Governor David A. Paterson, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and ABC Studios President Mark Pedowitz announced yesterday that the production of the popular ABC drama “Ugly Betty” will be moving to New York City to take advantage of the 35 percent tax credits provided by the State and City. This move marks the first time an established television show has made a move to New York City and will create over 200 full and part-time jobs.
The expansion of the State’s tax credit program tripled the percentage of qualified film production costs eligible for the credit from 10 percent to 30 percent and extends the program to 2013. Coupled with the City’s 5 percent ‘Made in NY’ tax credit, film companies can now take advantage of 35 percent of tax credits allowing New York to once again reclaim its spot as the premiere location for film production. Film and TV production contribute $5 billion per year to New York City’s economy.
“Ugly Betty” stars Emmy-winner America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Ashley Jensen as Christina, Becki Newton as Amanda, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Michael Urie as Marc, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Christopher Gorham as Henry, Rebecca Romijn as Alexis and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater. Freddy Rodriguez is a recurring guest star as Gio. Production in NYC is scheduled to begin June 30th.
Welcome "Ugly Betty" relocating cast and executives. There are many fabulous places to live in NYC. Whether you decide to rent or buy there currently are many "trophy" apartments available throughout Manhattan. Click here to receive Manhattan Apartment Listings.
May 13, 2008
Welcome Home to NYC "Ugly Betty"
May 12, 2008
New Construction: Upper East Side: The Georgica
A new condominium The Georgica is being constructed on the Upper East Side. The building will have 58 residences, with 2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Designed by Cetra Ruddy for the modern cosmopolitan family.
May 9, 2008
Hudson Yards Development Update
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the billion dollar real estate deal to develop the West Side Rail Yards is still alive reported NY1.
The MTA called off the deal with Tishman Speyer Properties to develop skyscrapers, apartments, and parks over the 26 acres of railroads along the Hudson River.
Negotiations ended over zoning disputes but the mayor says the disagreement is just a typical snag that big-money deals fall into.
Bloomberg said the 7 line will be extended to the West Side yards, and he's hopeful the zoning issues will be ironed out.
"I don't think it's the least bit fair or accurate to say that anything is dead. I think all of these things go through many cycles, there is an enormous amount of money at stake."
Bloomberg's comments were made from his trip to the United Kingdom today. He met with the new mayor of London, Boris Johnson to discuss transportation, education, traffic and crime-fighting.
Overview of The Hudson Yards
May 7, 2008
Centria: 18 West 48th Street
Luxury studio and one bedrooms condo units are available for immediate occupany. Prices range from $1,200,000 for a 604 square foot studio to almost $2,000,000 for a 773 square foot one bedroom.
Developed by JD Carlisle Development Corp., the same developers of Morton Square downtown and The Cielo on the Upper East Side.
Located just to the south of the Rockefeller Center Promenade and across the street from One Rockefeller Center. The facade has two tones of gray-blue glass.
Building amenities include: Fitness Centre, WiFi ready Business Center, Conference Room, Lounge, Private Smoking/Cigar Room, Landscaped Courtyard Gardens.
Apartment features include: Driade Italian kitchens, oak wood floors, Floor to ceiling windows, Calacatta marble bathswith his and her sinks, deep tubs and separate showers and Washer/dryer in every apartment.
http://www.centriacondos.com/
May 5, 2008
Dog Friendly NYC: Just Scoop the Poop!
Animal Fair magazine chose New York City as the nation's pet-friendliest destination.
Whether you live here or you're visiting New York City is a vibrant destination for visitors year-round - whether they're four-legged or two-legged.
Not only are most condos and many co-ops dog friendly in Manhattan but there are dog friendly hotels, restaurants and department stores.
Pet-friendly hotels include the London NYC, the W hotels in New York City, the Loews Regency, the SoHo and TriBeCa Grand Hotels, the Waldorf Towers, the Carlyle and the Hilton Times Square.
Pet-friendly department stores include Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue; the pet-friendly Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle (where the Bouchon Bakery sells "foie gras-enriched dog biscuits").
There are also several pet-friendly salons like Le Chien in Trump Plaza on Third Avenue; a pet-friendly pub, the Brooklyn Ale House in Williamsburg; and New York's Pet Taxi, a company that transports pets.
While NYC is the nations pet friendliest location, NY1.com reported new figures released today show the number of summonses handed out to dog walkers who do not pick up after their pets has more than doubled this year. This, after sanitation officials stepped up enforcement of scooping laws. Since last July, the city has taken in nearly $29,000 in fines for uncollected pet waste.
