2024 NEWS blog
February and March Updates
The year is off to a great start, with numerous new projects underway. We expanded our staff and adding one more person sometime in April 2024.
January News
BTN started the year off strong with a number of new projects scattered across New York City and Westchester County. We are expanding our outreach work and our staff too! 2024 will be a great year for us.
2023 NEWS
December News
BTN was awarded several other projects in December, and with the pandemic mostly behind us, has begun to expand our outreach work once again.
November News
BTN attended the Somos el Futuro conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico in early November and got to meet with policy makers, elected officials, and several of its clients. Great things will come of these meetings. Watch this space for more details.
October Happenings
October brought cooler weather but things are still hot at BTN Consulting. We began work in Southwest Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the Rockaways. We also spent time preparing for early November’s Somos el Futuro conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
September to Remember
September continued BTN Consulting’s expansion, beginning work in Southeast Queens and central Brooklyn. This fall will be hopping with a few more project starts as well as completing of our next guidebook.
August Expansion
August saw BTN dramatically expand, in terms of projects and more new staff. Things may slow down for some companies in the summer but not at BTN Consulting.
July News
July saw BTN begin planning on several large-scale new projects, set to start the Fall. We also welcomed a new staff member that has hit the ground running. The summer heat hasn’t slowed BTN down one bit.
Summer Sizzles
June was another busy month BTN, with the start of multiple new projects while continuing others. This will be our busiest summer ever. From Buffalo to the Southern Tier to Mid-Hudson to New York City, BTN is having its best year ever.
Spring Forward
April and May were super busy at BTN as we continue work around the tristate area. Next month we’ll announce some new projects we are involved in. Watch this space.
The March is On
March was a busier than usual month at BTN. We are gearing up for a few new projects all closing deals at the same time. Watch this space for more info!
February News
The shortest month is always a busy month for us at BTN. We started work in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Westchester.
January News
The new year started with a flurry of new projects at BTN as we prepare to hire another full-timer in Feb/Mar. We are on track for 2023 to be our biggest year.
New Year, New Projects
BTN finished 2022 strong, signing contracts for multiple new projects ranging from Westchester to Queens. We wish you a very prosperous and peaceful New Year.
2022 NEWS
Fall Update
October and November were busy busy busy at BTN Consulting. Aside from starting more 421a projects, we began two new ones right in our neighborhood. We also hired two new full-timers, referred to us by Bridge Street Development Corp and both are proving to be outstanding!
September News
September was a busy month at BTN Consulting and we welcomed two new staff people to our team! We are starting several new, complex projects in the fall and will welcome their time and expertise.
Summer in the City
July and August weren’t just hot outside—at BTN Consulting it was a firestorm. We saw a record number of new projects start, spanning just about all types of compliance. We’re working on our annual contractor’s fair for mid next year so watch this space for more information.
The Year’s Halftime
June is over and 2022 is at its Halftime. BTN Consulting started almost a dozen new projects at once. We’re also bringing back the annual contractor’s fair soon so watch this space for more information!
Hooray for May
May was another month of 421a activity as BTN Consulting completed two of these projects. We got to work with great people and hope to work with them again. Besides 421a projects, BTN Consulting was awarded several new ICAP projects and more.
Spring Forward
April was the month of 421a, as BTN Consulting entered into contract for compliance on multiple 421a projects, while we wrap up work on several long-standing ones.
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion
As several long-term projects wrapped in March, BTN Consulting signed numerous contracts for compliance work in the metro area, some beginning the day of contract. At the same time, its second guidebook, focusing on local hiring and contracting with an emphasis on Section 3, is near completion, expected out in early 2023.
February News
February was one of BTN Consulting’s best months. Besides being singed for numerous new projects, it was a featured presenter at an online forum on diversity contracting sponsored by NYREC.
A Good Start to the New Year
January was a banner month at BTN Consulting. Our guide continues to be read by industry professionals and is now guiding firms in their efforts to improve diversity contracting on their projects. Besides that, BTN Consulting started several new projects in Far Rockaway, the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Buffalo.
Happy New Year!
