NY architect accused of retaliating against unionization effort

January 22, 2026 / no comments

One of New York City’s top architecture firms is under fire for allegedly dismissing a handful of employees who tried to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint on Friday accusing Snohetta of firing eight workers part of a failed unionization effort, the New York Times reported. The complaint alleges the firm made the cuts “to discourage employees from engaging” in collective action. Elaine Molinar, a partner at Snohetta, said “business considerations” were at play in the firings and that the union preferences of individual employees were largely unknown. A paper trail, however, suggests otherwise. In 2023, employees […]

This article originally appeared on The Real Deal. Click here to read the full story.

The Daily Dirt: Here’s a cheatsheet on J-51, environmental reform proposals

January 22, 2026 / no comments

Gov. Kathy Hochul finally provided some details about her proposed revamped property tax break and carve-outs for housing projects in New York.  As part of her executive budget, the governor has pitched reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQRA, and the property tax abatement known as J-51.  On the former, housing projects in the city would be exempt from environmental review if: — They have 250 or fewer units, if located in a low-density district.  — They have 500 or fewer units, if located in a medium- or high-density district. Such projects, however, still must go through review […]

This article originally appeared on The Real Deal. Click here to read the full story.