Manhattan Real Estate Blog

Wind Turbines on NYC Skyscrapers & Bridges

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:15:58 -0500

New York City is asking companies to come up with clean energy ideas, including wind power to fuel NYC. The city, released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) that will call for innovative ideas to help New York City develop sources of renewable energy.

Mayor Bloomberg speaking at an energy summit recently spoke about the possibility of placing wind turbines on top of bridges and skyscrapers – saying it would cut the city's electricity needs, save hundreds of millions of dollars, and would ultimately make the city cleaner and more efficient. He also proposed the idea of offshore wind farms, tidal power, solar power and geothermal energy. "It would be a thing of beauty if, when Lady Liberty looks out on the horizon, she not only welcomes new immigrants to our shores, but lights the way with a torch powered by an ocean wind farm," said Bloomberg.

The mayor said "right now energy is the number one issue in America and criticized both presidential candidates. "PlaNYC - is the 'greenprint' for the city's sustainable future. Because New York - like cities across the nation - is filling the leadership vacuum that Washington has left".

In New York, we're determined to do what no other city has ever even attempted: Keep our energy usage at or near its current level even as our population grows. As an example to the private sector, I hope to embarrass the Federal government - if that's possible - our Administration has mapped out a plan to reduce our own energy consumption by our own City agencies 30 percent by the year 2017.

"We'll do that by investing heavily in making our schools, hospitals, police and fire stations - all of our City facilities - more energy-efficient. We estimate that all the City's conservation investments will take an estimated 220-megawatt bite out of New York's peak power demand. And within five years, they'll have paid for themselves. After that, they'll be money-makers".

NYC will be grating property tax breaks that encourage private building owners to go solar. And the State will permit New Yorkers who generate their own solar power to sell what they don't use to other power customers - a real economic incentive for renewable energy.

The text of Mayor Bloomberg's keynote speech

Courtesy of: Mitchell J Hall

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Opening NYC SoHo Annex

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:03:14 -0500

(Photo Credit: Edward Reed)

Mayor Bloomberg, Billy Joel, Clive Davis, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will open an annex in New York City in the heart of SoHo.

When the 25,000 square foot annex opens in November, it will be the first location outside the Museum's home in Cleveland. The announcement took place at 76 Mercer Street, the future site of the annex.

The state-of-the-art facility will focus on the defining moments in rock and roll history and will be designed to resonate with both the casual music fan and the seasoned rock enthusiast. It will feature an array of exhibitions, including a permanent "New York Rocks" gallery that will highlight key locations around New York City that have musical significance.

The annex will also showcase selected relics from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's vast collection, including Bruce Springsteen's 1957 Chevy, John Lennon's Record Plant Piano, Elvis Presley's motorcycle jacket, a handwritten poem by Jim Morrison and more.

Some highlights:

New York Rocks will feature an oversized interactive map to highlight key locations around New York City that have musical significance, including Studio 54 and The Chelsea Hotel, and will showcase items such as the notebook in which Billy Joel wrote all the lyrics for "The Stranger" album;
Cleveland Gallery, which will include special exhibits and displays that give visitors a taste of the larger experience at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland; and, Special Rotating Exhibit, which will feature one select artist or band, with special attention to their time spent in New York City, rotating every six to nine months.

The annex will open in November, but advance tickets will be available through http://www.rockannex.com/ beginning in October.

Press Release

http://www.rockhall.com/

Courtesy of: Mitchell J Hall

Hillary Clinton's Bill: Millions for City Transit

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:50:08 -0500

NY1 reported Senator Hillary Clinton is pushing a bill that would send millions of dollars to the city for mass transit.

The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 would provide $1.7 billion over two years to systems across the country that show dramatic ridership increases.

New York City would receive $237 million out of the pot for handling nearly one-third of the nation's transit passengers.

Clinton says the funds would allow mass transit systems to lower fares and expand operations.

The Manhattan Club: Time Share Condos For Sale

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:48:15 -0500

200 West 56th Street

Own a Share of Manhattan - The Manhattan Club - Time Share Condominiums

The Manhattan Clubs Convenient Midtown Location Gives You Easy Access To Central Park, The Theater District, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Museums, Fine Dining, And World Famous Shopping.

The Full Time Concierge Staff Is At Your Service, Whenever The Need Arises. Imagine your own elegant suite right in the heart of New York City just for those times you want to be in Manhattan.

