By Steven Spinola, president,
Real Estate Board of New York
Hurricane Sandy was terribly devastating to our great city and the tri-state region. This destruction of homes and businesses and irreplaceable loss of life will be remembered for a long time.
It has been reported that Hurricane Sandy will end up causing about $20 billion in property damages and $10 to $30 billion more in lost business.
New Yorkers are strong, resilient and committed. Our city and the real estate industry will rebuild and restore what Mother Nature tore down.
The Real Estate Board of New York would like to commend Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Andrew Cuomo, all first responders, the MTA and the city’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Department of Buildings for being so responsive and for their daily communications to the real estate industry.
We also owe much gratitude to two industry representatives who volunteered at the city’s OEM 24 hours a day for six days during the storm. Thank you Larry Kochman of E-J Electric Installation Co. and Allen London of Solstice Residential Group, LLC for being the critical communication links to our industry.
Photo by Holly Dutton
In times of crisis, the real estate industry has been there and this time we are once again stepping up with REBNY members doing their part to help with the aftermath of the storm. We are assisting both displaced commercial tenants and residents who lost their homes.
Additionally, REBNY members are working with several organizations and companies to get businesses back into operation as soon as possible.
It is our responsibility to do our part to help restore NYC and we thank all those members for their ongoing efforts.
Here is some helpful information:
Temporary Space:
• For those who need space or have tenants seeking space. REBNY has compiled a list of available properties available on our website, REBNY.com. There is temporary space for rent and for free in some cases to displaced tenants.
• If you have temporary space that you can make available, please let us know about the space you have, a contact person, and how best to reach him/her by contacting Shannon Fales at REBNY, sfales@rebny.com.
• The Mayor’s Office is also looking for volunteer space for the city to set up temporary office space for individuals who have been displaced. Please let us know if you are interested in speaking to them.
Finding New Apartments
• As a result of Hurricane Sandy, the City expects that up to 40,000 people have been displaced and will need apartments. We are looking for short term and preferably furnished apartments where people can be placed immediately. The terms under which they would be rented is still being negotiated among the federal government, state government, and REBNY. We are also looking for areas of vacant land where trailers or temporary housing could be placed. If you have either of the above available, please contact Ryan Baxter at rbaxter@rebny.com.
Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund
• The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City has set up a donation page for individuals who would like to contribute to the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy, with 100 percent of donations being dispersed directly to relief efforts and organizations. For further information, call 212-788-7794.
• Checks can be made out to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City with Hurricane Sandy in the memo line and sent to: Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, 253 Broadway, 8th Floor, NYC NY 10007
In other REBNY News:
“Market Trends-An Owner’s Perspective” is the topic for the REBNY Member’s Luncheon from 11:45 am to 2 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 at The Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Luncheon speakers are Gary Barnett, President – Extell Development Company and Marc Holliday, Chief Executive Officer – SL Green Realty Corp. Peter Grant, Editor of the Wall Street Journal, will serve as the moderator. The event is open to REBNY members & their guests only. Registration is required.
For tickets, contact Desiree Jones at djones@rebny.com
