June 17, 2025
On June 17, 2025, Bob Knakal, LAI member and Chairman and CEO of BKREA, along with his team, graciously hosted a happy hour for LAI members and guests at his famous Map Room, which contains maps of Manhattan’s key development parcels and recent transactions. LAI members were treated to an overview of the maps and learned how they help BKREA succeed in its commercial brokerage business. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and network with Bob, the BKREA team, and their clients. It was a great way to cap off the first half of the year before our summer hiatus. We are looking forward to resuming events in the fall.
May 21, 2025
On May 21, 2025, our Chapter held a panel discussion on the causes and consequences of the rent regulations law known as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) of 2019. The panelists were LAI member and low-income housing developer Michael Lappin of MLappin & Associates and Matthew Murphy, Executive Director of the NYU Furman Center. The panel moderator was Ingrid Gould Ellen, the Paulette Goddard Professor of Urban Policy and Planning at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and Faculty Director at the NYU Furman Center.
The panelists first discussed the elements of the law, which were intended to keep housing affordable in the city’s nearly one million rent-stabilized units. However, the law, which limits how much landlords can raise rents on vacated units and how much of capital improvements can be passed along to tenants, is having the unintended consequence of reducing upgrades and maintenance of these buildings. Furthermore, the limits on rent increases are making it more difficult for landlords to cover their expenses.
The panelists then discussed possible remedies. Mike Lappin proposed that mortgage lenders work with the City and building owners to help reduce the burdens of the law. For example, the City can expand its J-51 program, which gives tax abatements for upgrades, and New York State can offer mortgage insurance to banks that lend to landlords for capital improvements.
The Q&A portion provided a lively debate on the state of New York’s affordable housing stock. Attendees agreed that the discussion was both substantive and balanced. However, there was a broad consensus that the State and City should consider reforms to ensure that housing remains affordable, well-maintained, and profitable.
April 23, 2025
On April 23, members of our Chapter, along with NYC chapter members of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), were treated to a site tour of 270 Park Avenue, the future global headquarters of JPMorgan Chase. The tour offered a unique opportunity to witness one of the most ambitious commercial developments in New York City’s recent history, featuring cutting-edge design and advanced sustainability features.
The site tour was followed by a talk on the building’s history and design. Our hosts walked us through the building’s innovative engineering solutions, including its structural approach to accommodating an entirely new tower on the same footprint as the former Union Carbide Building. The impressive scale of the construction site, thoughtful integration of public space and green building practices, and the cutting-edge design features to make the office spaces accommodating and productive left attendees with a strong appreciation for the complexity and vision required to execute a project of this magnitude. The new headquarters promises to provide an enduring icon for the Manhattan skyline.
March 17, 2025
On Monday, March 17, 2025 we were tremendously grateful and honored to welcome New York City Planning Commissioner Daniel Garodnick and Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York, to speak at our March meeting. The turnout, discussion, and energy in the room embodied LAI’s mission of holding meaningful conversations and sharing information about important policy developments in land use. The panelists provided a comprehensive overview of the City of Yes Housing Opportunity plan, dived into key planning initiatives, such as the Green Fast Track program, and discussed the challenges and new opportunities for building sorely needed housing. Mr. Garodnick and Ms. Gray emphasized the importance of clear and effective communication when coordinating zoning changes with various city agencies and when engaging with stakeholders. The participants left with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in creating a more efficient and inclusive housing landscape in New York City.
February 19, 2025
On February 19, 2025 we had the pleasure of hosting Fred Harris, the Executive Vice President of Multifamily Development at Vornado Realty Trust. Mr. Harris played a key role in shaping New York City’s housing landscape over his distinguished 30-year career. Fred took us on a vivid journey through his many projects, including those when at the MTA and the NYC Housing Authority. He provided valuable insights into how his engineering background, combined with a law degree, allowed him to navigate complex transactions to bring his projects to fruition. Fred also discussed how city policies like real estate tax rates and zoning, and land use regulations impact housing supply. The discussion was both engaging and nostalgic, as LAI members and guests shared their own experiences in the field.
January 22, 2025
On January 22, 2025 we had the distinct honor of hosting Tom Devaney, Senior Director of Land Use and Planning, at the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), a venerable organization instrumental in shaping and preserving the New York City that we know today. As a leader in urban advocacy, Tom has played a critical role in protecting the city’s historic landmarks, promoting thoughtful urban design, and fostering a vibrant public realm. Tom shared invaluable insights into the organization’s work, from its efforts to safeguard NYC’s iconic skyline to championing sustainable development and equitable public spaces. His talk highlighted the importance of balancing preservation with progress, ensuring that New York remains a dynamic, livable, and inspiring city for generations to come.