Junior Executive Suites to Penthouse Suites Available.

An affordable way to own luxury in Manhattan. Own a share in the The Manhattan Club.

A unique Concept For Individuals Who Travel To New York For Business And Leisure.

From The Moment You Step Into The Lobby You Will Feel Right At Home. With A Combination Of Elegance, Service and Convenience.

Spacious Luxury Suites, Private Lounge, Fitness Center, Meeting Rooms, Concierge Service, Valet Parking. Everything For You. In The Center Of Manhattan, Its Easy To Get To Anywhere.

A Great Idea In Manhattan.

Now There Is A Way To Afford A Luxury Suite In New York.

Each Suite Typically Features High Ceilings, Large Windows, Plush Fabrics, Elegant Furnishings.

Includes A Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Bose Radio, Computer, Printer, Plazma Tvs, And Multiple Phone Lines.

The Comfortable Marble Bathrooms Are Complete With Plush Towels, Terry Robes, And An Array Of Fine Toiletries.

Fully Deeded Condo Ownership - 1 week Flexible Staying Plans.

The Manhattan Club Is A Member Of Resort Condominium International, The Largest Vacation Exchange System In The World. This Will Give You The Opportunity To Trade Your Week For Any One Of Approximately 3,500 Locations In 85 Countries Worldwide.

Available Listings:

200 W. 56th St.

Manhattan Club

Price

Location

Type

Rooms

Beds

Baths

Approx. Square Footage

Monthly Charges

$18,000

Midtown West Side

Condo

550

$110

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429543

MLS#: 513822

Active Listing

$19,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$134

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429220

MLS#: 463488

Active Listing

$21,500

Midtown West Side

Condo

2.5

550

$110

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429181

MLS#: 520237

Active Listing

$21,900

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$85

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429180

MLS#: 453996

Active Listing

$23,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$125

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429424

MLS#: 537087

Active Listing

$24,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$126

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429627

MLS#: 524014

Active Listing

$32,000

Midtown West Side

Condo

2.5

550

$110

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429639

Contact: Mitchell Hall to buy your share of Manhattan

Brokers and agents welcome locally and globally.

Manhattan's Clocktower: Designer Condos by Versace.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:12:55 -0500

The house of Versace is designing interiors for a Manhattan landmark currently undergoing renovations and a condo conversion.

One Madison Avenue, the former Met Life Clocktower building near Madison Square Park, will be converted to residential condominiums

The Italian design house has been hired to do interior design work on the Clock Tower in the Flatiron District.

Erected as the tallest building in the world in 1909, a title it kept for four years until the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was completed.

The renovations include 55 condominium apartments, common areas and a spa. Donatella Versace will personally design a luxury club in the building. Versace designed the interiors of The Plaza last year.

The area is now being called Madison Park. A 60 story luxury building One Madison Park is is being constructed at 23 East 22nd St. Those apartments will have incredible views of the Clock Tower. The building is mostly sold although the building's penthouse top three floors 7500SF and a 580+SF wrap-around terrace is available for $45 million.

Manhattan's Upper West Side

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:17:13 -0500

The Upper West Side:

The Upper West Side boundaries are 59th Street to the South, 110th Street to the North, Central Park West to the East and the Hudson River to the West.

The Upper West Side neighborhood has a different spirit and outlook than the Upper East Side. The Upper West Side is known for its individuality, creativity, diversity and cultural pursuits.

The Upper West Side is home to some extraordinary buildings. Landmarks of Art Deco, Beaux Arts, or Gothic Revival architecture, the great celebrity apartment buildings of Central Park West.

The Dakota, El Dorado, The San Remo Apartments, The Ansonia, The Oliver Cromwell, The Langham, The Kenilworth, Hotel Des Artistes, The Beresford and The Ardsley.

Central Park West, Riverside Drive and West End Avenue have always been known for their grand large apartments. The Upper West Side is a diversified neighborhood attractive to every demographic and lifestyle.

The Lincoln Center complex is home to the Metropolitan Opera and Julliard School of Music, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the New York City Ballet and the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

The American Museum of Natural History is located on a stretch of Central Park West and Columbus Avenue between 77th and 81st Streets.

The museum's new Hayden Planetarium is a galactic spectacular and is well worth the invested time.