The Parks Department also hands out tickets to those who do not curb their pets in city parks. Dog owners who like to let their pets run free should think twice. Between July of last year and this April, more than $100,000 in fines were handed out for unleashed dogs. New Yorker's love their dogs but we love our city clean too.
To receive listings of pet and dog friendly Manhattan apartments click here and check dogs allowed under pet policy.
May 3, 2008
NYC $59.1 Billion Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
Mayor Bloomberg announced his Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Executive Budget and presented an updated four-year financial plan for New York City. The $59.1 billion budget maintains the City's firm financial footing in the near term by reigning in expenditures across the city, with city-funded spending expected to only grow by 0.1 percent.
Because of this restraint in spending and higher than projected revenues, the budget presented today will continue the $400 property tax rebate and the 7 percent property tax rate reduction for this fiscal year.
The Executive budget includes $600 million in savings in FY 2008 and $1.3 billion in FY 2009 from reductions in planned agency spending and it will produce out-year savings of $1.1 billion annually. The Mayor also announced that the financial plan shows deficits of $1.3 billion in FY 2010 and $4.6 billion in FY 2011.
“Through a combination of agency savings and short-term revenue receipts, we will once again return tax dollars to New Yorkers who today face their own budget problems created by the sub-prime mortgage meltdown and the ensuing credit crunch,” said Mayor Bloomberg “That includes the $400 homeowner property tax rebate, which will be continued in Fiscal 2009 and in the out-years as well. Our expectation at this time is that we’ll also be able to extend, for another year, the 7% property tax cut that we enacted last year.”
read the press release: nyc.gov
May 1, 2008
New Construction Update: Chelsea
Prima
Building amenities include: Concierge, lounge and media room with wet bar, tranquility garden, individual storage units. Apartments are pre-wired for Verizon FIOS. The building is designed by H. Thomas O'Hara.
Current available units range from $700,000 for a 555 square foot one bedroom to $2,100,000 for a two bedroom two bath 1385 square foot penthouse. Occupancy is planned for Spring 2009. Prudential Douglas Elliman is the exclusive marketing agent. http://www.primachelsea.com/
To receive current listings of new developments in Manhattan click here
Apr 25, 2008
Co-op and Condo Expo: April 29th at the Hilton
The Cooperator's 21st Annual Co-op and Condo Expo will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 29th at the Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas.
The Co-op and Condo Expo is one of New York City's most popular trade shows for the residential real esate community.
The expo is open to the public free of charge. This year the expo will feature over 300 exhibition booths on three floors of the hotel. There will also be five seminars.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required through either the web site registration page at http://www.coopexpo.com/; or by telephone at 212-613-3260; or fax at 646-405-9801
Apr 22, 2008
Green Apple: NYC Celebrates Earth Day
There are plenty of events being organized throughout the city in celebration of Earth Day, including nature walks, lectures, crafts, and concerts. For a full list of activities, go to the New York City Park's Department website, http://www.nycgovparks.org/.
If you're thinking about easy ways to be green, here are some simple ideas that can actually save you money and help save the environment.
GreenHomeNYC.org suggests the following:
- Recycle according to your building's guidelines.
- Unplug "ghost appliances such as VCR or a coffee maker when you're not using them.
- Believe it or not, left plugged, these appliances take up energy. You'll actually save on your electric bill. And when buying appliances, look for the "Energy Star" label.
Most notably, Con Ed offers green power to find out more, go to: www.conedsolutions.com/Residential/greenPowerMain.htm They are offering a $25 rebate to sign up with this eco-friendly alternative. - And finally, take mass transit whenever possible.
For instance, it mentions OZOcar which calls itself NYC's 1st eco-friendly car service with hybrid cars. (877-OZO-5966) or OZOcar.com ...when mass transit isn't possible.
For home renovations, go to http://www.environmentalhomecenter.com/, where you can purchase green building materials such as paint, countertops, flooring, cleaning supplies, etc.
The http://www.thegreenguide.com/ has useful, practical everyday living information.
More green tips from : greeNYC
previous green posts:
Green Buildings in Manhattan
Green Up NYC streets Plant a Tree
The Visionaire - Green Luxury Condos
Yellow Taxis Green by 2012
NYC's First Green School in BPC
The Lucida Upper East Side's First Green Condo
If you're thinking about living in a new green luxury condo click my new developments page submit the buyer form and write "green" in the comment section. I will send you current email listings of green condos that match your buying criteria.
Apr 19, 2008
REBNY City Wide Sales Report
This quarter's report, the first to feature Manhattan sales prices broken down by neighborhood, shows continued market growth - a 28% increase for all New York City homes compared to first quarter 2007and a 34% rise in New York City apartments (coops and condos).
