This was also the same 30 years ago I can't really understand that they couldn't eradicate this problem. Most of the problems lie with the protocols and the complexity of the New York construction industry. It is a pain in the ass for contractors to follow every single rule so to speed up the construction they resort to these things, can't blame them. And another thing is the scarcity of inspectors, which also delays a construction. You have to wait untill someone comes to inspect the building and if there aren't enough people than you have nothing else to do besides waiting and losing money, or bribing and keep on working.