It is a true pleasure to walk along the Upper West Side and take advantage of the well established blocks, boutiques, and restaurants. The Upper West side is known for it's food emporiums.

My favorites are: Fairway, Zabars, Citarella and the famous H&H Bagels all located on upper Broadway.

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2008

Manhattan's Beloved Treasure: Riverside Park (LOCALISM FEATURED)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:33:43 -0500

Riverside Park stretches over four miles along the Hudson River from 62nd to 158th Streets, the 330 acres of Riverside Park provide recreation and relaxation for a uniquely diverse population.

Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan's most spectacular waterfront park. As one of only 10 officially designated scenic landmarks in the City of New York, it has a long and storied history.

Rugged bluffs and rocky outcroppings created through prehistoric glacial deposits once descended directly to the Hudson River shore. They were densely wooded until 1846, when the Hudson River Railroad cut through the forested hillside.

Today it is enjoyed by all through it's many playgrounds, bike paths and dog runs.

In 1865 a scenic drive and park was built on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The development of the park encouraged the construction of mansions along the drive. Monuments placed along the drive during this era included Grant's Tomb (1897), Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (1902), Firemen's Memorial (1913), and Joan of Arc (1915).

In 2000, seven acres of land stretching from 68th to 72nd Streets was added to Riverside Park, called Riverside Park South. This section of the park now known as the Joe DiMaggio Highway, and Trump/New World (the site's developers).

Riverside Park South includes a soccer field, three basketball courts, and a public pier extending 750 feet into the Hudson River.

At 79th Street is The Boat Basin and The Rotunda a hidden Manhattan treasure that many New Yorkers enjoy once they discover the hidden treasure below the west side highway.

Recreational facilities include a range of sports courts and fields, a skate park, a large portion of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (for bicycles), and the 110-slip public marina at 79th street, The 79th street Boat basin an important part of New York State's Water Trail.

For more information events and schedules NYC Parks and Recreation

Courtesy of: Mitchell Hall

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2008

West Chelsea Designated Historic District

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:08:10 -0500

Photo courtesy NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The Otis Elevator Building, built in 1911-1912

Comprising 30 Buildings, District Recognized for Its Distinctive Architecture and Role
as a Major Center of Manufacturing, Warehousing and Freight Handling.

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved the designation of the West Chelsea Historic District, a collection of 30 architecturally distinctive buildings that recall New York City's standing as the leading manufacturing center in the United States during the last half of the 19th
century.

Several of the nation's most prestigious manufacturers had a presence in West Chelsea at the end of the 19th century and during the first decades of the 20th century including the famed Otis Elevator Company the John Williams Ornamental Brass and Iron Works -- and the Reynolds Metal Company (521-537 W. 25th St.), a maker of tin foil wrappers and bottle caps that was founded by the nephew of tobacco maker R.J. Reynolds.

The West Chelsea Historic District is one of the few remaining industrial areas associated with Manhattan's once-thriving port and waterfront. The three large properties between 11th and 12th Avenues are directly tied to waterfront business, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company Freight Warehouse, the Starrett-Lehigh Building, and the New York Terminal Warehouse Company's Central Stores.

The long blocks of West 26th and West 27th Streets between 11th and 12th Avenues form one of the city's most impressive industrial streetscapes. The remaining structures centered around the presence of rail facilities. The R. C. Williams building, for example retains a second-floor loading dock opening directly onto the High Line.

Several buildings were constructed for companies that had a notable impact on the city's development: the Otis Elevator Company, the Cornell Iron Works and the Reynolds Metal Company. Ranging in date from 1885 to 1930, most of the structures are brick-faced with stone trim and intended for manufacturing or storage.

Styles include classical revival, Beaux Arts, Moderne and modern. Many of the buildings are designed by significant architects including Cass Gilbert, Clinton & Russell, Cory & Cory, Schickel & Ditmars, and the noted industrial architect, William Higginson.

This district joins the High Line in preserving industrial architecture and infrastructure. West Chelsea is New York City's 92nd Historic District.

From the LPC Press Release

Manhattan's Upper East Side

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:16:54 -0500

About The Upper East Side:

The Georgica:

a new condo on the Upper East Side

(named after Geogica Pond in East Hampton)

The Upper East Side has been considered Manhattan's most prestigious residential neighborhood covering the East of Central Park to the East River, and from 59th Street at its southern boundary to 96th Street at its northern boundary.