December 2021 was a important month for BTN Consulting. The publication of its diversity contracting guide was a big hit with the entire affordable housing and commercial real estate community, including developers, general contractors, elected officials, and government agencies. Click here to get the guide right now!
2021 NEWS
BTN Consulting in the News
Our guide to diversity contracting has an accompanying opinion in Politics NY regarding the upcoming New Year and how the timing is right to have a discussion on diversity as a strategy. Click here to read the opinion and click here to get the guide!
Get our Guide to Diversity Contracting
Finally—A guide for developers, builders, and trade contractors to use to meet diversity contracting goals. BTN Consulting’s first publication details step by step how to prepare and execute a plan to meet or exceed your project’s MWBE and SDVOB goals. Click here to get the guide!
October News
Aside from more work in other parts of New York City, BTN Consulting has a major announcement coming in December 2021. Watch this space for details!
September Update
September 2021 came and went like a blur but in that time BTN Consulting was busier than ever, preparing to start work in Buffalo, Staten Island, and Coney Island, New York.
August News
Our New York and Puerto Rico offices are both open, and BTN Consulting used the month to plan for a very busy fall. We are starting a half dozen projects in the coming months, while wrapping up some of our longest running ones. We are looking forward to a safe and promising future.
Christmas in July
BTN Consulting has much to celebrate. July saw the start of new projects, and saying goodbye to ones that are completed. Our office is in reopping stages. Our staff is healthy and vaccinated. And our Puerto Rico satellite office is fully functional.
June Monsoon
Between the start of new projects, entering contract for others, and preparing for our office reopening, June has been a nonstop action month at BTN Consulting. We are all set to reopen in July, thanks to science behind COVID vaccines.
May Happenings
May was more than flowers at BTN Consulting. We entered into contract for new projects in New York City, and begin preparation for reopening our main office in Brooklyn, NY. Target for reopening is early July 2021.
April News
April saw the start to more outreach work in the Bronx for BTN Consulting. Our firm was contracted to do a large outreach effort for a state-subsidized new development on Webster Avenue. We also began work in Middle Village, Bedford Stuyvesant, and a scattered site project spanning most of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Regarding the pandemic, we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If eligible, please get vaccinated!
March Madness
One year has passed since the start of the pandemic. BTN Consulting was one of the fortunate firms that endured through this time. March saw BTN Consulting begin new projects in Queens and Manhattan while several others were completed, far exceeding their MWBE goals. If eligible, please get vaccinated!
Groundhog’s Day
BTN Consulting repeats last February with another project in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The staff at BTN Consulting hopes you plan on getting vaccinated against COVID, unless you already have!
A Great Start to the New Year
BTN Consulting started the new year strong with two new major projects in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and three more in the works. More news coming soon about BTN’s expansion into Puerto Rico!
2020 NEWS
Ending the Year Right
BTN Consulting wraps up another year with more new projects and wrapping up some completed ones. The big news is that BTN Consulting is finally expanding into Puerto Rico. That’s all we can say right now, so come back soon for an update! Happy holidays and have a great 2021!
November Thanks
Another November has gone by and BTN Consulting continues to grow as it began projects in the parts of Brooklyn and Queens. BTN Consulting saw one of its consultants, Darma Diaz, leave its work with us for the very best of reasons, as she prepares to assume the office of city council member on December 1, 2020. We wish her well in her new endeavor.
October Happenings
BTN Consulting had a busy October. First, we launched another major outreach initiative, this time for local hiring in parts of Brooklyn, NY. Visit our events page before November 27th to read all about it. Next, we started compliance work at a large site near our office. It’s always nice to work near home! And lastly, we were hired for new compliance work in the Fordham section of the Bronx and in Jamaica, Queens.
Another September to Remember
New York continues to adapt to life in the age of COVID, as construction continues, and new deals begin to close. BTN Consulting has been fortunate to continue operations at 100% capacity. New projects in Midtown Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn begin compliance work. BTN Consulting is busier than ever.
Dog Days of August
August was another busy month for BTN Consulting. Contracts were signed for new projects in Williamsburg and Chelsea, and work began on projects in the South Bronx and Maspeth.
