News

A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Low bid news from around the state.

CHESTER, NY—Although some economists are predicting a recession later this year, construction activity in the Mid-Hudson Valley will continue to be strong in 2023, according to chief government officials and labor leaders in the region who participated at the ninth annual Hudson Valley Construction Industry Partnership (HVCIP) luncheon late last month.

EASTCHESTER, NY—Infrastructure rebuilding in the region took a major step forward when it was announced this month that federal and state monies are on the way to restore and upgrade the Lake Isle Dam here in southern Westchester. Repairs are sorely needed for this vintage, 128-year-old masonry dam, which is one of 400 in the state rated as high hazard.

TARRYTOWN—The chief executives of five major business organizations in Westchester County have jointly sent a letter to the Westchester State Delegation urging them that incentives alone will not solve the housing crisis in Westchester County and therefore lawmakers should enact some key facets of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “New York Housing Compact” plan.

NEW YORK—A plan to address the needs to create more affordable housing in a post-pandemic New York would covert vacant office buildings into homes, thereby tackling both the city’s housing crisis and lagging retail growth. A key to the proposal is more flexible zoning laws.

As this column has often noted, a mechanic’s lien is a powerful tool to help a contractor get paid. Because of the power of this tool—and the
ability of a stranger to the property, and perhaps even a stranger to the contract with the owner, to affect title to the property—there are certain protections built into the Lien
Law to provide balance.

WASHINGTON—More than 36,000 transportation improvement projects, including at least one in every congressional district, have moved forward in the past 16 months as implementation of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continues, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Chair Paula Hammond told a Congressional panel on March 28.

Next Gen Leaders Profiles of the Industry’s New Generation Timothy Kohany, EIT Age: 37 Current Position: Assistant Project Engineer Employer: Siefert Associates – Construction Engineers What I like about the job: Working at Siefert Associates is a great transition from college to design engineering. I now see opportunities where others see problems. I enjoy working

What would happen if the U.S. government defaulted on its national debt? The Federal government has a borrowing constraint commonly known as the debt ceiling.