We have only a handful of hotel rooms. Our commerce districts are relatively small and often overlooked. However, Putnam County has a vast ecological, historical and cultural resource within commutation distance of New York City, potentially making us an ideal ecotourism destination for the millions of people to our south. Given the undeveloped nature of…
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Sept. 15, 2016 issued "Limited English Proficiency" (LEP) guidance that addresses how the Fair Housing Act would apply to claims of housing discrimination brought by LEP persons who do not happen to speak, read, or write English proficiently. Housing providers are therefore prohibited from using…
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With the deadline for submitting this article looming ahead of me, I did what most members of my generation do when faced with limited time and significant work ahead of them, I went on-line. I checked out Instagram, read some stories on Snapchat and browsed Facebook. During my hour of “socialization” I learned that a…
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In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended in 2008 by the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, (collectively, the “ADA”) was enacted to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The ADA’s general rule provides, “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and…
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As we all know, land use regulations in New York State make it one of the most expensive states to build and do business in. We rank high in property taxes, high in utility costs, and in several other areas, as well. Rental costs have been increasing, in part, due to Millennials choosing to rent…
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What began as the Westchester County Board of Realtors in 1916 has, over time, transformed itself into what we now know as the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Apart from the natural growth of the industry that has been the main driver of our membership, we have also had multiple opportunities to join forces with…
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In mid-August President Elect Dorothy Botsoe and I made the trek to Chicago to the National Association of Realtors 2016 Leadership Summit. NAR conducts the Leadership Summit every year for the association’s incoming President and the CEO. In addition to numerous updates on NAR initiatives, the program provides the incoming President of NAR the opportunity…
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We are currently looking for two people to embark on the 2,000-mile epic journey to commemorate the Fireball Run's 10th Anniversary. The eight- day adventure begins in Western New York, winds through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and back into New York before concluding in Amesbury, MA. Putnam County will be featured near the end of the trek,…
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In speaking with many of our members over the years, I have always been perturbed by the fact that many of us forget or are unaware that HGAR offers more tools to its members than simply our Multiple Listing Service. Don’t misunderstand me, our MLS is vital and often central to our ability as real…
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The Business Council of Westchester’s Third Quarter 2016 edition of 914INC. magazine has an editorial entitled “Big Ideas From Small Businesses” and a special feature saluting small business in Westchester County. 914INC. Executive Editor Amy Partridge spelled out the reasons for featuring these businesses, and stressed the importance of small businesses in our daily lives,…
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First, a disclaimer, I am blatantly biased as I write this month’s article. I have been a huge fan of HGAR’s Legal Counsel Edward I. Sumber for more than three decades. In my opinion Ed has been one of the most effective and knowledgeable association legal counsels in the country, and he has earned the…
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I want to share the perspective of someone who has practiced professional economic development in Rockland for over 30 years, including in my current role at Rockland Economic Development Corp. We all understand that Rockland can be an expensive place to live. While not a panacea for all financial concerns, there is a means available…
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On May 31st, more than 100 of our Managers and Broker/Owners gathered at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown for their first 2016 meeting. Each year, the incoming president of HGAR invites two members to chair a committee that is responsible for organizing a minimum of two educational events throughout the year for the Managers and…
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Last month I wrote in detail about HGAR’s success in preventing an increase in the transfer tax in the City of Yonkers. It was a great example of the value of teamwork and persistence. This month I want to address an issue that has long been on both HGAR’s and NYSAR’s legislative agenda, co-cop…
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When (if ever) is it acceptable for business community leaders to weigh in on the political makeup of the state Legislature? According to a recent article by POLITICO New York’s Jimmy Veilkind, Heather Briccetti thinks the time is now. The leader of the Business Council of New York State (BCNYS) has maintained for some time…
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For the vast majority of those who receive our Real Estate In-Depth newspaper and are reading this column, it is not because you are a real estate professional and have a real estate license, but because your are a “Realtor.” Unless you are a member of the National Association of Realtors, you are not permitted…
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Approximately six weeks ago I received a phone call from HGAR Government Affairs Director Phil Weiden, who alerted me that the proposed budget for the City of Yonkers included an increase in its local transfer tax from 1.5% to 3%. Such an increase would have added an additional $7,000 of closing costs on a transaction…
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Putnam County’s largest local chamber of commerce became a showcase for the talents of strong female leadership this month as Faith Ann Butcher of Mahopac News-Halston Media, and Amy Sayegh of Putnam Community Cares, became Chairwoman and Vice Chairwoman, joining CEO & Executive Director Erin Meagher in key leadership roles. This marks the first time…
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The mission of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors is to help our members thrive. We do this through various initiatives, but the most important of these are our legislative efforts where we work hard to support issues that protect and promote the tradition of homeownership. The Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a non-profit…
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As we celebrate the 48th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act and the progress that has been made, sadly, we must recognize that after nearly five decades illegal discrimination in housing is a crime that still exists today. The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors applauds Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent proposal to expand state fair…
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