Can Solar Power Heating Work in NYC Buildings?

New York City is home to 8.4 million people, all who use utilities every day. In an effort to improve NYC’s green thumb, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability published a report on the city’s water and energy usage back in 2013. The main finding of the report? Multi-family properties account for over half of the energy consumed by the city’s buildings, with ⅔ of that energy going towards heating and hot water. The main cause of this was inefficient steam heating systems that use a high amount of energy. One suggestion on how to fix this problem came from a California-based nonprofit, which suggested using solar water heaters instead.

Would It Work for NYC?

The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) noted that for buildings that have high daily hot water usage, solar water heating can be used to supplement existing systems and reduce heating costs by 60-80%. There was some speculation about whether or not the system could work during New York’s more dreary months. Nicholas Oliver, a project manager with the CSE, resolved that the solar technology is actually better at catching indirect sunlight as opposed to direct, so it would work wonderfully for New York.

Real Solutions

Since the system works best on buildings where there’s plenty of roof space in relation to the size of the building, low-rise buildings would probably benefit more than tall apartment towers would. To remedy this, Paul Gottsegen, president of the Halstead Management Group, suggests solar sharing programs. He believes, “this is the way to go, because not every building has the roof print to accommodate enough solar panels.” In solar heating programs like these, community members help cover the cost of placing the panels somewhere else. Once the energy is collected, those who contributed get a reduction on their energy costs.

What’s Next?

Sustainability CUNY, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and the New York Economic Development Corporation have teamed up to start an initiative called the NYC Solar Partnership. For now, it’s taking requests for information from potential suppliers of community solar power. Those homeowners who do opt for solar water heating can benefit from income tax credits and even grant money if they go through Solarize NYC.

We may see solar panels popping up on the roofs of NYC buildings in the near future. Do you want to keep up to date on NYC buildings and news? Connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

How Does the NYC Affordable Housing Lottery Work?

It’s no secret that finding an affordable apartment in NYC is a daunting task. That’s why it’s pretty great that the city offers some programs to help New Yorkers out a bit. If you’re interested in applying for the NYC Affordable Housing Lottery, here’s what you need to know.

How Does NYC Affordable Housing Work?

You begin by applying to the program, and if your application qualifies, it will be given a log number. The Department of Housing Preservation & Development chooses the log numbers randomly to ensure fairness throughout the selection process. However, there are certain preferences that exist such as veterans, senior citizens, and residents with disabilities.

How Do I Qualify for the Lottery?

Where you apply affects how you apply. Different areas and buildings have different income requirements. Each housing lottery’s requirements can be found here.

How Do I Apply for the Housing Lottery?

You can apply for the housing lottery online on the NYC Housing Connect website. Register on the site, and complete the household information, which will ask you questions about your employment and income. Next, find the building you would like to live in, and click “apply.” You can monitor your application under the Housing List section on the site. Remember to submit your application before the deadline, and to never submit more than one or any applications with false information, as these will be disqualified from the lottery.

What Does Being Put on the Waiting List Mean?

Once an affordable property is filled, the remaining, qualified applicants can be placed on a waiting list that developers can pull from when apartments become available later on. A developer will notify you if you get wait-listed, but every six months, you must tell them, in writing, that you want to stay on the waiting list.

Can I Appeal a Rejection?

Yes. You usually have two weeks to appeal your rejection once you’ve heard from the building’s developer. If you feel that you were wrongfully rejected, you must write an appeal letter explaining, in detail, why you think you qualify for the lottery on that building.

While some New Yorkers think that winning the NYC Housing Lottery is as likely as winning the actual lottery, there’s no harm in trying! If you apply and win the housing lottery after reading this article, let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspections and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, AMAA is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

Perks of Living on the Upper West Side

Any Manhattan native knows that each section of the city has its own perks; but when it comes to character and convenience, the Upper West Side is the place to be. If you’re looking to move to a more quaint part of the Big Apple, consider calling anywhere between 70th and 79th Street your new home.

