On June 1st, one ABO member locked in at least a 7 percent energy cost saving over the next lowest fixed price available in the market by buying through the ABO-FS Energy Program. Other ABO members have until next Friday to enroll in the Fall electric and gas group contract being organized by the Program. FS Energy has saved 300 buildings almost $13 million on energy costs, with rates averaging 16 percent below Con Ed on electricity. Check out this website or call program manager Thom Devlin at (646) 284-5230 for more information. Today.
Mayor de Blasio, Wednesday, announced another $350 million infusion of capital for Community Preservation Corporation construction and rehabilitation loans, including $40 million for City pension funds. The funds are reportedly settling for a 2.75 percent projected return in order to promote affordable housing.
Mayor de Blasio, who created the Worst Landlord list as Public Advocate, may top the list now that he is Mayor according to a Community Service Society report issued yesterday. The number of units in public housing with four or more maintenance deficiencies doubled between 2008 and 2011, the study noted, while the number of such units declined in the rent stabilized and market rate universe.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz yesterday objected to the proposed 1700 units development at Astoria Cove, including 20 percent affordable units, because, among other concerns: “The projected rents for the proposed affordable housing would still be higher than what current local Astoria residents, who will bear the brunt of the impacts of the proposed project, could afford to pay…” Odd, considering there are no local residents on the site, currently zoned M-1 and occupied by a handful of underutilized factories and warehouses. Not to mention the issues raised by whether affordable housing is affordable.