November 5, 2024 - Queens Ledger

Queens Chamber Buildings Awards Winners Honored

BQE Admin on November 5, 2024

On Thursday, October 10th, hundreds gathered at the iconic TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport for the Annual Queens Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Building Awards Gala.

Since its inception in 1926, the annual event has honored iconic projects that have enhance the architectural and economic vitality of Queens, ensuring the borough remains vibrant, sustainable, and livable. This year’s 98th anniversary recognized 14 outstanding projects from across Queens, showcasing their contributions to the community’s growth and development.

“Queens continues to grow and thrive because of the extraordinary efforts of our real estate, architecture, and construction communities,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s Building Awards Gala is not just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the hard work of those shaping the future of our borough. We were proud to honor these professionals and are deeply grateful for their commitment to Queens.”

The evening’s keynote speaker, Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, emphasized the borough’s role in the city’s transformation. “Queens is at the forefront of some of the most important projects driving New York City’s future. From reimagined airports to new housing initiatives, the borough’s development is a testament to the visionaries behind these transformative efforts. The New York Building Congress proudly celebrated the people and projects making Queens a hub of opportunity,” said Scissura.

“It is so great to be able to celebrate the best and brightest of our borough’s building industry during this year’s Building Awards Gala,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “We’re in the midst of a generational housing crisis where the only way out is to build, and we’re doing exactly that thanks to the hard work of our builders. They are leading the way toward a better Queens.”

“Congratulations to all the honorees at the 2024 Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards Gala,” said New York State Assembly Member Catalina Cruz. “The Chamber has been an essential partner to our office, especially in championing immigrant-owned businesses.”

“Queens continues to be transformed by the remarkable projects recognized at this year’s Building Awards Gala,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “The dedication of our architects, builders, and designers is evident in every structure honored, reflecting a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth. These projects are shaping not just the physical landscape, but the future of our borough.”

This year’s awards were divided into four categories, with each honored project represented by the architects and builders behind them. New Construction was the largest category, with eight diverse projects recognized. In the Residential (Multi-Family) subcategory, the Locust Manor Development received recognition alongside Nova. In the Health Care Related Facilities subcategory, the Joseph F. Collins Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Center was acknowledged Educational excellence was honored in the Schools & Colleges subcategory with the award going to PS32 The State School Addition. Meanwhile, within the Mixed Use subcategory, The Monarch took the top spot. In the Commercial subcategory, Wildflower Studios was recognized for its groundbreaking architectural vision. Lastly, the transformation of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C received accolades in the Public Buildings subcategory for its role in modernizing one of New York’s major transportation hubs.

In the Sustainable Building category, two projects were highlighted for their eco-friendly designs. The Alley Pond Environmental Center, designed by Leroy Street Studio and built by T. Moriarty & Son, Inc., won for the Public Buildings subcategory. The 88, designed by Ismael Leyva Architects with Monadnock Construction, Inc., took top place in the Residential (Multi-Family) subcategory.

The Public Work Infrastructure & Civil Projects category featured a single standout winner: The Atrium Business & Conference Center at LaGuardia Airport, built by Holt Construction, which was praised for its contribution to the airport’s modernization.

Three projects were celebrated in the Rehabilitation, Adaptive Use, Alteration, or Addition

category for their revitalization of existing structures. These included the Queensborough Community College Performing Arts Center (QPAC), the Rego Park Office Tower, and Alphapointe Queens.

Will NY Determine Who Controls the House?

BQE Admin on November 5, 2024

By Robert Hornak

The 2024 election is almost over. I’m sure many people would say mercifully so. While a victory by former President Trump is looking increasingly likely the talk has begun to turn toward who will control Congress.

Republican control of the Senate looks like a near certainty. Of the 11 seats up for election held by Republicans, including two open seats, only one Republican is in danger of losing – Deb Fischer of Nebraska. She’s only up by one point in the polls, but Trump is ahead in Nebraska by 16 points. It’s very likely his strong performance will pull her across the finish line. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to defend 23 seats, including 7 open seats. Of those, West Virginia’s open seat is considered an easy win for Republicans, putting the Senate at 50-50. In Montana, another state Trump will do well in, Democrat Jon Tester is down in the polls.

The respected Cook Political Report has rated the races in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania as toss ups. And the seats in Arizona and Nevada are only very narrow leads for the Democrats. If Republicans run the table and see upset wins in the surprisingly close race in Maryland and flip Virginia, they would be at 59 seats.

So, what are the chances that Republican can win the trifecta on Tuesday?

Pretty good, no matter what happens in New York. Cook rates 25 House races as toss ups, 11 Democrats and 14 Republicans. These swing districts will have less to do with which presidential candidate wins their state than with the local dynamics. Excitement over the candidate at the top of the ballot can influence the results down ballot, depending on the strength of their coattails. Strong candidates for president have big coattails, sweeping many candidates from their party into office. One rare exception was 2020, where Democrats actually lost 11 House seats, setting up the 2022 election where Republicans were able to take back control of the House by gaining 9 seats that November.

In addition to the toss up races, Cook rates 11 blue seats as leaning Democrat, or somewhat competitive. Meanwhile, there are only 6 Republican seats that are leaning Republican, with one incumbent’s race rated as leaning Democrat. They also rate 16 Democrat seats and 10 Republican seats as likely wins for their respective party. Every other race they rate as solid, or not even remotely competitive. In all that’s 38 Democrat seats and 31 Republican seats that could be in play. This is where the action is going to be on election night, and we are likely to see a number of surprises. There are always incumbents that you thought were a goner, but manage to hang on, and a couple that you were sure to be re-elected that end up defeated. Some of this will depend on the strength of presidential coattails in these districts, with turnout certain to be affected by the enthusiasm each candidate has generated. And on the enthusiasm meter, Trump seems to have the advantage.

But ultimately it will depend on the strength of the individual candidates and the races they run. So regardless of whether Republicans hold their seats in New York or wind up losing two or three, the chances that Republicans overall will pick up a number of seats around the country are very good and we are likely to see a significantly larger Republican conference in the House next year.

Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com.

Queens Chamber Buildings Awards Winners Honored

Will NY Determine Who Controls the House?

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