May 2024

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY—Despite widespread support from regional lawmakers to add millions of dollars to the FY2025 state budget for Hudson Valley roads and bridges, the final budget passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Hochul last month did not include the much-needed funding to fix deteriorating transportation facilities here in the Hudson Valley.

NEW YORK—After nine decades of standing tall and serving as the most important piece of transportation infrastructure in the nation, the George Washington Bridge is finally getting a redo. At 92 years old, the GWB is now undergoing a $2-billion comprehensive restoration program known as “Restoring the George,” which has now reached the halfway point.

TOWN OF WALLKILL, NY—In advance of two public scoping sessions this month on improvements or expansion possibilities for Route 17 through Orange and Sullivan counties, the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have provided significant detail on three preliminary study concepts.

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY—Major upgrades to MTA Metro-North Railroad’s vital maintenance and operations hub at Croton-on-Hudson, NY, which employs 1,200 people, was announced earlier this month.

ALBANY—New York State helped stabilize the MTA’s finances last year, but its capital program for maintaining and upgrading the regional transit system faces significant delays due to funding issues, which may also pressure its next capital plan, according to a report released on May 9 by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

ALBANY—Just weeks after recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week in New York State (April 15-19), an accident at an upstate work site claimed the life of one New York State Thruway Authority worker and seriously injured another.

The ostensible purpose of contractor licensing statutes is to ensure that the public’s health and welfare is protected by permitting only qualified contractors to work in their respective trades. Whether these statutes accomplish this purpose or are simply a stream of revenue for a municipality, is subject to debate. However, given the stated purpose of these statutes, they are strictly construed, and proving compliance with these statutes is required in order to recover for such work under either a breach of contract or unjust enrichment theory.

Great ideas in business are often hatched at kitchen tables. A century ago, on March 17, 1924, William H. Peckham, Jr., along with his father-in-law and a friend gathered in his small apartment in White Plains, NY, to launch a new company in the paving business. That was the day Peckham Road Corp. was born.

NEW YORK –In its ongoing battle to protect people and property against damage caused by rising sea levels and stronger storms, New York City on May 6 launched the Battery Coastal Resilience plan, as a critical component of the massive $1.7 billion Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency strategy.

CENTRAL VALLEY—The owner of the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, which previously announced plans for a $250-million expansion project, recently updated other upcoming customer experience enhancements and new store openings at the iconic Orange County-based property.