Christmas in July
July was a busy month at BTN Consulting. Three new projects were started and two new ones in contract. July is always our second busiest month (after January) and we finished the month in great shape, with no missed deadlines by contractors despite the continuing COVID crisis.
June at BTN
Although scattered across three states, a US territory, and all the usual challenges of working remotely, BTN Consulting continued full steam ahead. We were fortunate that all our projects were deemed essential, and several new ones in Queens and the Bronx began on schedule as well. BTN Consulting will reopen its Brooklyn office sometime in August. BTN Consulting wishes everyone a safe and happy summer.
May Happenings
BTN Consulting finished its annual contractors fair on May 29, 2020. The overall results were terrific. If you are an MWBE firm and found out about the event late, use our contact page and send us your info. We’ll do what we can to get you in front of our project teams.
Third Annual MWBE Contractors Fair is Here
Great news during these difficult times: BTN Consulting is repeating the annual MWBE contractors fair by taking the whole thing online! Visit the event page for more information. (NOTE: This event is now over as of 5/29/2020).
April Amidst a Crisis
April was certainly a challenging month for everyone. BTN Consulting remained fully functional throughout the month, and managed to find a way to repeat its signature spring event, the annual contractor’s fair (see above).
March COVID 19 Statement
March has been a hard month for everyone around the work. If you are a client, rest assured that BTN Consulting is fully functional, with its staff all working from home, and meeting all standard deadlines. We wish you all the very best, and look forward to coming out on the other end of this crisis together, stronger than ever. Stay safe!
February Happenings
February 2020 saw the start of several new projects in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. BTN Consulting also conducted more housing advocacy workshops in the East Brooklyn area, as part of its Giving Back initiative.
Starting the Year Right
January 2020 was one of BTN Consulting’s busiest months ever. Aside from compliance work on several dozen projects, it began work on a long-awaited development: Chestnut Commons, just blocks away from its main office. BTN Consulting will do more than provide compliance services—it’s also a community partner, lending its expertise in local hiring and local contracting and other support. This project has been a long time in the making and BTN Consulting is thrilled that it’s moving forward.
2019 News
Holiday Happenings
The 2019 holiday season was as busy as ever for BTN Consulting. Aside from being awarded more compliance projects, it began others in the Bronx and Brooklyn, and provided toys and meals to lower-income families through its Giving Back initiative.
A Thankful November
Thanksgiving came early to BTN Consulting. Several new projects started and others in the works made for an action-packed November. Our Puerto Rico office coming together nicely. Look for news on our “grand opening” soon.
Big News in October
That extra hour we get in early November will come in handy at BTN Consulting. October saw the start of new projects in the Bronx and downtown Brooklyn. But that’s not the biggest news at BTN Consulting. In October we announced that we are opening an office in Puerto Rico sometime late 2019. Watch this space for more info!
A September to Remember
September 2019 saw the start of new projects in Williamsburg, Bed Stuy, Weeksville, and Boerum Hill. Part of the NYCHA PACT initiative, the Brooklyn Mega Bundle is a major rehab project that includes extensive local hiring and local and MWBE contracting, and BTN Consulting is on hand to take care of the compliance and outreach.
An August August
August may be a slow month for many businesses but not for BTN Consulting! New projects in the Bronx, Central Brooklyn, and Williamsburg were started, and others waiting in the wings.
Christmas in July
July has come and gone and BTN Consulting was fortunate to pick up a number of new projects, including a high profile project in midtown New York City. At the same time, we expanded our Giving Back initiative to school supply giveaways and more. While others slow down during the summer, BTN Consulting is full steam ahead!
Midpoint of the Year
With the end of June we’re reflecting on what a great year it’s been. Numerous new projects started, and even more in the pipeline for the second half of the year, plus the roll-out of our Giving Back initiative, which has sponsored a half dozen Housing Connect workshops plus the second annual neighborhood contractors event, as well as philanthropic work with area nonprofit community based organizations. BTN Consulting is eagerly looking forward to the second half of 2019!
