August 22nd - August 26th, 2011

New DEP Commission Named

August 22 – The Department of Environmental Protection has a new commissioner. Carter Strickland was named the new commissioner last week. Mr. Strickland was a DEP deputy commissioner, succeeded Caswell Holloway, who became deputy mayor for operations.

Chamber Street Construction Inspires Artist

August 22 – She initially started out as a guerrilla artist, but now painter Dianne Talan has the permission of the city as she continues her mural along Chamber Street, reported DNAinfo. As a local resident Mrs Talan was inspired by the workers and construction work going on and began painting the construction mesh at the site. Initially she would affix the panels to the site overnight, surprising project workers in the morning with new panels. Eventually though, the Chambers Street project and the artist met and no she has painted 28 panels with at least three more blank spaces to fill.

Earthquake Shakes City Nerves

August 23 – The epicenter was in Virginia, but New Yorkers were still rattled by an earthquake Tuesday afternoon. The 5.9 magnitude tremor was felt along the east coast all the way up to Rhode Island. Hundreds of employees evacuated their buildings and but no injuries were reported and virtually no damage.

Upscale Retail Tenant Sought for 23 Wall

August 23 – The former J.P. Morgan headquarters at 23 Wall Street or now known as the Corner has remained empty for five years, but that may soon change. The New York Times, reports brokers have been enlisted to market the retail space. The approximately 150,000 square feet includes three sublevels between 23 Wall Street, 35 Wall Street and 15 Broad Street. As the neighborhood has shifted from financial district to residential in the years since September 11, 2001, the commercial luxury retailers to service the community has grown. It is expected that the space at 23 Wall Street will also attract a large upscale tenant.

September 11 Brought Changes in Tower Practices

August 24 – In the decade since September 11, much has changed in the daily practices of previously constructed towers and newly designed high-rise buildings, reported the Associated Press. With over 21,000 buildings in the country changes has been varied. The building industry has proposed 40 construction code changes. However depending on the property owner or local government, the recommendations are not mandatory. The changes have included beefed-up security at the buildings entry, regular fire drills or access by fire department to building layouts.

UBS Not Moving to 3 WTC

August 25 – Globe Street is reporting that after considering a move to 3 World Trade Center, the investment bank UBS AG is remaining in Stamford, CT. With the help of financial incentives, the company signed a five-year agreement with the State of Connecticut to keep 2,000 employees in the state.

Landlords Prepare for Hurricane Irene

August 26 – New York’s Building Owners and Managers Association issued a checklist to landlords urging them to prepare for Hurricane Irene, reported Bloomberg News. As Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency and Mayor Michael Bloomberg is considering an evacuation in flood zones, landlords are encouraged to take precautions, including; remove all loose property material, secure roof-mounted equipment and clean out all drains and catch basins. Hurricane Irene is now a Category 2 storm and is expected to be the biggest threat to the U.S. Northeast since Hurricane Gloria in 1985.