City-wide housing unit permits for February 2008 are 1,156, down compared to 1,863 permits in February 2007. This is the second month of decline compared to a year ago.
The average apartment sale price on the Upper West Side rose 96% to $2,098,000, followed by Murray Hill at 92% to $1,072,000, Midtown West at 50% to $1,988 compared to year ago.
These increases were driven by brisk sales in new developments in these locations including 15 Central Park West on the Upper West Side. The highest average sale prices were in Soho ($2,304,000) and Tribeca ($2,224,000) reflecting the generally larger units located in these areas.
To access the report click here.
Apr 16, 2008
535 West End Avenue: New Construction Update
Sales are underway at the new Extell ultra luxury building at West End Avenue and West 86th Street.
The Sunshine Group is marketing the building as 21st century pre-war. It is the first new development on West End Avenue above 72nd Street in decades. It is already being compared to 15 Central Park West.
Apr 14, 2008
Apr 10, 2008
Landmarked UWS Metro Theatre For Sale
The landmarked, 15,000 square foot theatre at 2626 Broadway between 99th and 100th Streets In Morningside Heights is on the market. The asking price is in the low $20 million range the New York Post and the Real Deal reported.
This jewel of a neighborhood movie house gained landmark status because of it's handsome glazed-terra-cotta Art Deco facade and beautiful neon marquee.
When Metro Theatre closed several years ago, the owners had tried to rent out the space to a retail tenant. The property, which has been approved for conversion into a multi-level store plus mezzanine space is now for sale.
The theatre is nestled between two high rise buildings. The new 37 story glass Ariel to the north and the 17 story 1930 Art Deco co-op The Trafalgar at 233 W. 99th Street to the south.
There is a $250,000 annual tax abatement over the next 15 years because the owners took advantage of the city's Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program. Eastern Consolidated is marketing the property.
I hope who ever buys the theatre will keep the integrity of it's original use. What makes a neighborhood great is it's past history and historical buildings.
Apr 9, 2008
Manhattan Population Continues to Grow
Manhattan's population grew by 8,000, in the year ending July,1 2007, according to the latest census data. That accounts for more than half of New York state's total population growth in the period and the largest numerical increase among all the state's counties.
Manhattan was the only borough in NYC to see its population grow at a faster rate than it did the year before. Manhattan also has the lowest death rate of any county in the state.
Demographers suggested that the surge in Manhattan was a result of incentives to live downtown, new residential construction and continuing immigration the Times reported.
According to plaNYC, New York City population is expected to grow by 1 million by 2030.
Apr 8, 2008
NYC loses $354 million in Federal Funds
Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street was killed by politicians in Albany by not voting one way or the other.
The controversial proposal that is part of the Mayor's plan for a greener NYC would have received $354 million in federal funds from the transportation department for new buses and subways that will now go to fund projects in other cities. The deadline for a vote was yesterday.
The mayor called yesterday a "sad day" for New York. He released a statement saying, "it takes a special type of cowardice for elected officials to refuse to stand up and vote their conscience on an issue that has been debated, and amended significantly to resolve many outstanding issues, for more than a year."
Speaking on last night's "Inside City Hall," on NY1 Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey said today's headlines should read "Albany to New York: Drop Dead."
The controversial proposal which has been successful in London eliminating gridlock and congestion had many opponents from suburban NY politicians who's constituents commute to the city by car. Manhattanites with cars, truck drivers and garage operaters also opposed congestion pricing.
As part of the proposal resident parking permits for specific neighborhoods were to be given to residents who live in those neighborhoods. Neighborhoods above 60th Street were concerned that commuters would be parking in their neighborhoods and then take the subway downtown to save the $8.
Apr 5, 2008
Green Condo Buildings in Manhattan
The Future is Now!
Green technology and space age designs are currently under construction throughout Manhattan.
High Line 23 or HL23 (shown above) is a new green building from Neil M. Denari Architects that is currently under construction in the West Chelsea art gallery district at West 23rd Street and 10th Avenue.
The structure is a 14 floor mixed use of gallery space and condominiums with amazing views of the new High Line elevated park preservation and green space reuse project.
The condo will include nine floor-through apartments ranging in size from about 1,850 square feet to 2,600 square feet. Prices range from $2,750,000 to $10,500,000 for the 3700 square foot penthouse duplex unit with a terrace.
LEED certified homes combine systems that together create a holistically green building that is much more than energy savings. Energy, indoor air quality, water consumption, sustainable sites, landscaped roofs all create an envornmentally friendly building.
