cited: the city's rigid stance against remote work, sluggishness in the hiring bureaucracy and a labor market that is tight in general. The New York Times (3/7) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Politicians launch plan to reduce sidewalk scaffolding March 9, 2023 Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and City Council Member Keith Powers have brought forth a "Shed the Shed" report with plans to reduce the amount of scaffolding over New York City sidewalks. The first priority is to help contractors finish work faster, cutting the average time scaffolding stays in place, which is currently 498 days. 6sqft (New York City) (3/7) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Midtown flexes its muscle in office leasing stats March 9, 2023 The average square footage of New York City's top office leases was about 140,000 in the second half of 2022, approximately doubled in size from the previous year. Midtown was dominant, accounting for eight of the 10 largest leases; Fox Corp. and News Corp. topped the list, with KPMG third. Crain's New York Business (tiered subscription model) (3/7) VIEW ARTICLE VIEW SMARTBRIEF ARCHIVES RESEARCH 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. VIEW ARTICLE 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. VIEW ARTICLE 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. VIEW ARTICLE 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. VIEW ARTICLE 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. VIEW ARTICLE 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. VIEW ARTICLE Research Union Construction workers diversify NYC union construction has become significantly more racially diverse in the past two decades. LEARN MORE MEDIA 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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 WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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! WATCH THE VIDEO 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! WATCH THE VIDEO 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! WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO 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. WATCH THE VIDEO VIEW MEDIA ARCHIVES