HGAR Stages Highly Informative ‘Manhattan County Day’ Program

NEW YORK—The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, as part of its ongoing “County Day” programming, celebrated its Manhattan market area on Nov. 28 with a highly informative program that covered a host of association and industry topics.

Among the key topics of discussion included HGAR initiatives in 2023 and going into 2024 by HGAR President Tony D’Anzica and HGAR Chief Executive Officer Lynda Fernandez, a lively legislative panel, the latest update from the highly successful Hudson Yards development and a “Global Spotlight” presentation by FIABCI Partners from Barcelona, Spain.

The Manhattan County Day was held on Nov. 28 at the Sixth Floor Loft at 873 Broadway. The master of ceremonies for the program was Lee Presser, HGAR Regional Director New York County (Manhattan) & Chapter Representative Manhattan.

HGAR President D’Anzica reviewed a host of the association’s accomplishments in 2023 that included a reassessment of Real Estate In-Depth and the decision to launch the publication as a web-based news source in 2024, as well as a review of the association’s Bronx offices. One of the key highlights of 2023 was the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer  Fernandez, who joined HGAR in September after serving as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors. D’Anzica also praised the membership for surpassing its goal for contributions to the Realtor Political Action Committee and discussed a host of legislative efforts, including the passage of co-op transparency legislation in the New York State Assembly. He concluded that he is hopeful that in 2024, the New York State Senate will approve the bill so that it could then go to the governor’s desk for approval.

HGAR’s Fernandez reported that HGAR was to begin work on a new Strategic Plan in December and would be sending out notifications to the membership shortly that will help HGAR determine a member’s strengths, likes and potential leadership positions with the association.

“The organization is only as strong as our membership and we are a partnership where there are volunteer leaders, members and a staff of professionals that work together to bring forward our strategic mission,” Fernandez said.

Freddimir Garcia, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for HGAR, then gave a short presentation on the groundbreaking DEI programs offered in 2023 and noted that the popular and engaging annual DEI Summit will once again be staged in 2024.

Other facets of Manhattan Day included a Legislative panel moderated by Matt Engel, Co-Chair HGAR Legislative Committee. Panelists included New York State Assemblyman Al Taylor, Manhattan District 71; New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores, District 73; New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Senate District 26 and New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, Senate District 30. A lively question and answer session followed covering such key topics as housing affordability, development targets, etc.

Henry Allman, Senior Associate - Commercial Leasing, Related Companies, discussed the tremendous commercial success of the Hudson Yards development. Allman discussed a number of projects under construction and in the pipeline at the development located on 24 acres.

Hudson Yards currently includes approximately 12 million square feet of commercial and residential space; dozens of shops; a collection of restaurants thousands of residences, The Shed, a new center for artistic invention; five acres of public gardens and groves; and an Equinox-branded luxury hotel with more than 200 room. The Eastern Rail Yards was completed in 2019 and contains soaring commercial towers 10 Hudson Yards, 30 Hudson Yards, 50 Hudson Yards and 55 Hudson Yards; The Shops at Hudson Yards, and a unique cultural monument featuring New York's Staircase by Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio. The Eastern Rail Yards is located at W 30th Street to W 34th Street between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue.

When the Western Yards are complete, new public green space, a 750-seat public school and more new developments to live, work and play will be built that will extend all the way to the Hudson River.

Another enlightening facet of Manhattan County Day was a presentation on the benefits of doing business or living in Barcelona, Spain, presented by Anna Burgues Selles, Co-Owner, Agent, Comfi Real Homes.