While the most coveted, prewar homes on Fifth and Park Avenues are beyond the financial reach of all but the wealthiest New Yorkers, there are also surprisingly good values that abound nearby. There are exceptional values in all ranges of housing from post-war hi-rises to brownstones, and from rental to coop/ condominium ownership.

It is the perfect quiet, residential area to raise a family with proximity to Manhattan's best private and public schools. Central Park, itself, is the best "backyard" anyone could dream of with it's zoo, playing fields, tennis courts, parklands, rowing and world class natural charm.

The city's largest concentration of its toniest shops and cafes can be found on both sides of Madison Avenue. Yet elsewhere lurking on the eastside, you will find other famous, outrageously expensive stores such as Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses, Henri Bendel, Tiffany's, and Louis Vuitton.

Upward of 70th Street, Fifth Avenue, also known as Museum Mile, is home to some of the foremost art institutions in the world such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Frick Collection. Between 86th Street and 96th Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington is the Upper East Side neighborhood Carnegie Hill, named after the Carnegie mansion on 91st and Fifth.

Gracie Mansion

Even the official residence for the Mayor of the City of New York, Gracie Mansion overlooks the East River from East 88th Street.

Although current Mayor Michael Bloomberg prefers to live in his own $40 million Upper East Side townhouse.

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2008

Morningside Park Designated a Scenic Landmark

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:04:21 -0500

Morningside Park Entrance

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously granted scenic landmark status to Morninside Park. Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (co-designers of Central Park) Morningside Park in Manhattan was chosen for its unusual topography, scenic views and noteworthy public sculptures.

Located on along a rocky ledge extending from 110th to 123rd streets and between Morningside Drive and Manhattan Morninside Avenues, the park is comprised of approximately 30 acres that were excluded from the street grid under a proposal by Andrew Haswell Green, a commissioner and comptroller of Central Park.

Olmsted and Vaux developed a design for the park in 1873 that was revised 14 years later, partly because of a sharp decline in the city's economy. Such important institutions as Columbia University, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and St. Luke's Hospital decided to build along Morningside Drive across from the park before it opened in 1895.

Morningside Park features a massive buttressed masonry retaining wall with a parapet, overlook bays, imposing entrance stairways, natural rock outcroppings, and curving pathways across the site. It also boasts three important sculptures: Lafayette and Washington (1890, by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty); the Carl Schurz Monument (1909-1913, by sculptor Karl Bitter and architect Henry Bacon, who is responsible for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.) and Bear and Faun/Seligman Fountain (c. 1910, by Edgar Melville Walter, a sculptor and student of Auguste Rodin).

Built on a steep incline, multiple playgrounds nestle at the bottom of its cliff-like hillside, and visitors pause along its heights to take in a unique view. Winding paths bordered with flowers and trees lead to a cascading waterfall, across from which local teams play on its baseball fields. Parents bring their children to play in its playgrounds and learn in its after-school program, and on Saturdays local farmers sell their goods in an outdoor market.

Morningside Park brings to 10 the total number of scenic landmarks in New York City.

For more information events and schedules: Morningside Park: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

The High Line: Manhattan's 21st Century Park

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:51:13 -0500

New York City released new renderings of The High Line. The High Line park is being built atop the former elevated train track transforming 22 blocks into an open park.

The High Line runs through three of Manhattans most dynamic neighborhoods, Hells Kitchen, West Chelsea and the Meat Packing District.

A sun deck with half an inch of running water is a feature of the new park.

The park's first phase, which runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, is set to open by the end of this year. The second phase, which runs from 20th Street and to 30th Street, is slated to open by the end of 2009.

The redevelopment of the abandoned elevated railroad structure has created a residential new construction boom on the far west side along the High Line and the Hudson river.

more info: Friends of High Line

NY State Approves Columbia University Expansion: Eminent Domain

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:54:48 -0500

Rendering of Columbia campus at 131st Street & Broadway

Empire State Development Corporation has adopted the Columbia University General Project Plan and authorized a public hearing for the university's proposed West Harlem expansion.

The state agency declared the 17-acre expansion footprint as blighted, a necessary step before using eminent domain. Two reports characterized the area by aging, poorly maintained and functionally obsolete industrial buildings, with little indication of recent reinvestment to revive their generally deteriorated conditions.

