Supporters of proposed reforms to the city’s 421a tax abatement have cited the influence of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top aides in justifying the governor’s backing for a prevailing wage provision to be added to the measures.
Real estate executives reportedly “think it’s relevant” that top Cuomo aide Bill Mulrow is the governor’s lead negotiator on 421a, with Mulrow having benefitted significantly from the support of the New York City District Council of Carpenters when running for state comptroller in 2002.
The Council is “deeply engrained” in efforts by the state’s building trades to mandate a prevailing wage for construction workers on projects that receive 421a benefits, Crain’s reports. Reforms proposed by Mayor Bill de Blasio and backed by the Real Estate Board of New York do not include such a mandate.
Cuomo recently called the Mayor’s proposals “too rich for developers” and said they do not “do enough for workers,” reportedly leading to a schism that has emerged between the Cuomo and de Blasio camps in recent weeks. [Crain’s] – Rey Mashayekhi