May Happenings
Lots happened in May 2019 at BTN Consulting. The 2nd Annual East/Central Brooklyn Contractors Fair was announced for June 27th (see below or click here). BTN Consulting was awarded the compliance contract on the NYCHA PACT, spanning seven developments across Brooklyn. And BTN Consulting’s “Giving Back” program saw more outreach for individuals to register for NYC Housing Connect. All this plus BTN Consulting prepares to begin compliance work on projects in the Bronx, Crown Heights, and Bedford Stuyvesant.
Second Annual East/Central Brooklyn Contractors Fair Announced
After last year’s big contractor’s fair, BTN Consulting is proud to sponsor the 2nd annual fair on Thursday, June 27, 2019. The fair is expanding to include projects from East New York, Spring Creek, Cityline, Cypress Hills, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bed Stuy, Crown Heights, Clinton Hill, Flatbush, and East Flatbush will be featured. Come check it out! Click here for more info!
April Action
April saw the successful launch of BTN Consulting’s latest “Giving Back” initiative, with staff members assisting persons in the East Brooklyn area register for NYC Housing Connect online! BTN Consulting also began work on several new projects and was awarded new projects at the LIU campus and Throgs Neck, Bronx.
Spring Forward
March saw BTN Consulting continue to grow with the start of construction on new projects that were in the pipeline, and signing on for several new future projects in Fort Greene and DUMBO, as well as an expansion of its Giving Back initiative. Watch the Giving Back page for more details!
Short Month = Busy Month
February saw BTN Consulting win multiple new compliance projects around New York City, with details on the projects coming soon! As part of its Giving Back program, BTN Consulting took eight young entrepreneurs to the Catskill Mountains for a business planning immersion weekend. Participants were able to make a big dent in planning and writing their business plans, rehearse their elevator pitches, and much more.
New Year - New Projects and Events
January 2019 was busy, busy, busy at BTN Consulting. New projects in Newark, New Jersey; Coney Island, Brooklyn; and Harlem, New York are off to a good start with multiple outreach events and more. BTN Consulting also completed its holiday season giveback program with a donation to the local YMCA’s Three Kings children’s party.
2018 News
The Year Ends with a Bang
December 2018 was one of BTN Consulting’s busiest month’s ever. More compliance projects. More new clients. More local hiring and contractor events. Because of all that, 2019 will be BTN Consulting’s biggest year yet and to celebrate our success, we expanded our “Giving Back” program to provide hundreds of toys for families during Christmas and 3 Kings. 2019 will see our “Giving Back” program expand with free workshops and more. Watch this space and our events page for more information.
November Projects and Giving Back
November saw the start of BTN Consulting’s work on 2 new projects in Newark, NJ, expanding its work in the Garden State. The snowstorm of early November sure didn’t stop Bridgeport, CT residents from coming out in droves to a local hiring outreach event. All that plus BTN Consulting’s “Giving Back” initiative allowed 50 families to enjoy Thanksgiving through a donation of turkeys and other holiday foods.
Fall 2018 Off to a Big Start
October at BTN Consulting was jam-packed with happenings. BTN was awarded compliance and outreach contacts at several sites, including the much-anticipated Victory Plaza in East Harlem, and 30th Street Long Island City. BTN Consulting conducted two local hiring and MWBE contractor events, and also began its “Giving Back” program, providing much-needed advocacy and outreach services throughout East and Central Brooklyn.
Another Big Month for BTN Consulting
September was the month of twos. BTN Consulting began compliance and outreach work on two long-anticipated projects, as well as two local hiring and two contractor outreach events, and awards on two new projects, both in Upper Manhattan.
BTN Consulting's CEO a Featured Speaker at Groundbreaking
On August 20th there was a groundbreaking ceremony in East New York, Brooklyn, for a new 1,000 seat public school. BTN Consulting's CEO was asked to introduce Mayor de Blasio and speak about the work done to make the ENY rezone plan, the city's first of many, a reality.
No Slowing Down in August
Most companies slow down during August but not BTN Consulting! August saw more work awarded in Upper Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Bushwick.
