On Thursday, July 22nd, the New York Housing Conference hosted the second installment of our summer seminar series, produced by our Rising Leaders Network. Thursday’s webinar focused on the opportunity for Commercial to Residential Conversions. The discussion was moderated by Wendi Shafran (FXCollaborative) and the panelists included Mark Ginsberg (Curtis + Ginsberg LLP), Thehbia Hiwot (NYS Homes & Community Renewal), Mathew Murphy (NYU Furman Center), and David Schwartz (Slate Property Group).
Many commercial properties in NYC, including hotels and offices, remain shuttered or vacant while housing insecurity has intensified. The panelists discussed the implementation of the $100 million HONDA program passed in the legislature and delved deep into issues such as zoning, financing, and acquisition. They gave great insight into the opportunities and challenges present in converting commercial properties to affordable housing.
You can view a recording of the webinar here.