NYC pied-à-terre tax: What condo and co-op owners need to know

New York State is undertaking significant change in how it generates and delivers energy. Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy aimed at building a next-generation energy system that is clean, resilient, and affordable for all New Yorkers. His aggressive Clean Energy Standard commitment will require 50% of New York State’s electricity to be sourced from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Clean energy provided 55 percent of all new capacity added worldwide, the most ever, and total investment was about double the amount for generators driven by fossil fuels, according to a report published Thursday by UN Environment, the Frankfurt School-UNEP Collaborating Centre and Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Founder and President of FS Energy, Tal Eyal, penned this article, “Ways to Fuel Greater Energy Efficiency,” featured in the latest edition of Multi-Housing News.

Work hard. Make money. Buy new clothes, the latest technology and more toys for the kids. Does this sound familiar? It’s a blueprint that many of us tend to get carried away with. Minimalists, on the other hand, find freedom and mindfulness in austerity, and in the idea that less is more. Stripping away life’s baggage gives minimalists a sense of clarity and perspective.

New York City condos and coops are known to be home to diverse populations with a variety of personalities. Because residents have different levels of experience and involvement living in a multi-family property, they may also have vastly different views of their roles in such an environment. Community leaders should take a proactive approach in helping residents understand their roles and responsibilities. Here is a list of nine important rights and nine important responsibilities that both owners and non-owners should keep in mind.

All of us have caught the whiff of secondhand smoke from a passerby or a fellow patron at a restaurant or even neighbors on their balcony. And for most nonsmokers, it’s a fleeting irritation, gone in an instant. But what if it’s more than that?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.” Why does this matter to you, as coop or condo board member? Ben Kirschenbaum, vice president and general counsel for FirstService Residential, said that the FLSA applies to all businesses that employ hourly workers, regardless of size.

High-rise living has more appeal now than ever! The wealth of amenities, unique culture, and concierge-level services draw a greater number and variety of people to vertical living each year. Of course, there are challenges. The density and close quarters of a condo or coop mean that residents need to be respectful of each other and sometimes that can lead to conflict and friction. Let’s take a look at some of the areas where concrete policies can help promote harmony and create order within a high-rise building.

For individuals with disabilities, having the assistance and companionship of a service dog can help them achieve a greater quality of life and assist in performing daily tasks. What happens if conflicts arise due to your New York City condominium’s or cooperative’s policies and your need for a service animal? As this is both a sensitive and relevant situation that many condos and co-ops can face, the following guidelines are intended to guide you and your board in clarifying information about service animals and the rights of individuals with disabilities in your community.