PWC National holds Annual "Meet the Real Estate Industry" event

The N.Y.C. real estate market is alive and well in 2010 according to the ambitious projects and hefty budgets outlined by the speakers at Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National's annual Meet the Real Estate Industry networking event held recently at The Players Club. Douglas Apple, first deputy commissioner with N.Y.C. Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), spoke of $8.5 billion in spending planned through 2014 which includes 165,000 units of new and renovated housing. Apple thanked mayor Bloomberg for his commitment to affordable housing, and noted that there was strong growth in the boroughs and Central Harlem. He spoke of 600 units of affordable housing planned in Queens as the first phase for the largest such plan since Starrett City. He noted too that 26% of HPD projects went to women and minority-owned business enterprises (W/MBEs) in 2009. Francine Kellman, director, N.Y. office, Pacific Housing Advisors, deals with the acquisition, refinancing, and rehabilitation of affordable housing. Kellman spoke of the benefits of working with a government that has been "extremely supportive" on both the city and state levels, and of the rewards of helping to beautify and upgrade properties through renovations. Kellman noted too that while there are women in her field, "I would like to see many more." Frank Pampalone, director of design, Walmart Realty, said that the company continues to be "the world's largest retailer" as well as the largest employer in the U.S. with 2010 sales of $405 billion and plans to add 500,000 employees worldwide over the next five years. He said that the plans for aggressive expansion continue through growth - with an eye to the opportunities in major urban areas and the international market; leverage - lowering expenses and passing along savings; and generating solid returns. "We continue to embrace the principles that made us successful," said Pampalone. Madeline Marcus, RPA, FMA, VP, management, Cohen Brothers Realty Corp. (CBRC), said that by proactively taking "the initiative to assess the infrastructure of our properties" CBRC has been able to "make the improvements and upgrades required to remain competitive in the market." Marcus mentioned such examples as elevator modernization projects, lobby and plaza renovations. A completed project at 805 Third Ave. for the Crystal Pavilion included adding a waterfall, art work and entertainment which has resulted in 90% of the Atrium's retail space being leased. She noted too that CBRC is "hands-on and people-oriented," a major plus. Edward Fallon, president, BOMA-NY, vice president of operations, Brookfield, said that one of his challenges is to "bring more people, including young professionals, to BOMA." He noted too that the organization has many women members and that they're committed to increasing the numbers. Fallon said too that "the building industry has fulfilled many dreams for me," and that he enjoys the challenges and opportunities that occur daily. Presenters were PWC president Lenore Janis; Kay Lee, general sales manager, SimplexGrinnell; Lina Gottesman, president, Altus Metal & Marble Services; Barbara Armand, president, Armand Corp.; and Priscilla Triolo, esq., Law Offices of Dennis Maycher. Attendees gave high marks to the event. Sylvia Ohanessian, VP and director of purchasing with PJ Mechanical Corp. found it "inspiring to see women progressing" and enjoys events that bring women in the industry together. Yasmin Saeed, with Bauman Katz & Grill LLP "found the event most informative" and was glad to "meet people in various fields who serve the same industry."