Traffic causes delays, lost productivity for N.J. construction firms

Friday, June 11, 2010 01:50 PM By Evelyn Lee Evelyn Lee Evelyn Lee covers real estate, economic development and the environment for NJBIZ. She has been a staff reporter here since 2006.

Traffic congestion, and the resulting delays, are costing the nation’s construction firms some $23 billion a year — and New Jersey companies, in some ways, are more affected than their counterparts in other states, according to a new analysis released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America, in Washington, D.C.

New Jersey mirrored the nation in that 93 percent of the firms that were surveyed reported that traffic congestion and shipping unreliability had an impact on their operations — but 50 percent of local companies characterized that impact as “significant,” compared to only 22 percent nationally. Nearly 1,200 construction firms participated in the survey, including 25 from the Garden State.



Twenty-one percent of local general contractors, moreover, said that their cost of doing business increased by 11 percent or more because of delays, wasted fuel and other traffic impacts, while only 9 percent of firms nationally said the same, according to the survey results.

Traffic delays and congestion have lead to more than 30 hours per worker per year of lost productivity for 21 percent of New Jersey companies, about level with the national average, the survey said. Meanwhile, 64 percent of survey respondents said they had made changes to schedules or business operations because of traffic congestion and unreliable shipping schedules.

For example, Del-Sano Contracting Corp., a Union-based general contractor, has implemented practices to adjust to traffic congestion near some construction sites, particularly those in the state’s urban areas.

The firm’s employees generally get to work sites early in the morning and on time, said Angelo Del Russo, the company’s president. But “if the traffic has mounted up and stalled, it could hold things up for deliveries” of construction materials, and in turn add overtime to the project, he said.

“There’s a planning process that goes on,” Del Russo said. “What we try to do is just anticipate ahead of time what the traffic patterns are around our particular sites.” The company will post signage a day or two before the start of construction to alert residents about the project in the area.

Also, “there is a need to have professional help from the local police department to keep [traffic] moving,” he said. For example, on one recent project in Union City, police had traffic patterns set up to allow 25 trucks delivering concrete to get in and out of the site as quickly as possible.

“We’ve taken these measures, and it lessens the impact” of traffic, he said.

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CEO Angelo Del Russo Speaks at Crane's Mill Ribbon Cutting

CEO of DelSano Contracting speaks at the ribbon cutting of the completed Crane's Mill Project, in New Jersey.

Angelo Del Russo followed his passion for construction early in his career. Energized by his desire to create a construction company devoted to quality and craftsmanship, Mr. Del Russo incorporated Del-Sano Contracting in 1975. Today, he proudly oversees a company that regularly ranks as one of the top performers in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Mr. Del Russo graduated from The New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in civil engineering technology. He has served as Secretary and Treasurer of E.L.A Associates, published numerous industry articles, and is a member of several trade and business associations including the United States Green Builders Council.

Crane's Mill
Phase II will complete the residential development of the campus with the addition of 70 Residential apartments with 47 underground parking spaces and 10 cottages. The project is planned to consist of a two story, (118,550 sq ft) structure with underground parking to be built and directly linked to the existing central facility building; completing the campus development. Ten cottages with attached garages (23,900 sq ft) are also included in Phase II.

