The Co-op and Condo Insider

EES Content Studio

The Co-op & Condo Insider is your trusted source for expert commentary led by advocates within New York City’s co-op and condo world. Each episode offers insights into the challenges, news, and stories that shape a community making up more than 20% of this great city’s residents.

  1. Jul 27

    What Boards Need to Know About the Application Timeline Law with guest Amanda Farias

    New York City Council Member Amanda Farias, former majority leader and representative of District 18 in the Bronx, joins Geoffrey Mazel to talk about the bill co-op boards across the city are preparing for right now: Intro 1120-B, the cooperative application timeline law. Farias grew up in Soundview, raised in an intergenerational household by grandparents who came from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and who fostered children for decades. She traces her path from pulling the voting lever for her grandmother to working on Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, staffing Council Member Elizabeth Crowley in Queens, and running for office herself at 26. She lost that first race in 2017, came back, and won the seat in 2021. The heart of the conversation is 1120-B itself. Farias walks through what the law actually requires: standardized applications, written acknowledgment of receipt within 15 days, board decisions within 45 days of a completed application, extension provisions, summer recess tolling, and civil penalties starting at $1,500 enforced by HPD through a complaint-based system. She explains how the bill landed on her desk after a decade of stalled attempts, the long list of stakeholders who shaped the amendments, from REBNY and the Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums to the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives and Condominiums, and why the council overrode Mayor Adams' veto. The law takes effect in July 2026, giving boards and managing agents six months to update their procedures. The episode wraps with a personal round covering her favorite spots in the district, from Barrio BX in Castle Hill to Willy's Steakhouse in Parkchester, her painting habit, and a Pokemon card collection that keeps her connected to her younger brothers. She also previews what's next: new co-op construction at Stevenson Commons, a resolution supporting Mitchell-Lama residents, and the Good Food Purchasing Program. For anyone serving on a board or managing a building, this is a direct look at the thinking behind the biggest change to the co-op application process in years.

    What Boards Need to Know About the Application Timeline Law with guest Amanda Farias

  2. Jul 22

    Property Rights, Energy Policy, and the 2026 Governor's Race with guest Bruce Blakeman

    Nassau County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman joins Geoffrey Mazel and Richard Solomon for a wide-ranging conversation about the pressures facing co-op and condo owners across New York. Blakeman traces his path from watching his father campaign for the state assembly as a nine-year-old to running one of the largest counties in America, with stops along the way as a Hempstead town councilman, presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, and Port Authority commissioner during 9/11. He talks about how Nassau earned its ranking as the safest county in America, delivered four budget surpluses and seven bond upgrades, and went four years without raising taxes. The conversation then turns to the issue dominating board meetings across the city and state: cost. Blakeman breaks down why New York electric bills run 70 percent above the national average, pointing to delivery fees and taxes that he says leave only 30 percent of each payment going toward actual energy. He makes his case for natural gas extraction in the Southern Tier's Marcellus Shale, argues that what he calls the green energy scam is driving up rates without meaningful climate benefit, and pledges to end Local Law 97 mandates on co-ops and condos if elected governor. He also weighs in on the new pied-à-terre tax, proposed changes to the inheritance tax threshold, congestion pricing, and why he believes unfunded mandates threaten the long-term viability of cooperative housing. The episode closes with Richard's lightning round, where Blakeman makes the pitch for Nassau County as a destination in its own right, from its beaches and museums to a restaurant scene he puts up against New York City's. He shares what he'd feature in his own version of an I Love New York campaign, and tells the stories behind the four wristbands he wears daily, including one honoring his nephew Tommy, who died helping evacuate the South Tower on 9/11. Whether you own a co-op, a condo, or a house, this one gets into the numbers behind the affordability crisis and what the 2026 governor's race could mean for homeowners.

    Property Rights, Energy Policy, and the 2026 Governor's Race with guest Bruce Blakeman

  3. Jul 14

    When A City “Statement” Becomes A Housing Crisis with Guest Randy Mastro

    Local Law 97 was introduced as a major step toward reducing emissions from New York City buildings, but for many co-ops, condos, and mixed-use properties, the law has created serious concerns about cost, fairness, and how emissions limits are applied. In this episode, we are joined by Randy Mastro, former First Deputy Mayor of New York City, to discuss Local Law 97 and the impact it is having on property owners throughout the city. Drawing on his experience in City Hall and as a federal prosecutor, Randy discusses how major city policies are developed and enforced, and what can happen when broad regulations fail to account for the realities of individual buildings. The conversation covers the Climate Mobilization Act, building emissions limits, and the challenges facing co-op and condo communities that have already invested heavily in energy efficiency improvements, including projects such as solar installations. Randy also discusses the legal challenges to Local Law 97, including arguments surrounding New York State’s climate laws, the initial court ruling, and the subsequent reversal by the New York Court of Appeals. The conversation also examines waivers and exemptions under the law, changes to CLCPA timelines, and what these developments could mean for the future of Local Law 97. For co-op and condo board members, managing agents, shareholders, unit owners, and others involved in New York City real estate, this episode provides an important look at Local Law 97, the legal issues surrounding it, and what may lie ahead.