The Feel

As compared to the higher-numbered streets of the UWS, the 70th-79th streets offer a more relaxed, neighborhood-type vibe. Despite Manhattan being one of the most populated and busiest cities in the world, this section of the UWS has residents feeling almost as if they lived in a suburb. Certain UWS dwellers still say that even with more shops, restaurants, and bars popping up, their area still has a small neighborhood, brownstone feeling to it.

The Location

PC: Eric Gross- http://bit.ly/2lklfP1

There is no denying that a huge perk of living on the Upper West Side is your proximity to Central Park. With its endless attractions year-round, you’ll never be bored living around the corner from Manhattan’s biggest piece of greenery. If you somehow tire of Central Park, you’re also right by Riverside Park where you can stroll down the promenade, and enjoy the view of the Hudson River.

The Price

When compared to Manhattan as a whole, some homes on the UWS go for a higher price than the entire borough. However, the 70th-79th streets offer lower rental prices and are even less expensive the farther west you move.

The Amenities

If you can afford to live on the UWS, you’ll definitely enjoy all there is around you. There are several shopping districts in the area, excellent grocery stores, and wonderful restaurants to frequent. As we mentioned, you’ll always have Central Park near your home so you can visit the John Lennon Memorial and relax in Sheep Meadow whenever you please.

While different parts of NYC offer different reasons to reside in them, the 70th-79th streets of the Upper West Side have a homey atmosphere with plenty to do. Why wouldn’t you want to call this part of the Big Apple “home?” Looking for more perks about the UWS and other parts of Manhattan? Connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, AMAA is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

Skyscrapers That Will Change the Game

There’s no denying that NYC’s famous skyline has been transforming over the past few years. New skyscrapers seem to be popping up out of the ground like weeds. Look out for these superstructures being built in Manhattan that will change the game.

217 West 57th Street

This building’s plans will have it standing at an impressive 1,550 feet, making it the second tallest building in New York City and the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. Scheduled to be finished in 2019, the skyscraper will house a mixture of luxury residential condos and commercial spaces. Although it will officially be known as the “Central Park Tower,” the building is also unofficially known as the “Nordstrom Tower” since it will be the home of the store’s new seven-story flagship location.

111 West 57th Street

PC: Silverstein Properties 

Calling this the “world’s skinniest skyscraper” is an understatement. Standing at an anticipated 1,428 feet, this building will surprisingly only be 60 feet wide. Once it’s completed in early 2018, it will be home to 60 apartments which reportedly start at $14 million and go as high as $100 million per unit.

2 World Trade Center/ 200 Greenwich Street

The construction of this building has currently been put on hold until an anchor tenant can be found. However, once finished, the 1,340-foot-tall building will feature green terraces and several observation decks that create the appearance of steps. Silverstein Properties is marketing the building as a work environment that blends open workplaces, informal meeting spaces, and fun amenities like basketball courts.

These are just some of the many stunning skyscrapers coming to NYC in the upcoming years. If you want to keep updated with what’s next for these buildings, follow AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspections and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, AMAA is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers, and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

Most Romantic Spots in NYC

Ah, Valentine’s Day in NYC! With the snow melting away, it’s time for you and your honey to enjoy a romantic night together. How do you pick what date to plan when there are a million things to do in Manhattan? You let us help you with this list of the most romantic spots in NYC.

• Grand Central Terminal: If you and your honey are big into buildings, or simply romantically cheesy moments, take a stroll to GCT. The views inside the terminal will take your breathe away, with its stunning architecture and striking vaulted ceilings. On a day like today, don’t be surprised if you see a proposal or two. After taking in the sights, head over to the old-fashioned oyster bar for a nice dinner.
• The High Line: This pathway built on an abandoned train track allows you and your honey to stroll over the streets of the West Side. The High Line extends almost two miles and displays an array of sculptures, murals, and even some performance pieces. This stroll is a great opportunity for you and your lover to talk and take some great photos to commemorate the evening.
• The Bow Bridge at Central Park: This spot has been featured in plenty of scenes on the silver screen, including Uptown Girls, Keeping the Faith, and Enchanted. Stopping here on a stroll through Central Park might just inspire your inner artist and give you a desire to take your honey to a gallery exhibit.
• The American Museum of Natural History: If you’re looking for something a bit grander, snag tickets to the AMNH’s Romance Under the Stars soiree. You begin the night by enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktail open bar while a jazz quartet plays. An hour later, you get to listen to an astronomer tells cosmo-based love stories in the Hayden Planetarium.