The $6.28 billion project, which is to be funded entirely by the university, will add up to 6.8 million square feet of new, state-of-the-art facilities in up to 16 new buildings and in an adaptively reused existing building.

The additional space will be used primarily for graduate-level teaching facilities, academic research, housing and recreation, and open active ground floor uses. The proposal also calls for the development of open spaces accessible to the general public, including widened sidewalks, mid-block open spaces, a large square and smaller open spaces.

The site of the proposed expansion of University facilities, which would occur over the next 25 years, is a 17-acre area just north of Columbia's historic Morningside Heights campus in the Manhatanville industrial section of West Harlem. It consists primarily of the four large blocks from 129th to 133rd streets between Broadway and 12th Avenue, including the north side of 125th Street.

The new facilities would also include three properties on the east side of Broadway from 131st to 134th streets. The majority of the construction in the proposed initial phase of the project would occur on the block bounded by 129th and 125th streets on the south and 130th Street on the north, between 12th Avenue and Broadway.

New Construction Update: Hells Kitchen: Atelier, 635 West 42nd Street

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:44:09 -0500

Immediate occupancy in new construction at Atelier at 635 West 42nd St. A 46-story tower designed by Costas Kondylis to reflect the bow of a great ship docked along the Hudson River.

The building contains 478 studio to 2-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature extrodinary kitchens with stainless steel Sub-Zero glass door refrigerators, top-tier energy-efficient Bosche and miele appliances, including large washer dryer in every home.

Many apartments feature Hudson river views.

Atelier Amenities include full basketball and volleyball courts, sky lounge with rooftop billiards, landscaped sun deck, fitness and yoga center, indoor swimming pool, a parking garage, health club and sauna.

Courtesy shuttle buses run back and fourth across 42nd street every half hour. Current available apartments range from $775,000 for a 1 bedroom to $4 million for a 4 bedroom penthouse.

To receive available listings at Atelier or any new development in Manhattan click here.

Fewer Foreclosures in New York than Elsewhere

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:54:15 -0500

According to a new study by the metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Freddie Mac, New York is bucking the national foreclosure trend.

The state's numbers dropped compared to last year, and New York City was the second- least foreclosed-on city in the first quarter, just below Boston with 53 foreclosures for every 10,000 properties.

Happy 4th of July! Independence Day

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:43:47 -0500

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July celebration - Whether you'll be at the beach, at a barbeque, or just chilling out, have a good one.

If you haven't ventured out of the city or if you're visiting celebrate Independence Day in Manhattan

From Sea to Shining Shore.

Macy's 4th of July Along the East River

Largest fireworks display in America

The nations largest and most spectacular birthday bash lights up the night sky with over 120,000 breathtaking pyrotechnics from around the world!

between 10th - 23rd Streets off the South Street Sea Port

9 p.m

From the West Side of Manhattan along the Hudson

Liberty State Park Fireworks, Jersey City

9 p.m.

Celebrate, Red, White and Blue and enjoy the fireworks in New York Harbour

while sailing past Lady Liberty on a Statue of Liberty Cruise

Statuecruise.com

5:30 p.m.

Courtesy of:

Mitchell J Hall, Associate Broker, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Previews International

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2008

Local and global real estate questions and referrals are always welcomed.

2Q-08 Manhattan Market Report: Buyer's Market

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:46:31 -0500

Manhattan market reports were released today from Miller Samuel, and major Manhattan brokerages.

Sales of coops and condos fell 21.8% compared to same quarter last year. Inventory rose 31.2% but the median sale price rose 14.5% Sale prices were down 3.1% from the previous quarter.

The market reports have been much anticipated by brokers. The data only confirms what we've been seeing in the market. I found out the reports were released when Glenn Roberts from Inman news contacted me to talk about the Manhattan market and trends.

For the complete story: Sales still falling in Manhattan from Inman News. For the the complete market report Miller Samuel.

This link: Short term glut. Long tern opportunity was my first blog post. It was written June 23, 2006 the last time I thought we were in a buyer's market. It is posted on my outside blog nyc BLOG estate that I started about 2 weeks prior to discovering activerain. I think it is still relevant today.

