Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Staten Island Economic Development Corporation President Cesar J. Claro, and Silvercup Properties Principal Alan Sunadiscussed investment and growth across the city at an October 27 New York Building Congress Construction Industry Breakfast at 583 Park Avenue.

The breakfast also featured the release of the Building Congress’ new report, New York City Construction Outlook 2017-2019. Building Congress President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura provided a summary of the report, which details the organization’s forecast of nearly $150 billion in construction spending from 2017 through 2019 and 149,800 construction industry jobs this year.

Addressing the crowd of over 350 design, construction and real estate professionals, Mr. Scissura noted the impressive growth of the industry. “The building boom doesn’t just continue. In most sectors it’s getting stronger, a little more innovative, and it’s moving outside of Midtown Manhattan.” Mr. Scissura also highlighted government spending, which the Building Congress expects to reach $16.9 billion in 2017, explaining, “When you invest in people, in communities, in infrastructure, transit and airports, you really bring about a vibrancy that has not been seen in a long time.”

During a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Regina Myer, the panel spoke about infrastructure projects, transportation access, and economic development around the city.

Ms. Myer began by discussing the expansion of Downtown Brooklyn and growth along the Flatbush Avenue corridor as a result of the area’s rezoning. “Developers, residents and visitors have realized that the unbelievable access on Flatbush Avenue has created this amazing center for the area. What we have on Flatbush Avenue is an emerging skyscraper district for both residences and offices, an incredible new image for Downtown Brooklyn.”

Moving on to the Bronx, Borough President Diaz spoke about the progress that has been made over the past few decades. He called the borough’s growth a “Renaissance,” which has resulted in $12.7 billion in private investment and the construction of 30,000 new units of housing. In terms of government spending, Borough President Diaz praised the State government for its plan to redesign the Sheridan Expressway and build four new Metro-North stations. He recognized these projects as instrumental ways to bring density and create opportunities in several neighborhoods throughout the borough.

In discussing Staten Island, Mr. Claro said, “We are on the verge of probably having the greatest period of economic growth in the borough’s history.” He told the attendees that the projects planned for the borough, which include the Observation Wheel, Empire Outlets, and the Lighthouse Point mixed-use development, are all unique to New York. He noted that a continued problem for the borough is its lack of transportation options, calling for a new light rail project and expanded ferry service on the island.

Shifting the conversation to Queens, Mr. Suna talked about development along the waterfront, an area that benefits from eight subway lines, thousands of units of new housing, and close proximity to Manhattan’s business districts. He went on to discuss infrastructure projects across the borough, commending Governor Cuomo for his role in the renovation of LaGuardia Airport, describing the project as “huge for the borough.” Mr. Suna also shared his vision for Sunnyside Yards, which includes the creation of a public space similar to Central Park with increased density surrounding it.

In closing, Mr. Scissura told the attendees about the organization’s 2018 priorities, which include an enhanced advocacy program on the City, State, and Federal levels and the creation of a new report detailing construction spending in the tourism, hospitality, and institutional sectors.