News: Spotlight Content

2024 Women in Construction: Joanna Aray, Wendel

Joanna Araya
Construction Manager
Wendel

“Joanna leads projects from the front lines in the field. She always acts in the client’s best interest. She never backs down from a challenge. From subcontractor issues to managing active construction in hospitals through COVID, she finds win-win solutions that work.” - Jason Denue, Vice President, Energy at Wendel.

What do you like best about being a woman in the AEC industry? I don’t really focus on the fact that I’m a women in this industry. But the fact that I’m in a company with professional co-workers, supervisors and clients that recognize my hard work with respect, makes being in this industry the best.

What is your favorite building in New York? St. Patrick’s Cathedral has always been the one building that amazes me. It makes me feel strong and humble at the same time when looking at its architecture from across the street and then walking inside of the Cathedral.

What recent project, accomplishment or award are you most proud of? Being recognized by your peers that you are someone that is appreciated and respected.

MORE FROM Spotlight Content

Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin

When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:

Formal Legislative Role

Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
Oldies but goodies:  The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but