On this episode of Closed!, Lee sits down with Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, for a conversation on New York City's efforts to cut construction red tape, streamline government approvals, and accelerate development across the five boroughs.
Drawing on his experience leading the New York Building Congress and chairing the city's 2024 Charter Revision Commission, Carlo breaks down the upcoming November 3 ballot proposals and what they could mean for New York's construction and real estate industries. From permitting backlogs and lengthy environmental reviews to overlapping agency requirements, he explains why projects can take years to get off the ground, how regulatory delays drive up costs, and what a more centralized approval process could look like.
Lee and Carlo also explore the broader challenges facing the building industry, including rising material costs, tariffs, interest rates, and the uncertainty surrounding major development projects. Despite these obstacles, Carlo remains optimistic about New York's future, pointing to the demand for modern Class A office space, new housing, major transit and infrastructure investments, and the economic opportunities created by continued construction.
The conversation also examines the proposed changes to outdoor dining approvals, the connection between construction and small businesses, and why building faster matters not only for developers and property owners, but for New Yorkers who need more housing, jobs, and accessible communities.
To learn more about Carlo Scissura and the New York Building Congress, visit buildingcongress.com.
To learn more about Lee and Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit the firm online at bflawoffice.com
","author_name":"BFKP Productions"}