GreenHomeNYC.org can provide more information about what to look for in a green home.
Green buildings in Manhattan that are selling condo units:
The Visionaire: 70 Little Street, Battery Park City *(LEED Platinum)
Riverhouse: One Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City *(LEED Gold)
The Brompton: 205 East 85th Street, Upper East Side *(LEED Silver)
The Lucida: 151 East 85th Street, Upper East Side *(LEED Silver)
The Harrison: West 76th Street, Upper West Side *(LEED Silver)
HL23: 515-717 West 23rd Street, Chelsea (LEED Gold)
The Kalahari: 40 West 116th Street, Harlem *(LEED Silver)
1400 on 5th: 1400 Fifth Avenue, Harlem *(LEED level pending)
Millenium Tower Residences: 30 West Street, BPC (LEED Gold rating )
If you're thinking about living in a new green luxury condo click my new developments page submit the buyer form and write "green" in the comment section. I will send you current email listings of green condos that match your buying criteria.
Apr 3, 2008
Manhattan Apartment Prices rise in 1-Q- 2008
Miller Samuel and major Manhattan brokerage firms released Apartment sales data this week for the first quarter of 2008.
The average price of a Manhattan apartment rose 33.5% to $1,700,00 from the same quarter a year ago.
- The average price of a Manhattan coop rose to $1,300,000 from $996,000 a year ago
- The average price of a Manhattan condo rose to $1,900,000 from $1,300,000 a year ago
- The median price of a Manhattan apartment rose to $917,000 up from $840,000 lasy year.
- The median price of a 1 Bedroom apartment rose 12% to $750,000 from $699,00 last year.
- 4 Bedroom plus coops rose 86% to $12,900,000 from $6,900,000 last year.
While prices are up sales are slowing and inventory is rising. During the 1st quarter of 2008 71 apartments sold for more than $10 million compared to only 17 in all of 2007. 15 Central Park West and The Plaza had closings this quarter with record breaking sale prices skewing the price averages higher. Many of these units were in contract for a year.
Prices rose throughout Manhattan including Upper Manhattan's Hamilton and Washington Heights.
Brokers have reported that some Bear Sterns executives have put their apartments on the market. While there has been some fallout from Wall Street there is strong activity from foreign buyers.
In the past when the financial sector has a bad year Manhattan real estate is hit hard. However, there has never been a time before when Manhattan real estate has been so attractive to foreign buyers because of the weak dollar. Foreign buyers primarily buy condos since most coops do not allow foreign ownership. Some coops have recently changed their rules to permit foreign shareholders.
Mar 15, 2008
NYC Neighborhood Residential Parking Program
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced this week that the congestion pricing legislation that will be introduced in the City Council and State Legislature in the coming weeks will include a Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program.
The program is designed to give local residents priority for on-street parking in residential areas and to discourage park-and-ride activity by commuters. It will be tailored by neighborhood to address specific needs, and restrictions will vary based on neighborhood parking patterns.
All neighborhoods will have the opportunity to consider opting into the RPP program including communities where interest has already been expressed such as Brooklyn Heights, Long Island City, and the Upper East and West Sides of Manhattan.
"This is a promising and proven parking management strategy that together with congestion pricing, will help us achieve one of the key goals of PlaNYC - cutting down on pollution-creating traffic and creating an environmentally sustainable transportation system for New York City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "A number of other cities, including Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco, have long had successful residential parking permit programs. We are confident that it will succeed here too."
Under the proposed bill, beginning in the fall of 2008, residents can petition for the establishment of an RPP zone in their neighborhood by submitting a request to their Community Board on a form that will be available on the DOT web-site.
RPP in New York City would offer priority to those neighborhoods just outside the congestion pricing zone. The program will be closely monitored to see how well it works.
Mar 10, 2008
City Planning Commission Approves Harlem Rezoning
NY-1 reported that The City Planning Commission approved a major rezoning plan for 125th Street today. The proposal would create condos, performing arts space, new hotels, and an office tower.
The rezoning would cover from 124th to 126th Street between Broadway and Second Avenue. The plan also calls for 2,500 units of housing, 500 of which would be for those earning less than $56,000 a year.
Supporters say the rezoning will revive the neighborhood's cultural identity, which they say has been threatened by unregulated development.
Opponents fear the neighborhood will lose its character to corporate chains, and worry that some residents could lose their homes.
The plan will now go to the City Council for approval.
Mar 8, 2008
Daylight Saving Time Starts March 9th
Set Clocks Forward 
Sunday March 9th at 2:00 am
for Daylight Saving Time.
Reminder to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors when setting clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 am for Daylight Saving Time.
