SMARTBRIEFRESEARCHMEDIA SMARTBRIEF Subscribe here for free Top Story Laborers' Local 79 stages protest at construction firm May 25, 2023 Hundreds of members of Laborers' Local 79 rallied outside the headquarters of Joy Construction to back up their assertion that the company and its manager have been associated with six deaths at construction sites since 2004. The local is now pushing for passage of the Construction Justice Act, which would spell out wages and benefits for affordable housing projects subsidized by NYC or the state. The Chief-Leader (New York) (5/19) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Apartment construction filings declined in April May 25, 2023 The Real Estate Board of New York reports that developers filed plans for 22 buildings and 569 apartments in April, a decline from March's numbers. Filings have been falling since the 421a development tax break expired last June following a spike in last-minute activity. Commercial Observer (5/19) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Experts: NYC office vacancy rate to remain stubbornly high May 25, 2023 NYC budget analysts and observers in the commercial real estate industry predict that the city's office vacancy rate will continue above 20% through 2026. The current rate is 22.7%, a record; before COVID-19, the rate never went above 11% for decades. GlobeSt (free registration) (5/22) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus 3 teams advance to RFP stage of $16B rail tunnel project May 25, 2023 Three joint venture teams -- Bechtel and HNTB; Atkins North America, Arup US and the McKissack Group; and Parsons, Arcadis and Mace North America -- have made the shortlist to submit proposals to deliver a $16 billion project entailing construction of a two-tube, 2.4-mile-long tunnel beneath the Hudson River and repairing the North River Tunnel. The project is in the creditworthiness review phase, and major construction could begin next year. Engineering News-Record (tiered subscription model) (5/23) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus New York City's weight is sinking it May 25, 2023 The weight of skyscrapers is causing the New York City to sink 1mm to 2 mm annually, though some areas are sinking faster. Sea level rise is exacerbating the problem. The Guardian (London) (5/19) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Fashion Institute of Technology facade is nearly done May 25, 2023 The facade is nearly complete at the new academic facility of the Fashion Institute of Technology in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, which means the building might be ready for the fall semester. Forte Construction is the general contractor for the 10-story building, which will meet LEED Gold standards. New York YIMBY (5/22) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology How equipment tech is making strides in construction May 25, 2023 Interconnected equipment is coming, 62% of respondents say in a survey, which shows 13% of respondents are already using the technology, according to the 2023 State of the Industry Construction Technology Report. Charles Rathmann explores technology under development, such as automation that supplements staffing, as well as equipment guidance, autonomy, robotics and electrification. For Construction Pros (5/22) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology A look at some of the latest contech innovations May 25, 2023 Matthew Thibault outlines some of the latest solutions from construction technology companies. They include a cash forecasting tool for contractors, a robot that muds and sands drywall and a digital layout workflow tool. Construction Dive (5/17) VIEW ARTICLE CCA Metro News The Construction and Transportation Industry Good Scout Awards Luncheon May 25, 2023 The Construction and Transportation Industry Good Scout Awards Luncheon benefits an American and New York institution – the Boy Scouts of America, Greater New York Councils. Our industry has been proud to support this event for 66 years, including on June 29, 11:45 a.m., at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City! Learn more here about supporting this event. VIEW ARTICLE Top Story MTA plan for tolling Manhattan drivers clears hurdle May 17, 2023 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closing in on its plan to toll motorists traveling in Manhattan south of 60th Street, with the federal government mandating discounts for taxis, ridesharing vehicles and drivers with low incomes. The amount of the toll is to be determined, with the MTA considering plans ranging from $5 to $23. Gothamist (New York) (5/12) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Exterior nearly done at Perelman Performing Arts Center May 17, 2023 Exterior work is nearly complete on the marble-clad box that is the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan's Financial District. Developed by The Perelman, the 138-foot-tall building is expected to open to the public in September. New York YIMBY (5/15) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus One Madison Avenue is running ahead of schedule May 17, 2023 With exterior work nearly done, the 27-story One Madison Avenue in the Flatiron District of Manhattan is a few weeks ahead of schedule, with completion scheduled for October. The commercial project developed by Hines, SL Green and the National Pension Service of Korea involved gutting an eight-story building and constructing 19 new stories. New York YIMBY (5/12) 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