On Sunday, March 25th, 2001 the Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives (FNYHC) held New York's longest running seminar and trade show. That Sunday proved to be the beginning of spring as sunshine and warmth permeated the air of Queens College.
The show opened its doors at 7:45 in the morning. Federation President Albert F. Pennisi introduced the opening ceremony speaker City Council Speaker Peter F. Vallone. Speaker Vallone spoke of his support for equity in real estate taxes for all homeowners (one, two and three family homeowners as well as cooperative and condominium homeowners). Speaker Vallone told the audience that he would fight to have cooperative shareholders and condominium unit owners classified as Class One homeowners (one, two and three family homeowners are Class One).
On the topic of extending the present tax abatement program which expires on June 30, 2001, Vallone not only supports the abatement program, he proposes to increase the size of the abatement. Under his plan, buildings with an average assessment under $15,000 per unit will increase from 25% to 40% and those buildings with an average assessment over $15,000 per unit will increase from 17.5% to 20%. The next step is to negotiate with Mayor Giuliani as part of the budget process.
Speaker Vallone toured the exhibition floor and spoke with the exhibitors. The vendors at the show reconnected with old friends and established new leads. Every aspect of the building industry from suppliers, service contractors and professionals were represented.
The morning seminars offered such topical subjects as corporate documents, financial planning for buildings, high tech in buildings, preventive maintenance and the developing saga of discrimination. After a break, the participants visited the trade show booths before the midmorning seminars were held.
National Association of Housing Cooperative's Executive Director Doug Kleine moderated a session on Albany legislation with State Senator Frank Padavan and State Assemblyman Mark Weprin. Other topics such as energy submetering, the board and how it functions and the problems of "aging in place" were discussed. In addition, the very popular, "ask the attorney round table" drew a large audience.
FREE LUNCH
Who says there is no free lunch? Greg Carlson, the Federation's Executive Director, welcomed all to the sit down repast. Federation President Albert F. Pennisi reminded the guests of the great loss last summer of long time Executive Director Eva Rappaport, who along with her husband Charles made the Federation what it is today. He dedicated the "44th annual seminar and trade show" to Eva's memory and asked for a moment of silence. He expressed his thanks to his fellow Board members and acknowledged each of them: Al Volpe, Dolores Goidel, Mona Shyman, Harvey Rubin and David Buchwalter.
Mr. Pennisi also thanked Greg Carlson for stepping in as Executive Director and keeping the momentum of the Federation going. Al expressed his gratitude to the vendors who make the show possible, the seminar panelists and the show sponsors: 1st Rochdale Cooperative NYC, Twin Pines Fuel and Amalgamated Bank, National Cooperative Bank and AKAM Associates.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Mary Ann Rothman, Executive Director of the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums, Ed Yaker, Co-Chairman of the Coordinating Council of Cooperatives and Greg Carlson joined Mr. Pennisi in acknowledging the long time efforts of retiring Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. Always at the forefront of cooperative and condominium issues, Claire was the only government official to consistently support their cause. Ms. Shulman spoke about the tremendous efforts her office, and others at the podium, have made to help the cooperative/condominium community. Ms. Shulman referred to her fond memories of Charles and Eva Rappaport.
Eva Rappaport's son Jay and daughter Eddy presented a new award, the Eva Rappaport Award for Special Merit. Zelda Altman of North Shore Towers and Beatrice Hankin of Knolls Cooperative Section 1 shared, what will most assuredly become, a coveted award.
The Charles Rappaport Director of the Year award was presented to Evelyn Deutsch, board member of Deepdale Gardens Cooperative in Little Neck. Evelyn was instrumental in organizing Deepdale's, NORC program (Naturally Occurring Retirement Program). This prestigious honor is awarded to a cooperator who has done something exceptional to enhance the lives of the cooperative community. It is named for former Federation President Charles Rappaport, a long time advocate of cooperative living here in New York City and a great influence on the national arena.