Big Apple Buzz
ULI Spring Meeting 2024
The Big Apple didn’t disappoint, nor did the ULI Spring Meeting that took place there April 9th until the 11th. New York City was bustling and provided a perfect backdrop for digging deep into the issues at the forefront of our industry nationwide. Conversations spanned from housing demand and attainability, associated issues such as homelessness, regulatory obstacles, and community perception, to decarbonization and building toward a better tomorrow, to other relevant topics related to capital markets and technology advancements.
Case study tours focused on a range of concepts, from affordable housing to neighborhood redevelopment. I took a tour to the South Bronx via subway and walked Bronx Point, a large 17-story U-shaped building with 542-unit affordable units housing all levels of affordability from transitioned homeless (15%) to low-income families. Located next to the river, near transit and schools, this mixed-use building will ultimately house retail space (12,000 SF) on the ground floor, Bronx Supportive services, early childcare center, and will be the home of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Many jurisdictional hurdles and partnerships were needed but this building was beautiful, engaging, and will be a lucky place to call home for so many people.
The Keynote Speaker was Hilary Clinton. Regardless of your political affiliation, the opportunity to hear a former Secretary of State discuss geopolitical issues and what it is like being in a Situation Room was incredible. The power of negotiation, analysis, research, and surrounding yourself with a strong team is what gets effective results.
My favorite planning-related session was Helen Foster’s discussion on Multigenerational Communities. What resonated with me most was the importance of not isolating seniors so much so that they are not integrated with the rest of the community. There are psychological and physical benefits to being around others; seniors can too easily find themselves emotionally and locationally isolated. Helen gave great examples of different programming ideas that allow seniors to have the facilities and care they need while also being a part of the bigger community, offering programs, activities, and lifestyle amenities to promote active and invigorating living.
As co-chair of the ULI National Council – Lifestyle Residential Development Council 55+, we had our Council Day at the NY Harvard Club with amazing speakers from local developers. Guests included Fitwel CEO and President Joanna Frank, John Burns, Joseph Joseph Global Director of Design Tech Leader at Gensler sharing their AI work and opportunities, a University with an Active Adult community called Broadview at Purchase College and presentation about Amazon’s Just Walk Out marketplace. Engaging, interesting, and well received panels…very successful day!
New York has energy buzzing around that is palpable, inspiring, and invigorating; it left me wanting to go back…which is always a good sign.
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