    When A City “Statement” Becomes A Housing Crisis with Guest Randy Mastro

  4. May 1

    Classroom to NYC Council: Eric Dinowitz on Maintaining Co-op Affordability in the Bronx

    A new fee on its own might not seem like a big deal. But when you layer it on top of everything a building is already dealing with, it adds up fast. We sat down with Eric Dinowitz to talk about what happens when well-intentioned policies meet the reality of co-op and condo budgets. From trash containerization to the ongoing demands of Local Law 11 and Local Law 97, the core question is straightforward: how do we make buildings safer, streets cleaner, and reduce emissions without pushing out the people who actually live in and run these communities? Eric brings a different lens to the conversation, shaped by 12 years as a special education teacher in New York City public schools. He talks about what he saw beyond the classroom, things that don’t usually make it into policy discussions, like food insecurity, unstable housing, and families doing everything they can just to stay afloat. That experience influences how he approaches funding, accountability, and the idea that real impact often takes years to show up, whether you’re teaching, producing content, or working in government. We also get into why co-ops and condos are still one of the most accessible paths to homeownership in the city, and why they’re often left out of the broader affordability conversation. Eric pushes back on the assumption that co-op shareholders are all wealthy, and makes the case that volunteer board members deserve more support and less skepticism. He also touches on how certain policy language can create personal liability concerns that discourage good people from stepping into those roles. There’s a quick Bronx lightning round in there too, with some real neighborhood spots, plus a brief stop in Binghamton for good measure. If NYC housing, co-op living, and affordability matter to you, give it a listen. Share it with a board member or neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

    Classroom to NYC Council: Eric Dinowitz on Maintaining Co-op Affordability in the Bronx

  5. Apr 14

    How State Policy Is Shaping the Future of NYC Co-ops With Guest Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky

    Co-ops remain one of the last realistic ways to buy a home in New York City. The challenge is that many of the people shaping housing policy don’t fully understand how co-op living actually works. In this episode, we sit down with Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky to talk about that disconnect, and why it often leaves co-op and condo communities playing defense, even though they represent one of the most accessible paths to home ownership in the city. We start with her background, from teaching and early campaign work to her election to the State Senate in 1999, where she became the first woman from Queens to hold that seat. From there, the conversation shifts to how Albany has evolved over the years, including the role technology now plays in both governing and campaigning. We also touch on how artificial intelligence is starting to show up in policy discussions, from regulating synthetic media to initiatives like the Empire AI project at SUNY Buffalo. From there, we get into the issues that directly affect co-op and condo residents: property taxes, the pressure around Local Law 97, and what proposed changes to the J-51 tax abatement could mean for building repairs and long-term planning. We also talk through ongoing concerns about co-ops being swept into tenant-focused legislation, and what’s being done to keep that distinction clear. The conversation wraps with a look at ground lease reform and why it matters for financing and long-term stability. If you’re a shareholder, board member, property manager, or just someone trying to make sense of housing policy in New York, this episode helps connect what’s happening in Albany to what shows up in your monthly costs. If you find it useful, consider subscribing, sharing it with someone in your building, or leaving a review so others can find the show.

    How State Policy Is Shaping the Future of NYC Co-ops With Guest Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky

  6. Mar 17

    Co-ops and Condos United NY: Jane Menton on Helping 1.2 Million Homeowners Find Their Voice

    Local Law 97 is starting to feel very real for co-op and condo boards across New York City. When Jane Menton reviews building emissions reports, it becomes clear this is not just a long-term climate goal. It has the potential to create significant costs for buildings that are already operating on tight budgets. We talk through why 2030 is closer than it sounds in terms of capital planning, how projects can quickly turn into assessments, and what early electrification estimates could mean on a per-apartment basis. We also step back and look at a piece that does not get much attention at board meetings: the electric grid. As buildings move toward electrification, questions around capacity, reliability, and rising demand come into focus. We discuss how Local Law 97 connects with the broader push for renewable energy, and what it could mean for residents if electricity costs continue to rise alongside compliance requirements. Finally, we focus on practical paths forward. Jane shares how Co-ops and Condos United NY is working to build a broader coalition, what potential policy tools like an expanded J-51 abatement could look like, and why more coordinated advocacy at the City Council level could make a difference. If you live in a co-op or condo, this conversation offers a clear look at what is coming and how buildings can start preparing. Subscribe for more conversations on co-op and condo governance, share this episode with your board, and leave a review to help others find it. What is the biggest challenge your building is facing right now?