Del-Sano Contracting Corp. Honored with New York Construction's'Best of 2009' Award for Garden Street Lofts
September 21, 2009, Hoboken, NJ - New York Construction has awarded Del-Sano Contracting Corp. (http://www.delsano.com/) an Award of Merit in the Green Building category as part of its "Best of 2009 Awards" for Garden Street Lofts (http://www.gardenstreetlofts.com/). Garden Street Lofts is a luxury residential building in Hoboken, New Jersey. Del-Sano served as the general contractor for the $16.8-million redevelopment project, which was completed in February 2009.
New York Construction's "Best of Awards" is an annual awards program dedicated to honoring the region's best projects and the companies that design and build them. Award criteria included Teamwork and Project Management, Safety, Innovation, Contribution to the Community or Industry, Overcoming Unique or Difficult Challenges, Construction Quality and Craftsmanship, and Function and Aesthetic Quality of the Design.
Garden Street Lofts was redeveloped from an existing 42,888-square-foot, structural steel, concrete and masonry, former coconut processing and storage warehouse that was erected in 1919. Del-Sano built a new 35,054-square-foot, seven-story structural steel and concrete addition with gauged metal-perimeter wall framing and a Zinc rain screen façade. The addition rises above and is linked to the restored cast-in-place concrete building at the original fifth floor roof level. The mixed-use complex includes 30-luxuriously appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom, loft-style condominiums. Also, at ground level there is a total 7,500 square feet of open floor plan that is suited for prime retail space facing 14th and Garden Streets.
The Garden Street Lofts is awaiting certification as the first Silver LEED luxury residential hi-rise development in New Jersey. The building uses 24% less energy in heating cooling and lighting, as well as 20% less water than a traditional building, and 100% of its electrical power is generated from wind and other renewable resources.
In addition to the many sustainable and energy efficient elements of the building, Del-Sano's handling of the construction process itself, as well as the worksite were noteworthy. "The challenges of bringing this project to life were many, not the least of which was how to preserve, recycle and transform architectural history by converting the Hostess coconut-processing warehouse into a state-of-the-art, high performance 'green' building while initiating creative cost containment measures," explained Angelo Del Russo, Founder and CEO of Del-Sano Contracting.
"Preserving an old structure while wrapping a new structure around and above it is no easy task. Another preservation challenge was to make certain the integrity of the walls and structure remained intact for restoration and rehabilitation," noted Del- Russo. "The restriction of the existing lot size and position also presented challenges, particularly for structural design and building methods. But ultimately, we were able to work around these challenges, afford the client some significant cost savings through our building methodologies, and deliver a beautiful building to the client that stands as a model for sustainable residential development in New Jersey."
Project team members were:
Architect: Sharples Holden Pasquarelli Architects, New York, NY
MEPS Engineer: Buro Happold, New York, NY
Project Financing: TD Bank, Ramsey, NJ
Marketing Agent: Hudson Place Realty, Hoboken, NJ
LEED Commissioning Agent, Dome-Tech Group, Edison, NJ
About Bijou PropertiesGarden Street Lofts was developed by Bijou Properties (http://www.bijouproperties.com/), which has already received recognition for successfully redeveloping urban properties and for the adaptive re-use of a former industrial and warehouse building along the Hudson River waterfront. The company is committed to incorporating sustainable design and construction into its projects.
About Del-Sano Contracting Corp. Del-Sano Contracting Corp. (http://www.delsano.com/), a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a skilled and qualified builder of LEED-registered projects. The firm is committed to setting new standards for sustainable development through ongoing education and training, responsible use of natural resources, and the integration of principles of sustainable development in its day-to-day activities and client projects.
Established in 1975, Del-Sano provides full-service, commercial general construction and construction management services to a distinguished and diverse client base located throughout the New York metropolitan area. The firm, which ranks among the 25 largest general contractors in New Jersey, is engaged in the construction and development of commercial, institutional, retail, multifamily (including senior, affordable and luxury housing) high-rise, multi-level and framed structures, as well as recreational facilities and historic renovation projects.

Del-Sano Completes Construction of $16.7M Kennedy Tower II in West New York, NJ, Meeting or Exceeding New Jersey Affordable Green Program Standards

07.27.2009 – West New York, NJ – Del-Sano Contracting Corp. (www.delsano.com) has completed new construction of Kennedy Tower II in West New York, New Jersey. Kennedy Tower II is an 11-story, senior independent living, affordable housing community consisting of 71 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 82 parking spaces, 76 of which are located in structured parking facilities. Del-Sano served as the general contractor for the $16,735,000 million project, which began in July 2008. The senior housing property was ready for occupancy on July 1, 2009. The project is owned by West New York Urban Renewal II. The federally subsidized project was funded by HMFA (Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.Located on 62nd street, Kennedy Tower II is adjacent to the original Kennedy Tower, which was constructed in 1968, and is located on 62nd street.

The property offers proximity to bus routes and features safe shelters for commuters. Kennedy Tower II is built to New Jersey Affordable Green Program standards, utilizing daylight lighting where possible, Energy Star appliances, heating units, and water saver plumbing fixtures and high efficiency elevators. There is high recycle content in the flooring material, backfill material, and concrete used in the building. All plantings are drought resistant and indigenous to the area. During construction, 80% of the construction waste was recycled. According to Del-Sano Contracting Founder and CEO Angelo Del Russo, “Both West New York Urban Renewal II and Del-Sano shared a commitment to safe, clean, accessible, energy efficient and affordable housing throughout this project. Kennedy Tower II stands as a fine example of affordable housing that has both the needs of independent senior residents and the environment at its core, and we were thrilled to have been associated with this project.”About Del-SanoDel-Sano Contracting Corp, a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), is a skilled and qualified builder of LEED-registered projects.

The firm is committed to setting new standards for sustainable development through ongoing education and training, responsible use of natural resources, and the integration of principles of sustainable development in its day-to-day activities and client projects.Established in 1975, Del-Sano provides full-service, commercial general construction and construction management services to a distinguished and diverse client base located throughout the New York metropolitan area. The firm, which ranks among the 25 largest general contractors in New Jersey, is engaged in the construction and development of commercial, institutional, retail, multifamily (including senior, affordable and luxury housing) high-rise, multi-level and framed structures, as well as recreational facilities and historic renovation projects.

Del-Sano Gives Back-Now MOVE!

