Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

Gary LaBarbera

Gary LaBarbera

  • As New York’s Next Building Boom Approaches, It’s Time to Double Down on Construction Safety

    Construction workers (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)


    One look at the New York City skyline and you know that tens of thousands of workers have made their mark on this city. Ironworkers, carpenters, welders, plumbers, and electricians, among countless other tradespeople built New York – and they’ll also be the ones who ensure New York’s future is just as bright as its past.

    Construction, however, is undoubtedly dangerous work, and without proper safeguards and legal protections, the work becomes

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  • Saying Yes to Good Jobs in Queens When We Need Them Most

    mayor b visits

    Construction workers at work (photo: Edward Reed/Mayoral office)


    New York City is on a long road for recovery from COVID-19. Many of us have a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who has been directly infected with this horrible disease. Because of our tragic experience, New Yorkers recognize better than people from any place across the globe the importance of masks, social distancing, and handwashing, and we have transitioned from the epicenter to become one of the safest places in the country.

    But while we have taken many necessary steps to combat the spread

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