The New York City Waterfalls

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:53:47 -0500

Mayor Bloomberg, artist Olafur Eliasson, First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris, Public Art Fund President Susan K. Freedman (Photo Credit: Edward Reed)

The New York City Waterfalls, a major work of public art by artist Olafur Eliasson is now on display through October 13.

The exhibition of four man-made waterfalls of monumental scale are on view on the shores of the New York waterfront: one on the Brooklyn anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge; one on the Brooklyn Piers, between Piers 4 and 5 near the Brooklyn Heights Promenade; one in Lower Manhattan at Pier 35 north of the Manhattan Bridge; and one on the north shore of Governors Island.

The Waterfalls, which have been designed to protect water quality and aquatic life, will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays and Thursdays, when they will run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Waterfalls will be lit after sunset.

Florent Closes: End of an Era in The Meat Packing District:

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:28:30 -0500

Restaurant Florent Closes.

Before the trendy restaurants, designer boutiques, designer glass condos, new hotels, and the new high line park... Before the Apple store opened and Google opened it's NY headquarters The Meat packing district was a gritty neighborhood with cobblestone streets where sloaughterhouses packed meat and there was Florent.

Before the young wall street types, fashion and model types and bridge and tunnel wannabe "sex in the city" types discovered the neighborhood the neighborhood demographic was primarily hookers, transvestites and leather men cruising outside the long gone sex clubs and bars with names like the Lure, the Manhole and the Mineshaft.

Florent, A beloved 24 hour french style coffe shop was the original Meat Packing destination. For years there was nothing else in the neighborhood. It was the place for Steak and frites, mussels, omlettes etc. it was the place to go and the only place open in the neighborhood to get a bite late at night. It was the place to people watch. There are many fond memories of Florent, at 5am, ordering breakfast while watching the ‘fabulous' late-night New York crowd.

Florent Morellet, the owner of Florent is known as the Unofficial Mayor of the Meat Packing District. Florent a neighborhood activist, an HIV/aids activist and a gay rights activist fought for the integrity of the neighborhood. Florent put the gritty and now glamorous neighborhood on the map. Thanks to his efforts the neighborhood is now a historic district. His annual Bastille Day party in front of the restaurant on Gansevoort street was always a fun event.

"Basically, if you took the show Cheers and made it a million times more fabulous, a million times more unique, and a million times more offbeat, then you'd have Florent," says Christine Quinn, the speaker of the New York City Council who, two years ago, served with Florent Morellet as co-marshals of the gay-pride parade. "In Cheers everybody knew your name, right? Well, in Florent, everyone knows your name and your drag name."

Farewell Florent, we wish you well. Thank you for the fun times, good food and great people.

New York Legislative Update

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:03:29 -0500

The New York State legislature with strong support from REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) has passed and the Governor has signed a bill (A10688/ S07714) that extends the coop and condo real property tax abatement for four years. The passage of this legislation extends the 17.5% reduction in a property's assessed value (25% for properties assessed at less than $15,000).

In these difficult economic times, with financing more difficult and rising prices, this continued significant reduction in property taxes is needed more than ever.

The Governor also at REBNY's urging signed a bill (A11114/S7066) that would permit multi-year tax exempt financing for at least four 80/20 projects, (80% market rate 20% affordable) that will result in hundreds of millions of dollars of investment and will create much needed market rate and low income residential rental apartments.

The legislature also approved City tax credits for installing solar panels on homes and businesses - encouraging private property owners to join the growing movement toward the use of renewable power. Another bill, also passed, allows those who generate renewable power to sell what is unused back to the system, an incentive for individuals and businesses to install technology like solar panels.

New York City will also extend a 7 per cent property tax cut and $400 rebate to home owners for one more year.

NAR Call For Action: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA Higher Loan limits.

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:22:26 -0500

I received an email from Jim Gillespie President and CEO of Coldwell Banker supporting NAR's call to action to write your Senators to keep the higher loan limits. The link to NAR takes less than a minute to send your Senators a pre-written letter.

The National Association of Realtors® is in the midst of a critical call for action to shape the outcome of legislation affecting Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loan limits.

As you know, the current loan limit increases are temporary and are set to expire at the end of the year. NAR is telling Congress that they should make these limits permanent. The House of Representatives has already voted to do so but the Senate has reduced the maximum limit to $550,000 in its bill (and would reduce other limits proportionally as well).

