News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: March 22, 2022
2022 Women in Construction: Jill Lotenberg, JillPhotography.com
Name: Jill Lotenberg
Title: Photographer | NYC & NYS Certified
Company Name: JillPhotography.com
Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
My grandfather, Irving, my dad, Mike, and his foreman, Jimmy. My pop signed me up for IBEW’s Local 3 Electrician College Summer Apprentice Program while I was studying fashion at F.I.T. I was mortified sitting in OSHA class with all the boys I grew up with in Electchester, as the only girl, (this was in the 80’s). My grandfather beamed ear-to-ear peeking through the Union’s classroom window and even coming into the class, to make sure I was okay. Cut to the first day on the hi-rise Equitable Center job, in Manhattan. I begged my dad’s foreman to let me talk to my dad, who wanted me to be my own person and not “someone’s daughter.” Jimmy said, “Jillie, tough it out, give it one day to experience the hard work your grandfather and father do every day to put food on your table. If you don’t like it, tonight, look him in the eyes and tell him you want to quit.” From that moment forward, I realized the tangible work all these construction workers did to create this beautiful city, creating good lives for themselves, and their families. I spent two summers wiring buildings, loving the comradery and my family, even more.
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Walking the dog while living in sad Manhattan silence during the shutdown, I heard a rare car blasting “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin, echoing through the canyons. It was wonderful! That moment I decided to use any future music I heard on the streets as inspiration for creating my personal photography projects, which I hadn’t had time to do in many years. Buffalo Soldiers, then Drake to Fleetwood Mac took the pulse of the city, and fed my memory cards. Must-read books also fed my pandemic to-do list proving inspiration for my 2021 Alice & Wonderland photo series in NJ, exactly where I began my creative journey in high school. Full Circle, an exciting achievement for me, and my portfolio, to be shared soon… another to-do!
Tags:
Spotlight Content
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
.png)
.gif)
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
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
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
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
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
.gif)