Regular reader, Bill forwarded this article from the New York Daily News calling it an "outstanding collection of anti-density and anti-market propaganda presented (as always) as objective journalism." The article is riddled with misconceptions (aka Urbanism Legends) about zoning and development … [Read more...]
NYC 20-Somethings’ Stagnant Wages and Higher Cost of Living
I need help with this one. Is this a phenomenon of statistical cherry-picking or a true trend that should worry us?New York Observer - A Yoke for the White Collar New York’s college grads now hustle for jobs paying 1970s wages. Meet their coping mechanism—massive debt!A younger New Yorker … [Read more...]
Gramercy Park: Private Open Space
photo by flickr user wallygBack in the days in the Wild Wild East of private land ownership and limited land-use restrictions, parks were actually created by market forces. The same forces that created and preserved Gramercy Park could easily be used to preserve Historic Landmarks and low … [Read more...]
Quinn Proposes to Revamp Rent Control ‘Freakshow’
Curbed NY - Christine Quinn, Hands Off Our Freakshow!Fact: The biggest joke in New York is the Rent Guidelines Board. Every year this nine-member panel gathers to hold a series of circus-like public hearings on rent increases (or, heh, decreases) for stabilized apartments. Every year, tenant … [Read more...]
Airport Protectionism?
Richard's Real Estate and Urban Economics Blog - Federalism and TaxisTaxicabs in the Washington area are regulated by various jurisdictions--DC cabs may not pick up fares in Virginia and Maryland, Virginia cabs can't get passengers in the District and Maryland, and District Cabs are forbidden … [Read more...]
NYC Crane Inspector Corruption
Associated Press - Senior NYC crane inspector accused of corruption: A senior city buildings official took bribes in exchange for falsely reporting that cranes had been inspected and that crane operators had been certified, but his actions did not appear to be connected to two recent crane … [Read more...]
Landlord Finally Free to Live in His Own Home
After battling in court since 2003, this family is finally able to turn their 60 room apartment building into one gigantic home for themselves. Of course, the beneficiaries of the rent-controlled apartments don't believe the owner's family should have the right to live in their own building.New … [Read more...]
Over 200 Illegal Hotel Buildings in NYC
From AMNY: Report: 200 illegal hotels exist in the cityThere are more than 200 apartment buildings in the city that have been illegally converted to hotels, according to a report released Sunday, significantly reducing the number of rent-stabilized units available. ... Illegal hotel operators … [Read more...]