December 16, 2024
A great time was had by all at our holiday social and new member induction on December 16, 2024 at Pershing Square restaurant. It was great to see long time members, including past President Jeff Beal, Anthony Berti, Scott Bloom, Michael Lappin, Carrie Lee, Ed McGinnis, and Derek Tynan. It was a real treat to induct our new members, Alain Bertaud, Christina Pae, Thomas Redstone, Mark Strauss, and Deborah Widerkehr. We also enjoyed great conversations with other attendees including Michael Danko of Pennoni. 2024 ended on a high note for the New York Chapter and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at our events in 2025, where we will continue the important conversations about land economics and real estate. Kudos to outgoing President Chris Deutsch for all his hard work and all the great programming he put on in the last two years.
November 20, 2024
On November 20th, we were grateful to be joined by Charles Komanoff, a long-standing expert on congestion pricing, for an engaging and insightful discussion of the soon-be-implemented congestion pricing plan for Manhattan south of 60th Street. Charles walked the group through his dynamic and evolving cost-benefit model, which he uses to analyze the economic and environmental impacts of congestion pricing in New York City. He spoke about how his model accounts for traffic patterns, emissions reductions, increased subway ridership and other equity considerations. His model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the benefits and challenges of implementing congestion pricing. LAI members left the talk with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the policy and its expected impacts in one of the world’s busiest (and congested) cities.
October 23, 2024
On October 23, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting Dan Kaplan from FXCollaborative for an insightful discussion on office-to-residential conversions. Dan highlighted the fiscal, environmental, and regulatory challenges inherent in these transformations. The key problem that he discussed was how to profitably re-employ floor space in large post-War office towers. Dan’s studies have demonstrated that some apartments can be made longer by including dens and walk-in closets, & additional spaces, like storage or work spaces, can be added near the core. His presentation generated a fascinating group discussion, which explored the future of building use and design in New York City and other urban areas.
October 16-18, 2024
From October 16-18th, New York Chapter Vice President, Jason Barr represented the LAI New York Chapter at the Land Economics Gathering in Phoenix, AZ. Nearly, 100 people from LAI chapters worldwide gathered to explore key issues in land economics, and hear from and talk with exceptional leaders in the field.
The event kicked off with an opening dinner and awards ceremony. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego welcomed the LAI members to her great city. LAI President Kathline (Kathy) King and LAI Awards Committee Chair Dr. James Fawcett presented the awards. Congratulations to Hazel Ruth Edwards, of Howard University, and member of LAI George Washington Chapter, for winning the Richard T. Ely Distinguished Educator Award. Kudos to our very own Jason Barr for winning the International Author Award for his books Building the Skyline and Cities in the Sky. And, a hearty congratulations to Susannah M. Bergmann, LAI International Regional VP, East for winning the LAI Member of the Year Award. The evening concluded with a talk from the Keynote Speaker Terry Goddard, Central Arizona Project (CAP) CAWCD Board President, former Phoenix Mayor, and Arizona Attorney General.
For the next two days, LAI members had the opportunity to visit many projects and sites in the Phoenix metro area. On Thursday, events included tours and talks in the booming West Valley, with stops at Estrella in Goodyear, and visits to Peoria and West Glendale to hear about their economic development plans. On Friday, the group was privileged to hear about the redevelopment of Aeroterro public housing community in Phoenix. The group then heard an amazing presentation from Dr. Kil Huh of the Pew Charitable Trust on the state of housing affordability in America. Finally, LAI members toured Devine Legacy, an affordable housing development in Phoenix.
The gathering featured engaging discussions on critical topics such as Water, Sustainability & Energy, Housing & Affordability, Quality of Life & Community Diversity, and Growth & the Environment.
Next year’s 2025 LAI Land Economics Gathering in Montreal promises to be equally as fun and informative. We hope to see you there!
June 13, 2024
We held our summer soiree at the North River Lobster Company at Pier 81 on the west side of NYC on June 13th. A great time was had by all! Some members we haven’t seen for awhile showed up to celebrate. Due to engine difficulties the boat did not leave the harbor, but the restaurant and bar were open and serving so we stayed and took advantage of the top deck. The summer breeze and New York City backdrop provided a terrific setting for an exceptional event with great company and conversation.
