Posted by Leonard Steinberg on August 19th, 2014 There can be no doubt that technology has become a key driving force and growth sector for the New York economy (and the world in general). A city that was once almost entirely reliant on the financial sector for high paying jobs is seeing tech catch up… [Read More]
HOT OFF THE PRESS: FIREPLACES, THE MIDDLE CLASS, TAXES
Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 23rd, 2014 The news items of the day are not that great, or maybe they are? 1) Mayor De Blasio is planning to abolish wood-burning fireplaces in New York. While I love a crackling fire in a living room, quite frankly they do make some horrific pollution… [Read More]
THE NEW YORK MANSION TAX: WHO ARE THEY KIDDING?
Posted by Leonard Steinberg on November 17th, 2013 New York State imposes certain taxes on what elected officials describe as ‘the rich’, but in actuality many of these taxes are a war on the middle class. The “Mansion Tax” is a 1% New York State tax imposed on the purchase of residential property (condos, co-ops… [Read More]
WHAT IS MIDDLE CLASS IN MAHATTAN?
Posted by Leonard Steinberg on January 20th, 2013 The New York Times did an interesting piece this weekend trying to answer the question: What is MIDDLE CLASS in Manhattan? The answer remains muddied. In a city where the cost of housing overwhelms all other costs, where you live and how much you are paying for… [Read More]
RENTS ARE TOO DAMN HIGH? MIDDLE CLASS IS THE NEW POOR (IN NEW YORK)!
Rents in New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. average $2,090 and are among the highest in the nation, running as much as 218% higher than in other major metro areas, according to Movoto.com, which tracks sales and rental prices in the 40 largest U.S. cities. “This fact is common knowledge throughout our dear land and… [Read More]