The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership has shared a new vision "that prioritizes people over cars" and creates "quality green spaces," in the words of partnership President Regina Myer. The Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Plan would plant 1,000 new trees and create streets to serve its new residents, who ride bikes and use public transit.

The New York City District Council of Carpenters has assigned 24 female apprentices to journey-level mentors as part of its "Sisters in the Brotherhood" program. The NYCDCC, which has nine locals and 22,000 members, also has a new inclusion and diversity program.

The New York City Department of Buildings wants to develop a voluntary program that would earmark staff to help would-be builders of skyscrapers. The fee-based arrangement would help owners and contractors with zoning at first and other phases of paperwork down the line, all the way to the Final Certificate of Occupancy.

The US Army Corps of Engineers New York District has finished several storm protection projects on Long Island in the nine years since Hurricane Sandy, and more are underway. James Leggate looks at the work and the progress on such protective elements as rock groins, strengthened sand dunes, flood shielding for homes and businesses, and sand replenishment.

Extell Development is proposing a 30-story tower of medical offices on East 79th Street in Manhattan, near top hospitals and medical research facilities, with completion envisioned for 2025. The Hospital for Special Surgery has already signed a lease to occupy the first eight floors.

Project progress can be monitored remotely and in 3D with a laser scanner and Trimble FieldLink software mounted aboard Boston Dynamics' site-roving Spot robot. "Using the X7 laser scanner integrated with Spot lets us document changes on the jobsite and make important decisions in the field, rather than waiting hours or potentially days for the information to be relayed to our project staff," says Thai Nguyen, director of virtual design and construction at Hensel Phelps.

New digital technologies that can document construction progress and even predict clashes are playing a major role in reducing errors and the necessity of rework, writes SiteAware Vice President Doron Klein. Klein reviews this tech advantage and others, including the learning role played by real-time information and the value of data analysis in sharpening productivity and management.

The new Ergodyne construction helmet has an isolated inner frame that reduces rotational energy that can lead to shear-related traumatic brain injuries. The helmet, which meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014, also comes with a chin strap that is more common in European construction than it is in America.

A former head of California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health has won Senate confirmation to head up the federal counterpart. Douglas Parker's new title will be assistant secretary of labor, giving him authority over the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at a time when OSHA is preparing to require that companies with 100 or more employees certify that they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo frequent testing.

The Biden administration's sharply reduced $2 trillion domestic spending package is nearing the finish line after weekend negotiations among congressional Democrats. One contentious issue is funding, and the negotiators appear to be edging toward a 15% minimum corporate tax paired with a tax on the investment income of billionaires.

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 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. Click here to learn about this critical training.

Visit our searchable MBE/WBE/DBE/SDVOB directory of union carpentry contractors in the New York City metropolitan area. This new directory provides you with the certifications from New York City, New York State and the New York State Unified Certification Program for our signatory MBEs/WBEs/DBEs/SDVOBs. Each listing also provides links to their website (if available) and their association affiliation so you know which contractors can accommodate your needs -- it's all in one place.