BTEA


	Louis Coletti, BTEA’s President and CEO, testified on May 26, 2010 to the NY City Planning Commission in support of Vornado’s proposed project of constructing a commercial tower at 15 Penn Plaza. Part of the project will encompass improvements to Penn Station as well as the subway stations within the vicinity of the project which are much needed. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. Hank Kita, Senior Vice President, testified on May 11, 2010 to the New York City Council in opposition to Intro 97 that covers paid sick leave for employees. While the BTEA supports the concept of the bill, the BTEA disagrees on a particular section of the bill that concerns collective bargaining agreements. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. James Coletti, Vice President, testified on May 12, 2010 to the City Planning Commission in favor of the Flushing Commons project. With the construction industry’s unemployment at 40% a project of this magnitude is needed. It will provide 2,600 construction jobs and 1,900 permanent jobs for NYC resident. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. Louis Coletti, BTEA’s President and CEO, testified on April 15, 2010 to Community Board 5 in support of Vornado’s proposed project of constructing two commercial towers at 15 Penn Plaza that total in $1.6 billion. At a time when construction unemployment is at 30% the city needs to welcome such a project that will provide 1,100 jobs for New York residents. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. On November 17, 2009 the BTEA expressed its support for the development of the Kingsbridge Armory project in the Bronx. During a time when jobs are scarce, this project will ensure that 1,000 union construction workers will be making a prevailing wage rate along with health benefits. To further benefit the community and the Bronx, once the project is completed, 1,200 permanent jobs will be established through retail. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. On November 6, 2008 the BTEA placed its support behind Public-Private Partnerships. This partnership will help badly needed infrastructure projects in New York State to be funded and constructed in a timely fashion in amidst of the economic downfall. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. On May 6, 2008 the BTEA proposed 10 safety recommendations that would improve safety on and around construction jobsites to the NYC Council. Click the links below to review the testimony and safety recommendations. Please click the link here to read the full testimony and safety recommendations. On April 28, 2008 Hank Kita, Senior Vice President of the BTEA, testified to the New York City Council Committee on Contracts about apprenticeship program requirements. The full testimony is attached in the link below. Please click the link here to read the full testimony. Louis Coletti, President and CEO, of the Building Trades Employers’ Association testified on April 17, 2008 before the New York City Council Housing and Building Committee in the Council Chambers on construction safety. The following are key points included in his testimony: BTEA contractors are the safest contractors in the world and will continue to put safety first to protect the public and their workers Since the March 15th accident, BTEA contractors have been working with the NYC Buildings Department to make changes to the current construction practices and protocols concerning the erecting, dismantling and jumping of tower cranes Additional financing needs to be provided to the NYC Buildings Department for the training and hiring of inspectors, as well as support personnel in order to improve oversight and scheduling of tower crane jumps Amend the current Building Code and require that all personnel involved in rigger tasks be required to pass a 30 hour rigging training course and be required to take an 8 hour refresher course at least once every three years A committee be established of industry professionals be convened with the Buildings Department to review qualifications for both the Master Rigger and Tower Rigger license Review current requirements for Crane Operator licenses Please click the link here to read the full testimony.