Community Board 11 backs all‑union workforce for Montifur advanced care pavilion

Community Board 11 voted June 24 to send a letter urging Montifur’s Advanced Care Pavilion project to use an all‑union construction workforce, prioritize local hiring, and maintain area wage and benefit standards.

The board’s leadership committee read the draft letter into the record and the full board adopted it after a short discussion. Chair Cynthia Rodriguez presented the letter, which said CB11 “strongly encourages the use of an all‑union workforce and contractors who uphold area labor standards while maintaining robust apprenticeship and workforce development programs.” The motion was made by Sandy and seconded by Rich; two members recused themselves. The transcript records that the motion carried but does not include a numerical vote tally.

Why it matters

Union speakers at the public hearing told the board the project represents a major local employment opportunity that should deliver long‑term benefits to Bronx families. “This project gives Bronx residents the opportunity to earn good wages, receive strong benefits, and help build a project that will serve and benefit the entire community,” said Marvin Tvaris, identifying himself as a business agent for Sheet Metal Workers Local 28. Several other union representatives made similar points about local hiring, job quality, and apprenticeship pathways.

Carl Johnson, business agent for Plumbers Local Union No. 1, said the board should avoid out‑of‑state contractors: “We have plenty of skilled trades people right here,” he said, urging contractors that “pay everybody properly.” Terrell Martin of the NYC District Council of Carpenters described how union jobs changed his life and asked the board to ensure the construction work reflects the same standards Montifur applies to its clinical staff.

What the board did and next steps

The board’s adopted letter asks Montifur to prioritize union hiring and workforce development opportunities so CB11 residents “have a meaningful opportunity to share in the benefits created by this investment.” The board indicated staff will transmit the letter and follow up with the project team; the record includes the reading of the letter and the full‑board motion and vote. Two members recused themselves from the vote; the transcript does not list a roll‑call tally.

Quotes from the hearing

“Union labor knows not only how to meet the timeline goals but to deliver the project ahead of schedule when needed,” said George Fernandez, identifying his affiliation with Local 46, arguing earlier completion reduces congestion and neighborhood disruption.

Kenny Vasquez, identifying himself as a combat veteran and a member of Plumbers Local One, said union membership had helped him after service: “These hospitals get a lot of doctors that are former vets… a lot of our union workers are saved because of unions that are giving them opportunities.”

Context and limitations

The board’s action was a policy recommendation and not a permit or binding contract requirement. The letter expresses CB11’s preference and asks Montifur to reflect community workforce goals; the authority to require union labor on a private construction contract rests with the project owner and any public funding or permitting authorities. The transcript does not record any direct response from Montifur representatives at this meeting.

Next procedural step: CB11 staff will transmit the letter to Montifur and the leadership committee will track any response or follow‑up requests.