No matter what you decide to do, any Manhattan Valentine’s Day date is sure to be as amazing as the city it’s in. For more updates and ideas of things to do in NYC, connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspections and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, AMAA is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

NYC Renovation Trends

NYC isn’t just the city that never sleeps. It’s the city that’s ever changing. Forever striving to be better, the Big Apple is always up-to-date on the latest trends, even when it comes to renovations. Every New Yorker has a dream of renovating his or her apartment to be a space of beauty, so why not make the dream a reality. If you’re planning on upgrading your space, model your apartment after these NYC renovation trends.

1. Combining Two or More Apartments: This is especially popular with mega-mansions which typically include four or more brownstone apartments used as one. However, there has been an increase of young families planning major renovations in hopes of adding another bedroom, larger kitchens, or more entertainment space. If you’re planning a combination project like this, keep your budget in mind, as this NYC renovation can end up be quite costly.
2. Open Kitchens and Varied Countertops: While closed kitchens are popular for those New Yorkers who have staff doing the cooking, the average New Yorker loves the open kitchen design that creates more space in their apartments. They are also going for man-made, natural-looking countertops, namely quartz. Scratch-resistant and available in a wide variety of colors, quartz is becoming an NYC countertop favorite.
3. Redoing Rooftops: New Yorkers are always thinking about summer, even in the dead of winter. An increasingly popular renovation trend is the creation of rooftop gardens. Manhattanites are excited to add vertical gardens, outdoor lighting, and lounge furniture to their rooftops; they’ll just have to give themselves plenty of time as this is usually a year-long project with a lot of checkpoints.

If you’re planning any NYC renovation projects, you’ll have to have a skilled team behind you before you get started. You’ll need an architect, structural engineer, contractor, and a special inspections firm to ensure your renovation is being done properly.

AMAA is your source for special inspections and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

Top 5 Most Iconic Structures in NYC Architecture

Whether you’re a born and bred New Yorker or you’re visiting the Big Apple for the first time, there is no denying that some Manhattan buildings are completely awe-inspiring. These are our top 5 picks for the most iconic NYC architecture.

5. Grand Central Terminal: In terms of travel hubs, GCT takes the cake for Manhattan. Completed in 1913 in the Beaux-Arts style, Grand Central is the largest train station in the world, with 44 platforms and 67 tracks. This iconic station sits at 42nd Street & Park Avenue and serves thousands of passengers each day who are traveling on Metro-North Railroad in New York and Connecticut.

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, St. Patrick’s is the largest Neo-Gothic style cathedral in North America. Its construction began in 1851 and took 28 years to complete, with another nine years necessary to finish the towers that rise above Fifth Avenue. Now also a huge tourist spot, this NYC architecture icon used to serve the working class, mostly Catholic immigrants who worked for NYC’s elite Episcopalians.

3. Chrysler Building: This Art-Deco style skyscraper once held the record as the tallest building in the world before being surpassed by other NYC architecture projects. However, it still holds the title for being the tallest brick building. A classic example of Art-Deco architecture, many contemporary architects consider the Chrysler Building to be one of NYC’s finest buildings.

2. Statue of Liberty: When many of our ancestors came through Liberty Island decades ago, the first greeting they got was from Lady Liberty in New York Harbor. A Neoclassical realistic sculpture, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France as a sign of friendship. Commonly seen as a symbol of freedom and an escape from oppression, Lady Liberty is often visited by New Yorkers and tourists alike.

1.  Empire State Building: The most iconic NYC architectural structure is easily the Empire State Building. Perhaps the most famous Art-Deco building in the world, the Empire State Building is the second tallest building in the world, just behind the Freedom Tower. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission even named it as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

With so many structures to choose from, it was a little hard to pick out just five of NYC’s buildings with the most iconic architecture. Do you know what isn’t hard? Choosing AMAA for your special inspection needs in NYC.

We are your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, AMAA is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.