May 15, 2024
LAI New York Chapter Gathering at Rizzoli Bookstore in New York City to celebrate LAI New York Board member, LEF Treasurer, and Author Jason Barr’s Book Launch with The Wall Street Journal reporter Konrad Putzier and LAI International leaders from Baltimore, Boston, George Washington (DC), and Simcoe (Toronto) Chapters. His new book Cities In The Sky: The Quest to Build the World’s Tallest Skyscrapers.
April 3, 2024
The LAI New York Chapter luncheon with Hersh Parekh, Director of Government and Community Relations – NY at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, presented on The Development of Terminal B and C at LaGuardia Airport. We thank our fellow members from other LAI East Region Chapters for attending.
February 15, 2024
Breakfast Program at Fordham University with Michael Lappin, Founder of MLappin & Associates on “The Challenge Posed By The Signature Bank Workout.”
January 18, 2024
LAI New York Chapter’s Post Holiday Celebration Party at Bobby Vans Grill Times Square!
November 16, 2023
Jonathan J. Miller, President and CEO, Miller Samuel Inc. Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, provided an engaging discussion and presentation on “The State of The NYC Housing Market.”
October 19, 2023
Lisa Desmarais, Vice President of Appraisal Issues, The Appraisal Foundation, presented on the “Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, Ethics, and Appraisal Bias.”
September 21, 2023
LAI New York Chapter hosted a Program with Bob Knakal, President and Head of the NY Private Capital Group, JLL Capital Markets, who presented on Office Building Conversions.
June 15, 2023
Annual LAI NY Chapter Summer Social Gathering held at Pershing Square Restaurant.
May 18, 2023
Barry J. Stein, President, Rohman & Stein Associates, Inc., a 30-year-old commercial real estate financing firm that is responsible for over 3 billion dollars of mortgage and equity financing. He led a presentation and discussion on “Are Banks Still Lending?”
March 16, 2023
LAI NY Chapter hosted a particularly well attended and engaging Expert Panel Discussion on Local Law 97: one of the most ambitious plans for reducing emissions in the nation. Moderator Todd M. Hay, Pennoni and Panelists: Tina Larsson, The Folson Group; Liz McCormick,Pennoni; and Christopher M. Tarnok, DL Partners.
February 16, 2023
Bringing Affordable Housing to the Market – A Plan was presented by Michael Lappin, President, M Lappin & Associates LLC. He is past CEO and President of The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and CPC Resources Inc. He led CPC to become a national leader in the development and financing of affordable housing.
January 19, 2023
Breakfast Meeting Presentation on the Construction and Development of Mass Timber Buildings with Jeff Spiritos, principal of Spiritos Properties, LLC, a commercial and residential developer that builds mass timber projects in New York and the Northeast.
December 15, 2022
LAI NY Chapter celebrated is Installation Dinner and Holiday Celebration on December 15, 2022 at the Pennsylvania University Club on West 44th Street. Thanks as always to our sponsors Pennoni Engineers, MJW consulting, Real Estate solutions and Cedar Point Finance. And a special thank you to our visitors: Kathy King, International VP, Susannah Bergmann, RVP, North America East Region, and Faroll Hamer ARVP, North America East Region.
June 14, 2022
LAI NY Chapter had its Summer Party at Pershing Square across from Grand Central Station on June 14, 2022. The weather cooperated with our outdoor affair. It was good to see the members who showed for drinks and hors d’oeuvres and some lively discussion.
May 19, 2022
LAI NY Chapter held its first in person meeting (since covid-19) at Fordham University. Our guest speaker was John Grillo from Rich Energy Solutions Company who spoke Compliance with Local law 97. Discussed the utility and energy managements components of the NYC real estate that can be enhanced to reduce expenses and also to comply with local law 97 which becomes effective in 2024. There was spirited discussion as to the economics of the proposed law and the impact on the financial viability of the NY commercial real estate market as well as the NYC tax base. Thanks again to member Derek Tynan for providing an excellent speaker. RES and LAI Energy Cost Reduction Program 5 11 2022
April 21, 2022
LAI NY Chapter held a very technology centered real estate meeting with guest speakers GÖKTUG KRAL Founder, The Future 3D, and Joseph Ghaida, Designer, Founder, Animate Lot. The topic was “byte sized buildings – the trans-virtual space.” Special thanks to member Derek Tynan for providing two outstanding speakers. They both discussed image capture and 3D design creation for real estate showing how buildings can be presented to introduce ideas and possibilities to clients and architects. Our audience was enlightened by the use of laser and drone technology used to capture real life building plans that are normally lost in ordinary computer generated architect drawings. The meeting was well attended with guests from Baltimore, Greater Washington and Toronto.
