Victoria Whelan, CA Rich Consultants, Inc.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2013? One of the rewarding aspects of working as an environmental consultant is seeing dramatic improvements in change-of-use on underutilized properties. This year was no different: I was able to work with redevelopers in the Bronx, Queens & Brooklyn on historically-underutilized properties and see them 'morph' into thriving residential living spaces. Of these, one stands out, in the Bronx, a project that started out on formerly vacant land that once stored oil trucks is now nearing completion to becoming a community center with residential space for affordable housing. The local neighborhood is evolving and this transition has been a wonderful and gratifying accomplishment for all involved. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2013? For me, my most notable project for 2013 would be the Navy Green Project in Brooklyn. The site covers an entire city block. The former Navy Barracks and Brig once covered the Property, and now, as we are nearly halfway through the necessary environmental cleanup and construction upon six contiguous parcels a new vibrant community is emerging. Construction of the fourth building will begin in January. The final plans include housing for multiple income levels responsive to community needs, as well as commercial retail space and a large common open and landscaped green area between all of the newly constructed buildings. What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2014? From the environmental side of commercial real estate transactions, 2013 has brought about many interested and motivated purchasers & sellers contracting CA RICH for Phase I Environmental Due Diligence Site Assessments and follow up Phase II Investigations and Cleanups. Our second half of 2013 was notable in that it was very busy with new properties and new clientele. I believe this will continue through 2014 as developers of large commercial properties subject to rezoning respond to the increasingly urgent demand for multi-family residential development targeted to satisfy the need for affordable housing throughout all five boroughs across the Greater Metropolitan Area. What are your resolutions for 2014? Recently I submitted an Application to the American Institute of Professional Geologist to be qualified for Membership in that Institute as a Certified Professional Geologist. I hope to receive my Certification in 2014.