November 2023

ALBANY—In light of some criticism being leveled against Industrial Development Agencies in New York State, particularly the need and financial returns of incentives granted to development projects by IDAs, a newly released report commissioned by The New York State Economic Development Council calculates the benefits of IDA incentives in 2021 in the billions of dollars and more than 1 million jobs retained or created.

CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY—A project in Rockland County that has been debated, advertised for bid, withdrawn, then moth-balled and delayed for nearly six decades, has finally been completed. On Tues., Nov. 14, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County Highway Superintendent Charles “Skip” Vezzetti staged a ribbon cutting at the all-new $40-million county highway facility in Chestnut Ridge.

In the cutthroat competition of the construction industry, the relationship between employers and workers can be difficult to navigate. Something as simple as how you classify a worker can have a lasting impact for all involved. Misclassification—where contractors erroneously label employees as “independent contractors”—is a growing problem in the industry that has far-reaching consequences. This practice not only robs workers of their rights and protections, but also undermines the very foundation of a fair and competitive industry.

TARRYTOWN, NY—The always-popular professional development seminar, presented annually by the Construction Advancement Institute (CAI), drew a capacity audience last month for a program entitled “ENGINEERING: Knowledge, Innovation, Inspiration.” More than 50 P.E.s gathered at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel & Conference Center on Monday, Oct. 30, to hear presentations by five experts in their respective fields, spanning materials, geotechnical engineering, industry innovations and the legal profession

It has long been the law that owners and contractors who perform construction activities on a property can be held liable for damages caused to neighboring properties as a result of construction.

BOCA RATON, FLA—Harold Vogt, the longtime leader of The County Chamber of Commerce (now operating as The Business Council of Westchester), died on Sept. 28 in Boca Raton, FL. He was 88.

Mortimer L. Downey III, who for 65 years was a top official and advocate for mass transit, passed away on Nov. 2 at the age of 87. Mr. Downey was an executive for the USDOT, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—H.O. Penn staged a grand gathering at its headquarters here in early September to cap off the company’s ongoing centennial celebration in business. Scores of current and retired employees, executives and customers joined the festivities Sept. 7, which as one would expect was loaded with Caterpillar-sized fun. Tents were erected to serve up great food and live entertainment, and special events featured joyful activities for children as well as skills contests for those with the will and ambition to rise to the challenge.

NEW YORK—Four months after the attacks that devasted lower Manhattan, Chief Executive Officer Thomas Cleveland had a newfound appreciation for his company and the employees who work with him at H.O. Penn Machinery Co., Inc. In our lifetimes, there are defining moments that reveal true character—be it of a person or an organization. Mr. Cleveland soon recognizes that Sept. 11 was such a moment for all employed at H.O. Penn.