More Awards for BTN Consulting
The summer months didn't slow things down at BTN Consulting. July 2018 saw the addition of two new projects in Long Island City, as well as several new projects now in development in the South Bronx, Clinton Hill, and Midtown Manhattan.
BTN Consulting a Judge in Business Plan Competition
July saw BTN Consulting's CEO, Manny Burgos, serve as a judge in a real estate business plan competition as part of the continuing education program at Baruch College. The candidates performed admirably, and BTN Consulting was thrilled to serve in such a capacity. We wish the young real estate entrepreneurs much success!
An Action-Packed June
June was one of the biggest months in BTN Consulting's history. Besides being selected for multiple new projects in Flatbush, East Harlem, Tremont, Fort Greene, and the Rockaways, BTN Consulting co-sponsored the immensely successful first annual ENY Contractors' Fair and a Get Certified event in Crown Heights. The success of both events has led to requests for BTN Consulting to redo both events later this year!
Get Certified Event Announced
As part of its work for the Bedford Union Armory Project, a "Get Certified" event will take place on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 4pm to 7pm at the Crown Heights Apartments. If you are interested in attending visit our events page for more information.
BTN Awarded More Projects
May was a busy month for BTN Consulting. One new project in East Harlem and two new projects in Brooklyn were awarded to BTN Consulting, both in Williamsburg.
Local & MWBE Contractors Fair Announced
On June 21, 2018 a contractors fair will be held at 137 Jamaica Avenue. BTN Consulting is one of the sponsors of the event. Over a dozen projects from East and Central Brooklyn will have a table, and local and MWBE contractors and suppliers will be able to learn about contracting opportunities with each. Visit the events page for more information.
Survey Projects Completed in Central Brooklyn
Early May 2018 saw the completion of the residential and business banking surveys, started earlier in 2018. The findings were presented as part of the first-annual banking forum in Central Brooklyn, where bank representatives, community groups, and local elected officials used the data to jointly work on ways to improve banking services in Bed Stuy and North Crown Heights.
BTN Consulting at the Annual NYSAFAH Conference
On May 16, 2018, BTN Consulting's CEO, Manny Burgos, spoke on a panel regarding Local Law 196 and its potential impact on minority laborers and contractors at the New York State Association For Affordable Housing's annual conference. LL 196 stands to affect minority laborers and contractors disproportionately because of limited financial resources available. Manny's comments were well-received as they articulated real concerns about the timing and roll-out and impact of the new law.
More Projects Awarded to BTN Consulting
In April 2018 BTN Consulting expanded its work with existing clients through two new projects located in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, one on Halsey Street and the other on Fulton Street.
BTN Consulting Awarded New Projects
March was an exciting month at BTN Consulting. Thanks to its work on 163rd Street Equities, BTN Consulting is now doing compliance work for several projects for Erin Construction in Westchester and Queens.
BTN Consulting Awarded Multiple Projects
It's January 2018 and BTN Consulting rang in the new year with three new compliance projects in addition the two at the Fountain Seaview site in East New York, Brooklyn.
BTN Consulting to Serve as Adviser for Major Community-Based Surveying Initiative
Just in the time for the New Year, BTN Consulting will serve as a special consultant to Bridge Street Development Corp of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, to assist with the creation, implementation, and analysis of three surveys in Central Brooklyn, all related to banking practices and experiences. This is a major undertaking and this space will be updated again when the surveys are completed in Spring 2018.
2017 News
BTN Consulting Awarded Compliance and Local Hiring Contract on Bedford Courts
Early December 2017--BTN Consulting was awarded the compliance and local hiring coordination contract for Bedford Courts, the project name of the Bedford Union Armory redevelopment site. BTN Consulting has been working with Bedford Courts for two years now on early MWBE and local hiring coordination and will now continue in an expanded role.
BTN Consulting Awarded Multiple Projects
October 2017--BTN Consulting was awarded compliance contracts for DTH Development in Harlem, NYC and began work on 163rd Street Equities, a rehab project in Bronx, NY. BTN Consulting also began work on 555 Fourth Avenue, conducting good-neighbor work for private development including local hiring and MWBE contracting.
