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    An Upward Trend Ahead

    Considering the uncertainty of the last few years, between the economy, bank and unemployment issues, it’s no surprise that each year ends with a bit of relief. It seems that year over year, in the face of adversity and gut wrenching change, we’re forced to collect ourselves, regroup, develop new strategies and plow ahead. While bad news continues to hit us on an almost daily basis, it’s important to take pause from time to time and reflect on the upside – how, despite it all, we’re still working hard, everyday, to push construction projects through the system. Thus we enter the last month of 2011, again with a compelling progress report of our achievements.

    I recently read some interesting statistics about the nationwide construction industry. In 2009, the industry plunged 24%, and then tailed off another 4% in 2010. This past year, 2011, saw us finally flat-lining. In 2012, projections appear to show some promise – and hopefully some modest growth.

    Those are nation-wide statistics. More interesting are the local ones. Commissioner Limandri, in his address at the recent BTEA safety conference announced a compelling statistic – construction and demolition permits are up 6% compared to 2010.

    Keep in mind that NYC had three major forces against it in addition to the economy to slow down growth. The first was the fallout from several high-profile accidents, which led the DOB to take a step back and review the policies and procedures with a new mandate for safety. New rules and regulations took time to develop, and then implement. According to the commissioner, the changes are in place, and we’re now much safer than before.

    The second headwind came with the migration to a technology-driven infrastructure. This roll-out, over the last several years, caused endless delays while new systems were developed and tested in real time. With the launch of the Hub last month, it feels like we are through the tunnel, and now have the upside of speed and efficiency in front of us.

    The final barrier of the last few years was the change to the new, 2008 Building Code. With an entirely new set of building rules in place, the DOB and trade needed ample time to understand the changes, and adopt them completely from the planning process through construction. Now, a few years into it, we’re finally educated on the new Code, and how to interpret and plan for it.

    To me, all of this points to a promising future, and hopefully right around the corner in 2012.

    We work hard all year, and during the Holiday Season it’s important to slow down and reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of 2011. Make sure to spend time with your family, catch your breath, and be thankful for what we continue to achieve in the face of adversity.

    Frank Fortino

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