    Co-ops and Condos United NY: Jane Menton on Helping 1.2 Million Homeowners Find Their Voice

  7. Mar 3

    The Weprin Legacy: Co-ops, Community, and Public Service

    How does a modest veterans co-op in Queens shape a lifetime of public service and influence the future of housing policy in New York City? In this episode, we sit down with former Assembly Member and City Council Member Mark Weprin for a candid conversation about legacy, legislation, and the long-term viability of middle-class co-op ownership. From his father Saul Weprin’s rise to Speaker of the Assembly to his own years in Albany and City Hall, Mark traces how neighborhood roots inform policy decisions that determine whether communities thrive. We examine why co-ops remain one of the most stable entry points to homeownership for teachers, nurses, police officers, and first-time buyers who want more than just an address—they want a stake in their block. Then we confront the friction points. Outdated assessment methodologies continue to treat co-ops like rental properties, producing tax burdens that often diverge from actual market value. Mark outlines how predictable, transparent reform could preserve affordability while maintaining municipal revenue stability. The discussion turns to Local Law 97, where climate mandates intersect with uneven technology readiness, financing constraints, and compliance penalties that could translate into five-figure costs for individual shareholders. Mark makes the case for a more calibrated path forward: phased implementation, recognition of prior fuel conversions, targeted funding mechanisms, and alignment with grid modernization to ensure decarbonization remains both ambitious and achievable. Policy is only part of the equation. Strategy determines outcomes. Mark shares a practical blueprint for building a co-op and condo caucus, uniting council districts with significant ownership constituencies, grounding advocacy in data and lived experience, and engaging City Hall through a shared priority—affordability. Along the way, we discuss the differences between Albany and City Hall press dynamics, reflect on Ed Koch’s direct governing style, and explore what it takes to advance complex legislation without losing sight of the people it affects. If you care about property tax equity, assessment reform, compliance costs, and preserving middle-class homeownership in New York City, this conversation offers a substantive road map. If this episode resonates, follow the show, share it with your board or neighbors, and leave a review with your biggest question about co-op taxation or Local Law 97. We will address it in an upcoming episode.

    The Weprin Legacy: Co-ops, Community, and Public Service

  8. Feb 2

    From Fire To Settlement: How Public Adjusters Protect Co-ops And Condos

    Think the building’s master policy will automatically replace your marble kitchen and motorized shades after a fire? In many New York co-ops and condos, that assumption is where trouble starts. We break down how coverage really works and why the decisions made before a loss often determine whether you are back in your home quickly or tied up in disputes for years. In this episode, we sit down with CEO & Co-Founder of United Public Adjusters & Appraisers Philip Maltaghati and walk through the claims process from the very first phone call to the final settlement. Philip explains how he reads insurance policies alongside proprietary leases, bylaws, and offering plans to figure out what the master policy truly covers and what responsibility falls on the unit owner. He also demystifies replacement cost versus actual cash value, explains how co-insurance penalties quietly shrink payouts, and discusses the growing trend of condos shifting interior coverage onto owners. We talk about why first-party claims usually move faster than pursuing a neighbor’s insurer, how late reporting can derail an otherwise valid claim, and why renovations that go far beyond original sponsor finishes often leave owners underinsured. We also spend time on something that matters just as much as strategy: proof. Philip shares how simple tools like phone videos, doorbell cameras, building CCTV, and 3D scans can capture damage that changes over time and across multiple inspections. We discuss doing remediation the right way to prevent mold and secondary damage, and how creating urgency can help move carriers toward faster payments. From elevator pits to roof exhausts, we cover the hidden paths smoke and water take and why thorough documentation can completely change the outcome of a claim. For boards, we talk about independent valuations, ordinance or law coverage for required code upgrades, and how to navigate renewal shocks without putting the building at risk. For owners, we offer a clear checklist for improvements coverage and temporary housing limits that reflect real-world costs. If you manage a building or own a renovated unit, this conversation will help you take a hard look at your coverage, sharpen your claims approach, and avoid expensive surprises when something goes wrong. Subscribe, share this episode with your board or neighbors, and leave a review with one question you wish your policy answered clearly.

    From Fire To Settlement: How Public Adjusters Protect Co-ops And Condos
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About

The Co-op & Condo Insider is your trusted source for expert commentary led by advocates within New York City’s co-op and condo world. Each episode offers insights into the challenges, news, and stories that shape a community making up more than 20% of this great city’s residents.

Information

  • Creator
    EES Content Studio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Co-op and Condo Insider
  • Show Website
    The Co-op and Condo Insider