By Matthew Monks
City construction will be booming in the next decade, Bloomberg said, with a slew of massive projects such as the redevelopment of the Lower West Side in Manhattan and Hunters Point waterfront revitalization dubbed Queens West. He projected 260,000 new construction jobs over the next 30 years. His new Commission on Construction Opportunity, which will be manned by private developers, union representatives, contractors and government officials, will brainstorm ways to get those jobs to New Yorkers, particularly women, who have been traditionally overlooked in the trades. “People don't know there are jobs available – don't know that they'll be welcome in the trades,” Bloomberg said inside the District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades' Apprentice and Training Center on 36th Street.The 34-member panel is charged with getting the word out. Its first meeting is March 18.”We need a system to identify women, connect them with the jobs,” said Susan Hayes, commission member and president and chief executive of Caldwell Wingate Company. “Union jobs have always been a ladder to the middle class.”Other notable commission members include retired Marine Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Caulfied, city Comptroller William C. Thompson, Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein and U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-Ditmars). “We're going to supply the best qualified person for whatever job there is,” Rangel said. “Construction provides good jobs to individuals.”Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