It is important to support NAR's efforts on this issue because making the higher loan limits permanent will increase investor confidence and the availability of safe, fair and affordable mortgage credit for borrowers and help those wishing to refinance. Higher loan limits will also help stabilize mortgage markets and the economy as a whole.

Below is the link to the Realtor Action Center that provides an easy, one-click way to send a letter to your Senators asking them to make the higher loan limits permanent:

http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/higherloanlimits?qp_source=website

This issue is not just important for those in areas with the highest limits ($729,750). If the current Senate version prevails, all market areas currently above $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie and above $271,000 for FHA will be negatively affected in significant ways.

Time is of the essence - the Senate could vote as early as the week of June 16 - so we ask that you share this letter with your associates and ask them to take action today so that you can help NAR send a strong message to the Senate that they need to keep the higher loan limits in place for 2009 and beyond.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important outreach effort to your elected officials.

NYC Fair Housing It's The Law

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:31:02 -0500

Starting July 1, 2008, at least 3 hours of fair housing and anti-discrimination content must be part of the 22.5 hours of continuing education criteria for renewal of a New York State real estate license.

In NYC the brokerage community has been following strict guidlines regarding Fair Housing Laws this past year. Questions that were routinely asked by brokers and coop boards are no longer acceptable.

Fair Housing means that you have the right to live wherever you choose and be treated according to the same rules as everyone else. Fair Housing laws promote equal opportunity and prohibit discriminatory practices that can unfairly limit the housing choices of numerous groups.

The NYC Human Rights Law prohibits housing discrimination in New York City based on a person's real or perceived race, color, national origin, gender (including gender identity and sexual harassment), creed, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, partnership status, alienage or citizenship status, age, lawful occupation or because children may be or will be residing with you.

New York City Fair Housing Non-Discrimination policy:

It is the policy of the New York City Housing Authority to provide equal housing opportunities for all qualified applicants and residents. In the selection of families and in the provision of services, there shall be no discrimination against any person on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, familial status, marital status, partnership status, military status, disability, lawful occupation, alienage or citizenship status, or on the grounds that a person is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. This policy also prohibits retaliation.

This policy is in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the New York State and City Human Rights Laws.

Any resident or applicant who wishes to report housing discrimination or retaliation MAY FILE A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT (NYCHA 036.024) by contacting the Department of Equal Opportunity from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or their development management office between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM:

New York City Housing Authority
Department of Equal Opportunity
250 Broadway, 27th floor
New York, NY 10007
Telephone (212) 306-4468
Fax: (212) 306-4439
TTY: (212) 306-4845

Or by contacting any of the following federal, state or city human rights agencies listed below:
New York City Commission on Human Rights
40 Rector Street, 9th floor
New York, NY 10006
(212) 306-7500

New York State Division of Human Rights
20 Exchange Place, 2nd floor
New York, New York 10005
(212) 480-2522

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
26 Federal Plaza, Room 3532
New York, New York 10278
(212) 264-1290 Extension 7534
250 Broadway, 27th floor
(212) 480-2522

New Construction: The Rushmore 80 Riverside Boulevard

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:23:12 -0500

80 Riverside Drive
New York, NY, 10069

Neighborhood
Upper West Side

Cross Streets
West 63rd Street and West 64th Street

Ownership
Condominium

Building Type
High-rise

Service Level
Full Service

Size
41 Floors. 485 Apartments.

Age
Post-war. Built 2006.

Details
Residential Street, Block: 1171, Lot: 140, School District: 0.

Financing Allowed
90%

Access
Elevator

Amenities
LaPalestra Well Center, 50-foot swimming pool, Garden atrium, Landscaped sundeck, Entertaining Suite with catering capabilities, Private theatre, Family game room, Indoor playground designed by Kidville, Billiards Room, Abigail Michaels lifestyle managers, Garage, Health Club

Current Available units range from a 745 square foot One Bedrooom from $975,000 to a 2507 square foot Four Bedroom 4 Bath for $4,600,000.

If you would like to receive listings at The Rushmore or any other Manhattan new construction click my new developments page submit the buyer form and I will send you email listings that match your buying criteria.

Courtesy of:

Mitchell J Hall, Associate Broker, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Previews International

Blogging For A Cause: Inducement prizes

Sat, 31 May 2008 23:11:53 -0500

I recently spoke with Bennett Baruch who is working with BigCarrot. Bennet explained the concept of Big Carrot BLOGGING FOR A CAUSE. BigCarrot gives bloggers ways to crowdsource advocacy using inducement prizes.