It is important to the people at Del-Sano Contracting to give back to something that they are passionate about, besides giving back to the Matheny School for Disabled Children or the Market Street Mission house during the holidays, Del-Sano would like to give to the "We're on the MOVE to End Alzheimer's" ...Every 70 seconds one person is diagnosed with the disease..we must find a cure!! With your help we can make a difference!!! Please visit our page if you would like to make a donation!! It is greatly appreciated!! https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=302619&supid=261814197

NEW PROJECT..Horizon Heights!!!!!!!

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine Visits Horizon Heights in West New York/Union City, Announces State Funding for Affordable Housing Projects

-- Del-Sano Contracting to Break Ground on Horizon Heights, One of the Funded Projects,
in Fall 2009 --


June 15, 2009, (Union City/West New York, NJ) – Pictured left to right: Angelo Del Russo, Founder and CEO, Del-Sano Contracting; Larry Regan, President, Regan Development Corporation; Joseph Doria, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner; Timothy Doherty, ED, Project Freedom Inc.; New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine; and Debra Urban, Director of Tax Credit Services, State of New Jersey.

On May 28, 2009, Governor Jon Corzine and New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Joseph Doria, visited the site of Horizon Heights, a planned affordable housing property that straddles West New York and Union City, New Jersey. Corzine and Doria were on hand to announce the construction of 14 new affordable housing projects across the state to be built with the help of federal tax credits, including Horizon Heights. Del-Sano Contracting Corp. will serve as the property’s general construction contractor. Over the last decade, Regan Development, the project owner, and Del-Sano Contracting have developed, renovated or built jointly 300 units. Construction will be completed and occupancy expected in early fall 2010.

Specifically, Horizon Heights will be comprised of 52 one-, two- and three-bedroom units of workforce affordable rental housing, as well as housing for individuals and families with special needs. The five-story building will offer parking and retail on the first floor, additional parking on a sub-floor, and four residential stories above. All units would be affordable to families earning less than 60% of Hudson County median income. Eight of those units will be designated for individuals or families with developmental disabilities, and six units would be set aside for independent living residents with special needs. The development will utilize the latest in high performance building technologies and will be participating in the New Jersey Green Homes’ Program, as well as the New Jersey Energy Star Program.

Horizon Heights, which will be developed on the site of a former warehouse, is located in an urban, mixed-use neighborhood with housing, commercial and light industrial uses nearby. Retail, public transportation, and services are all within walking distance of the property.

The project architect is Jose Carballo, AIA, of Jose Carballo Architecture PC, based in Hackensack, NJ.

Garden Street Lofts, Hoboken, NJ- Ribbon Cutting April 24, 2009

Remarks of Sen. Menendez
Green Building Ribbon Cutting
24 April 2009

Thank you very much. It’s great to be here today, for a very fitting celebration of Arbor Day and of New Jersey innovation.

This building is an answer to three of the great crises we face right now: the crisis in the U.S. economy, the crisis of our insecure energy supply and the crisis of global warming.

Building green is smart business and a smart way to build the 21st century economy.
It recognizes that if we’re going to get serious about creating a sustainable economy and a sustainable environment for our children and grandchildren, we can’t just continue with building as usual—we have to build to a higher standard.

It’s time to face reality: global warming is closing in on us. We can either fight it now or wait for it to knock on our door and be powerless to stop the terrible consequences.



I believe that a nation that won two world wars, cured diseases once thought incurable and launched industrial and technological revolutions that shook the globe is great enough to face up to that challenge and meet it. And this building is a good chunk of proof.

Today, cutting a ribbon means cutting emissions. Not only that, what we have here today is proof that fighting climate change and bringing down energy costs can be a winning proposition for our economy.


If anyone wants to know what green jobs look like, they should look here. We’ve seen jobs created in all the construction trades who took part in this achievement. We’ve seen jobs created for those who manufactured the renewable and recycled materials they used. We’ve seen jobs created for the environmental engineers and designers who planned it.

The project’s green roots go even deeper. The building draws electricity from the grid in a state that produces enough solar energy to power almost 60,000 homes.[1]

And I don’t think it’s any accident that it was built in a city with some of the best access to public transportation in the nation—a city that has seen that access increase with the Hudson-Bergen light rail that I’ve supported in Congress.

So building green is about more than just a single high-rise, it’s the idea of building entire communities that can develop sustainably— getting rid of smog so our lungs can breath, getting rid of traffic congestion so our economy can advance, ending our dependence on foreign oil so we create jobs that can’t be sent overseas.

Yes, this building will save its tenants money on their power bill right away. But it will also help preserve our air and water for the future generations who move in.

The hardworking individuals who built this building can tell their children and grandchildren with pride that they worked on the first green high-rise in the Garden State. And I know we all hope that it will just be the first of many.