News: Spotlight Content

2024 Women in Construction: Kristen Banta, EW Howell Co., LLC

Kristen Banta
Director of Risk Management 
EW Howell Co., LLC

“Kristen is a relatively new addition to EW Howell, but has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Her knowledge and experience are an asset to the firm. She is growth-oriented in this leadership position, enhancing and improving our procedures and processes of Risk Management. Kristen is most befitting of the NYREJ Women in Construction 2024 recognition.” - Dan Williams, President at EW Howell Co., LLC.

What do you like best about being a woman in the AEC industry? I love shattering stereotypes and challenging expectations to show that gender doesn’t define ability. Being a beacon of change in a male-dominated field is empowering, and I’m grateful for the women before me who broke barriers and cleared paths. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for construction.

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