I blog for business. I think I understand the concept although much of web 2.0 takes me a while to catch on to. I'm writing this blog for any bloggers or groups on activerain that has an innovative idea that needs inducement prizes.

WHO: BigCarrot (www.bigcarrot.com), a webs resource for creating, funding and claiming inducement prizes, is leading the way for consumers and organizations alike to take advantage of them to facilitate innovation and change. BigCarrot was founded to allow those with common interests to collaborate and pool their resources to create an inducement prize-a method for innovation previously only available to those with substantial fiscal capital.

WHAT: BigCarrot is offering bloggers an opportunity to advocate for their causes through the creation of inducement prize on the BigCarrot Web site. Bloggers who are looking to spur innovation or promote change are invited to submit their inducement prize concept(s). Once concepts are received, BigCarrot will choose ten prizes, from among the submissions, for inclusion on the BigCarrot site. As part of the promotion, BigCarrot will waive the initial inducement prize fee of $100. In addition, BigCarrot will help launch the prizes with a minimum initial contribution of $250. The value of the prizes will increase once interest and demand for the prize grows among the site's visitors.

BigCarrot welcomes inducement prize concepts in the areas of: computers, electronics, environment, mathematics, household, medicine, science, society and sports.

WHEN: Inducement prizes proposals are being accepted until June 15, 2008.

HOW TO SUBMIT: BigCarrot is now accepting submissions via e-mail. Please send a brief description of your proposed inducement prize to: myprize@bigcarrot.comHYPERLINK "mailto:" . Submissions must be received by June 15, 2008. The prizes that are chosen will be notified via e-mail

Welcome Fleet Week NYC 2008! - May 21st - May 28th

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:29:53 -0500

The 21st annual Fleet Week begins today.

Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navy ships will participate in Fleet Week NYC this week.

Eight ships and thousands of sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are descending on the city today. The warships are making their way up the Hudson River this morning. They'll be greeted with a 17-gun salute at Fort Hamilton.

Hosted every year Memorial Day week, Fleet Week New York is the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team.

Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.

Last year nearly 100,000 guests enjoyed visiting the ships, meeting their crews, and learning about their technology.

To the 3,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsman participating in Fleet week in NYC - Welcome to the Big Apple and thank you for your brave service. Enjoy experiencing all the sights and sounds and hospitality of "the city that never sleeps" Have a Great Week!

For more information about events, tours, schedules,photos and participating ships and aircrafts check the official website: fleetweek.navy.mil

photo credits:(May 21, 2007) USS San Jacinto (CG56) US Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason B. Trevett; New York (May 28, 2006) - Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Claudia Rowe and Cryptologic Technician Technical Seaman from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) enjoy their free time sightseeing near Times Square during Fleet Week New York. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Gabriela Hurtado: Sailors in Time Square 2006 photo courtesy fleetweek.navy.mil

NEW YORK CITY REMAINS THE SAFEST BIG CITY IN AMERICA

Tue, 20 May 2008 15:22:45 -0500

New York City's Crime Reduction Far Outpaces Nation's

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced that New York City's historic crime reduction has continued and New York remains the safest big city in the country according to the FBI's Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report for the first six months of 2007.

New York City's 5 percent drop in violent crime and 3.8 percent decline in property crime outpaced the national decline of 1.8 percent for violent crime and 2.6 percent for property crime.

According to data from the report, of the 241 cities with a population of over 100,000 that reported to the FBI, New York City is safer than 227 cities - ranked between Orange, California (population 136,165) and Santa Clarita, California (population 169,768). Out of the nation's 25 largest cities, New York had the lowest Index Crime rate per 100,000 people.

The following chart shows where New York City ranked in the Total Crime Index for the nation's 10 largest cities.

Rank Six Months 2007	City	Rate/100,000
1	Dallas	3,813.10
2	Houston	3,472.20
3	Phoenix	3,470.00
4	San Antonio	3,366.40
5	Las Vegas	2,788.20
6	Philadelphia	2,727.70
7	San Diego	1,998.50
8	Los Angeles	1,698.10
9	San Jose	1,556.90
10	New York	1,160.70

Considering relocating to America's Safest City? click below:

Manhattan, New York City Relocation Package