SMARTBRIEFRESEARCHMEDIA SMARTBRIEF Subscribe here for free Top Story Partners OK plan for $7B renovation of Penn Station September 28, 2022 The contract to renovate Penn Station has been approved by the partners that will put it into effect -- the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NJ Transit and Amtrak. It's estimated the work could cost up to $7 billion, with the preliminary design phase and improvements to subway stations the first outlay at up to $57.9 million. Thrillist (9/27) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Renderings depict future Brooklyn mixed-use towers September 28, 2022 Exterior renderings have been released for a two-tower mixed-use development in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood. The project will consist of a 23-story western tower and a 28-story eastern tower, which will offer a total of 798 residential units, ground-floor retail space and public open space. New York YIMBY (9/22) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Turner tapped for $900M production campus in N.J. September 28, 2022 Togus Urban Renewal has signed Turner Construction to build the 1888 Studios project in Bayonne, N.J. The estimated $900 million project will include 17 buildings spanning 1.5 million square feet for movie and TV production, with construction expected to begin in early 2023. Construction Dive (9/26) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology How tech is helping to build our future September 28, 2022 What began with the blend of data and geospatial technology in construction is continuing with new combinations of technical fields and disciplines, including artificial intelligence, writes Fakhar Khalid, chief scientific officer for Sensat. Khalid explores the advent of algorithms driving automation, digital twins and other technologies and how they're transforming the industry as it fulfills future visions for infrastructure and cities. Geospatial World (9/26) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology Flying 3D printers work together to build structures September 28, 2022 Three-D printers take wing on drones to perform construction tasks in difficult-to-reach situations. That's the vision of college researchers who have developed drones bearing 3D printers that can work autonomously and in coordination to build structures from a single blueprint. Imperial College London (9/21) VIEW ARTICLE Innovation & Technology The road to zero casualties begins with fall prevention September 28, 2022 Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites but can be prevented. Diana San Diego, vice president of marketing for O'Keeffe's, reviews the safety challenge and six solutions, beginning with a commitment to conduct regular risk assessments. For Construction Pros (9/26) VIEW ARTICLE CCA Metro News Join Construction Skills for its Building Futures Awards Breakfast on Oct. 6 September 28, 2022 Join us on Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the Building Futures Awards Breakfast to support opportunity and diversity in the New York City building and construction trades. Proceeds benefit the nationally recognized Construction Skills program that provides unparalleled access to union apprenticeships, offering upward career mobility, family healthcare and retirement security. Visit here for tickets to this event and sponsorship opportunities. VIEW ARTICLE Top Story Javits Center sees return of meetings, events September 21, 2022 Like other convention centers, the Javits Center was hit hard by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, conventions, meetings and trade events have returned at a growing pace, with dozen of events remaining in 2022 at the convention center, writes Jack Grieve. Crain's New York Business (tiered subscription model) (9/15) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus $9.5B JFK Airport terminal project underway September 21, 2022 Construction began earlier this month on the $9.5 billion John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal One expansion project. The Port Authority is leading the project, with 14 new gates and an arrivals and departures hall to be finished by 2026 and the last nine gates to open in 2030. Construction Dive (9/13) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Construction industry meeting hears mostly good news September 21, 2022 Stakeholders in the construction industry gathered last week to hear mainly good news about infusions of federal funds and victories on the political front, but also to voice concerns about challenges ahead. Speakers included Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC's commissioner of transportation, and topics such as transit options, bridge maintenance and contractor diversity were discussed. Engineering News-Record (tiered subscription model) (9/20) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus One Madison Avenue is rising in the Flatiron District September 21, 2022 Progress is apparent at One Madison Avenue in the Flatiron District, where a 27-story commercial building will rise at the former site of an eight-story building. A completion date of November 2023 has been posted; AECOM Tishman is listed as the general contractor. New York YIMBY (9/20) VIEW ARTICLE Project Focus Condos lead the way as demand for residential rebounds September 21, 2022 Stefanos Chen breaks down the state of New York City residential real estate, warning that "the new normal could be threatened by growing concerns about a recession." A particular bright spot is condo units, with Chen noting a recent reduction in pricing has produced "a remarkable turnaround for a once bloated market." The New York Times (9/18) 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 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 Media Building New York's Best - Starts with Training 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 VIEW MEDIA ARCHIVES