Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2007

BY TONIA SHAKESPEARE

For the past 20 years, the Downtown Brooklyn Advisory and Oversight Committee (DBAOC) has been at the forefront of the fight to include minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) on major development projects in Brooklyn.  DBAOC has also fought for the inclusion of local residents to be part of the workforce on construction projects.  In fact, it was back in 1991 that DBAOC and Forest City Ratner Companies launched the Community Labor Exchange (CLE) that required 25% of the labor force on a construction project be from the surrounding community upon which the development project is built.  With that as the backdrop, it was no surprise that on Apr. 12, Bill Howell, chairman of the DBAOC, presented a groundbreaking initiative “Community Built,” which certifies developers voluntarily committing to the best practices of hiring MWBEs as contractors and retaining employees from local Brooklyn workforce pools.

The event was attended by an array of leaders in the development community and public officials, including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and City Councilwoman Letitia James.

Likening Community Built certification to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which is the benchmark for environmentally sustainable buildings, Carlos Menchaca, economic development and capital budget specialist with the Borough President's office, said the DBAOC certification would be beneficial to smart growth for Brooklyn.  “If we tell people that a building was community built, it will have impact,” asserted Mr. Menchaca.  “We’re hoping we create a culture of inclusion and the commitment to community as a way to build.’”  Mr. Menchaca said developers who work with the DBAOC are already maximizing their participation with MWBEs and the local Brooklyn workforce. Community Built certification would serve as a brand for consumers to recognize participants’ efforts.

Michael Burke, executive director of policy and strategic planning for Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, encouraged developers to meet with the DBAOC early on, before the construction stage.  “It’s important to do this before construction has started because you get the maximum number of qualified MWBEs for the selection process,” he stated. According to Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, $9.5 billion in public and private investments has been planned for downtown Brooklyn’s revitalization, including further improvements to Willoughby Pedestrian Plaza as well as a plaza and 250-car garage for BAM District Grand Plaza.  Nearly $300 million in capital funds has been committed for public improvements.  Construction is planned to begin in 2008 on Fulton Street Mall and on the streetscape of Flatbush Avenue. 

“All Brooklynites need to be involved with developments in Brooklyn,” said Alexander Rivera, who as ombudsman for DBAOC identifies upcoming projects and facilitates relationships between developers and qualified contractors.  Because of the DBAOC’s advocacy and mission, minority and women-owned firms now have more of an opportunity to participate in development projects in the borough.  

Two decades ago, however, developers weren’t as committed to diversifying their use of contractors or hiring a local workforce.  Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries who pointed out the progress achieved over the years in the construction industry, due to the efforts of DBAOC, emphasized the importance of developers continuing their commitment to hiring qualified minorities. “When we’re given an opportunity, a level playing field, we have the talent to do a job as good as anyone else, even better,” he stated.

Proof of that opportunity began when developers like Forest City Ratner Companies increased participation of minority and women-owned firms in downtown Brooklyn development projects.  In 1993, on a $47 million deal developed by Forest City Ratner Companies for 11 Metrotech, 39% or $18.2 million was awarded to MWBEs.  New York City Comptroller William Thompson Jr. acknowledged Bruce Ratner, of Forest City Ratner Companies, for his early contributions, commitment, and role in the formation of the Downtown Brooklyn Advisory and Oversight Committee.  “He didn’t have to do it,” said Comptroller Thompson.  “He wanted to do it.” 

Senator Yvette Montgomery pointed to Muss Development’s efforts in hiring MWBEs.  In September 2006, Muss Development awarded 31% or $13 million to minority and women-owned contractors and hired a workforce that was 55% minority and 37% local for the Brooklyn Marriott hotel expansion project.  Senator Montgomery said she understood the complications of the construction industry and the discipline required to make things happen from top to bottom; she encouraged developers to be willing to go the extra step to find qualified minority contractors to fulfill their project needs.

For more information about the DBAOC or the new Community Built initiative please contact Alex Rivera at 718 875-1000 ext. 140 or arivera@brooklynchamber.com