BTN Consulting hired for Outreach in Bridgeport, CT
Early September 2017 BTN Consulting was hired for a specialized outreach to area MWBE contractors and local residents for opportunities at a new Downtown Bridgeport development. More details to come!
BTN Consulting Awarded Compliance Contract for Work on Maimonides Medical Center
September 2017--BTN Consulting was awarded a compliance contract for work with Maimonides Medical Center through Long & DeLosa, a prominent commercial general contractor in Brooklyn, NY.
BTN Consulting Takes a Stand Against Intro 1447
On August 2, 2017, BTN Consulting stood with construction workers and contractors protesting Intro 1447, which would decimate minority hiring on construction sites throughout the city.
BTN Consulting Moves into New Office and Expands Staff
July 1, 2017 was moving day for BTN Consulting, relocating to new space on Fulton Street in Brooklyn to accommodate new staff hired. BTN Consulting continues to grow with each passing year!
BTN Consulting Awarded Multiple Projects
Spring/Summer 2017--BTN Consulting was awarded two contracts by BFC Partners for the following projects: Ingersoll Senior Houses and Bronx Commons, both beginning work July 2017.
BTN Consulting CEO on MWBE Panel for Community Board 16 and CORO
On May 6, 2017, Manny Burgos, BTN Consulting Services CEO, participated as a panelist on MWBE contracting opportunities for businesses in the East Brooklyn area. Manny spoke about recent changes in MWBE certification policy, the value of getting certified, and where to look for opportunities.
BTN Consulting CEO on MWBE Panel for Goldstein Hall Event
On April 21, 2017, Manny Burgos, BTN Consulting Services CEO, participated as a panelist on MWBE and emerging developers. Manny spoke at length about barriers MWBE firms face in contracting, as well as gave key points for developers, lenders, government agencies, and contractors to improve MWBE performance and where to obtain technical assistance.
2016 News
BTN Consulting Awarded Multiple Projects
From mid to late 2016, BTN Consulting was awarded compliance contracts for 280 Cadman Plaza, Atlantic Fulton, 810 Fulton Street, Thessalonia Manor, Acacia Gardens, Livonia Phase II, and Fountain Seaview Site A. Developers around the tri-state area have taken notice of BTN Consulting's ability to take on complex compliance projects at a competitive price.
BTN Consulting to Receive "Corporate Partners Award"
BTN Consulting Services will receive the "Corporate Partners Award" from Highland Park Community Development Corporation at its annual gala, April 14, 2016, for its work in social responsible development, construction, and property management work in New York City.
BTN Consulting Quoted in Crain's New York
Manny Burgos, CEO of BTN Consulting Services, wrote a letter to Crain's New York regarding the upcoming rezone project in East New York. Parts of that letter are quoted in this follow up article: Click Here.
2015 News
BTN Consulting Named Monitor to Castellan Real Estate Partners
BTN Consulting Services has been named Monitor to Castellan Real Estate Partners effective Fall 2015. As Monitor, Castellan Tenants and Advocates can contact BTN Consulting Services directly with any concerns related to New York City properties owned and managed by Castellan Real Estate Partners. If you are a tenant of a Castellan Property please visit BTN Consulting's Castellan Tenants webpage for more information.
233 W125th Street Danforth Contracts with BTN Consulting for Local Hiring and MWBE Contracting
BTN Consulting Services has been hired by 233 W125th Street Danforth LLC for a wide range of services pertaining to the redevelopment of the site currently housing the former Victoria Theater in Harlem, New York City. BTN Consulting will handle all compliance and reporting pertaining to New York State's MWBE program, as well as a comprehensive hiring plan covering all of North Manhattan for construction work and permanent job placement coordination.
BTN Consulting Receives "2015 Rising Star Award"
BTN Consulting Services was recognized by the Local Development Corporation of East New York in its annual awards to outstanding businesses. BTN Consulting received the "2015 Rising Star" award for its incredible growth in its first two years in business. BTN Consulting thanks the Local Development Corporation of East New York for the prestigious recognition.
Watch this space for more news!