Residential Construction Still Riding a Tax-Break Surge in NYC

Big investments in residential building in New York City indicate the strength of the city's economy, according to an article in Crain's New York Business.

1 minute read

November 2, 2015, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Spurred by the boom in residential building, total construction spending in the city will reach a record $39 billion this year and increase another 5% in the next two years," reports Greg David.

Citing projections from the New York Building Congress, David notes that the private sector is picking up the slack from the public sector: "Government spending, which accounted for more than half of all construction outlays in the previous two decades, will account for only a third this year"—though the article predates the recent approval of the MTA capital plan.

The article also goes into more detail about the relationship of the expiration of the 421-a tax break, which Josh Barbanel detailed in a separate article from July. "With [421-a] continuation beyond 2015 now dependent on a deal between builders and the construction unions over wages on 421-a projects, there could be another flurry at end of the year," adds David.

Thursday, October 29, 2015 in Crain's Business New York

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Dense informal settlement on steep hillside in Brazil.

Housing as a Climate Resilience Strategy

Ensuring that housing, including in informal settlements, is safe and healthy for its residents is a key tool in the fight to build more sustainable and equitable communities in the face of climate migration.

December 11 - Time Magazine

Close-up of person on road bike riding on protected bike lane separated by concrete curb from street.

Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure

Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.

December 11 - LA Public Press

Close-up of Chevron gas station sign with logo and prices starting at $7.25.

USDOT: Low-Income Households Bear Highest Transportation Cost Burden

Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenditure behind housing for all income levels.

December 11 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.