March 24, 2022
Andre Soluri, licensed architect, principal and founder of Soluri Architecture, provided a spectacular presentation titled “Strategies with Small Lot Development.” The presentation used design-thinking to propose strategies on how to make the most common type of vacant and underutilized land left in New York City more viable for development. The group discussion centered around applying current market standards to small lots and the impact of modular construction. Our participants included local New Yorkers and professionals from Baltimore, MD and Toronto, CA.
February 24, 2022
LAI NY Chapter held a very enlightening meeting with get speaker Damian Besculides, AIA. Damian demonstrated the latest technology in office planning and space design. We were treated to a demonstration of the systems available architects today to not only plan office space but to also source available properties and were updated on market innovations in office design. The meeting was well attended with guests from Baltimore, Washington DC, and Toronto.
January 20, 2022
LAI NY Chapter held its 1st meeting of the year hosting guest speaker Brett Gottlieb, Esq. Special Counsel in Herrick’s Real Estate Department where he represents real estate owners, lessees and developers in the application process for New York City’s real property tax incentives including 421-a, ICIP/ICAP and FRESH. Brett counsels clients regarding their property tax benefit applications with respect to project eligibility, benefit calculation, benefit planning and implementation of the exemption or abatement of real property tax in the City of New York. Brett provided and excellent presentation on the 421a program and where it stands today. The meeting ran long as Brett and the participants discussed the different possibilities surrounding the sunset of the 421a program. As always we all learned something new.
December 15, 2021
LAI NY Chapter held its Annual Holiday Party at Pershing Square in Manhattan. We inducted 3 members, has a small presentation by Manhattan Historian professor Robert Snyder and held a raffle with 6 lucky prize winners.
December 9, 2021
LAI NY Chapter held its December monthly meeting hosted via zoom. The guest of honor was Matthew Dzbanek who spoke about the multi-family market and lending practices post Covid-19. Matt is a Capital Services Professional at Ariel Property Advisors. In this role, he is responsible for debt and equity placement, with an expertise in multi-family and mixed-use properties. A lively discussion followed the presentation.
November 5, 2021
Gregory Russ, Chairman of NYCHA, hosted the LAI NY Chapter November presentation at the Church Street location. Special thanks to our member Howard Husock for putting this together. The presentation was an interview format with Q&A afterward focusing on the issues facing NYCHA and potential solutions. The presentation was informal and each member engaged in discussion adding to the experience.
September 23, 2021
LAI NY had its first meeting of the 2021/22 season on with special guest speaker Mitchell Korbey from Herricks and Feinstein LLC. Mitch Korbey is a partner, and chair of the firm’s Land Use & Zoning Group. Mitch is an accomplished urban planner and land use attorney with more than 30 years of experience in private practice and government service. His presentation focused on Zoning in NYC and particularly the recent zoning resolution for the Gowanus Canal. His insights into the process and impact of the new zoning landscape were outstanding. After the presentation Mitch circulated throughout the breakout rooms for more in-depth questions and answers. The meeting was well attended with more than 20 real estate industry leaders.
May 27, 2021
Constantine “Tino” Korologos who has over 37 years of professional experience in the real estate capital markets, structured finance and valuation industry presented on “Transformation of Real Estate post Covid-19.” He is a Clinical Assistant Professor, teaching graduate real estate finance, capital markets and portfolio risk courses in the New York University Schack Real Estate Institute, where he has been on the faculty for over 27 years. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Tino is the Faculty Director of the Hirsh Fellows MSRE Program.
April 29, 2021
Jason M. Barr presented on “Was Everything You Thought You Knew Wrong? Housing Supply Elasticities for Manhattan from 1870 to 2017.” Jason is a Professor at External Rutgers University, Newark in the Department of Economics, and an affiliated faculty member with the External Global Urban Systems Ph.D. program. His research interests include urban economics, and agent-based computational economics. Jason serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, the Eastern Economic Journal and the Journal of Economic Interaction and Coordination. He is the author of External Building the Skyline: The Birth and Growth of Manhattan’s Skyscrapers (Oxford U. Press, 2016). He writes the External Skynomics Blog, a blog about skyscrapers, cities, and economics.
March 18, 2021
LAI NY hosted our March meeting/ information session presented by Toby Moskowitz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Equity Partners, a woman-owned real estate and development firm specializing in mixed-use development in the New York metro region. The company’s fast-growing portfolio is comprised of unique, contextualized buildings in some of New York’s outer borough neighborhoods. Our discussion centered around the transformation of NYC post Covid-19. This was a very lively discussion with many view points expressed by the presenter and guests alike.
February 16, 2021
Brian Platzer, author, educator, and contributing writer to The New York Times, NewYorker.com, New York Magazine, The New Republic and many others presented: Where will the people be, geographically?
Brian Platzer is the critically acclaimed author of the novels “Bed-Stuy Is Burning” and “The Body Politic” (both Atria/Simon & Schuster) as well as the forthcoming parenting book “Taking the Stress Out of Homework” (Avery/Penguin Random House). As a humor writer, Brian has frequently written for The New Yorker’s Shouts and Murmurs and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. He recently wrote the viral article “Paw Patrol Is Contemptable Trash” in New York Magazine, and he has performed comic essays on NPR as a featured guest on Live From Here.
November 20, 2020
Covid-19 maybe threatening a second wave, but LAI NY Chapter continues to turn out presentations that keep our members and participants well connected and informed with uncommon access to discussion and dialog with industry professionals. LAI hosted a presentation via Zoom with guest speaker Katy McLaughlin, Special Writer for the Wall Street Journal Mansion Section. She discussed high-end residential development in the wake of Covid-19. The new building systems demanded by purchasers in the tri-state area are evolving and Katy McLaughlin has the industry contacts that provide cutting edge amenities needed for residential buildings to stay viable in the marketplace. The meeting was well attended by experienced industry professionals and the discussion was lively. In all, everyone took some valuable information away from the session.
October 14, 2020
Professor Greg Duncan Woolf, FSA, FSA Scot, FBA, spoke on “Resilient Cities…which survive, which don’t and why?”
September 17, 2020
Matthew Rappaport Esq., LL.M. Managing Partner, Falcon, Rappaport & Berkman presented on “Opportunity Zones: The Best Tax Break You’ll Never See Again.”
June 18, 2020
Dr. Alexander Heil, Chief Economist, Port Authority of NY & NJ, presented on “Is there any hope for the national and regional economy post COVID 19?”
May 21, 2020
Mark Miller, Sr. Attorney Pacific Legal Foundation, presented on “Covid 19 Safety, Property Ownership: Rights & Wrongs in the Government Response.”
April 9, 2020
Steven Barshov, Principal, Sive, Paget & Risel, discussed “Practical Lessons from 40 years of Land Related Litigation” to LAI NY Chapter.
February 20, 2020
Andrew Dansker, VP of Marcus & Millichap, presented on “Rent Regulation and the Change in Real Estate Financing.“
January 30, 2020
LAI NY Chapter hosted is Annual Holiday Party.
December 12, 2019
Robert Barone, Sr Director CBRE presented to LAI NY Chapter on “Assessment & Consulting Services Construction Risk Management.”
October 26, 2019
Howard Tolin, Exec VP, Sterling Environment & Professional Services, presented on “Real Estate Transfer Risk – War Stories & Key Points.”
September 26, 2019
Developers Building Tour- 515 West 29 Art. – High Line Area
July 11, 2019
LAI NY Chapter hosted its Summer Cocktail Party and New Member Investiture Event at Brendons Bar & Grill.
May 23, 2019
John Bennardo, President of Legacy Builders Development Corp., presented to LAI NY Chapter on “The contract bidding process and how that is affected by the various parties involved.”
March 26, 2019
Toby Moskovits, CEO Heritage Equity Partners, presented on “Why NYC is on track to be the tech capital of the world.”
February 7, 2019
Matthew Dzbanek from Ariel Property Advisors presented on NYC Opportunity Zones.
November 29, 2018
Christopher Gulotta, Partner Gulotta Grabiner Law Group, presented to LAI NY Chapter on Cyber Crime & Cyber Security in Real Estate Transactions.
October 25, 2018
LAI Program with Speaker Scott Bloom, Helmsley Spear, on Commercial Leasing in New York City.
August 30, 2017
LAI NY Chapter hosted a Summer Party at Bryant Park on August 30, 2017.