Building Knowledge

The Building & Realty Institute
  • 5.0 (1)
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Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 130: Windows & Doors: What Building Owners & Managers Need to Know Before Winter

    Episode 130 of “Building Knowledge” focuses on what building owners, property managers, and homeowners need to know about evaluating, maintaining, repairing, and replacing windows and doors as the region transitions from summer into the colder months. Our guest is Dan Hughes, Sales Manager at JILCO Window Corp. in Granite Springs, a hamlet of Somers in Westchester County, New York. This episode marks Dan’s first appearance on “Building Knowledge.” During the episode, Dan discusses: When building owners, managers, and homeowners should begin evaluating the condition of their windows in preparation for colder weather.What JILCO Window Corp. looks for when evaluating windows.The window conditions that are of greatest concern following the summer season.Typical timelines for window repairs and installations.Energy conservation and the window products currently helping property owners achieve greater energy efficiency.What to look for when evaluating doors after the summer months and before the arrival of fall and winter weather.Typical timelines for door replacements and installations.Current pricing trends for building materials and supplies.Dan’s perspective on current construction and renovation activity throughout the Hudson Valley.How members of the business community are feeling about the current business climate in the New York metropolitan area and their outlook for the remainder of 2026.Tune in for a practical conversation about windows, doors, energy efficiency, construction costs, and the broader business climate facing the Hudson Valley.

    Episode 130: Windows & Doors: What Building Owners & Managers Need to Know Before Winter

  2. Aug 4

    Episode 129: Manhattanville University's Sports Field Expansion: Will It Spark a Building Boom?

    Episode 129 of Building Knowledge examines the Sports Field Expansion at Manhattanville University in Purchase, New York, and what it could mean for future athletic facility projects, higher education, and the Hudson Valley building industry. Our guest is Frank Sanchez, President of Manhattanville University and a newly appointed member of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. He discusses the university's investment in a state-of-the-art, multi-use athletic complex, the project's funding, and how it will enhance opportunities for student-athletes. President Sanchez also shares his perspective on regional economic development, the current business climate in the Hudson Valley, and New York's ongoing affordable and workforce housing shortage. Topics discussed include: The Sports Field Expansion project and its vision.Features of the new multi-use athletic facility.How the project is being funded.Whether similar projects could inspire athletic facility upgrades at colleges and high schools throughout the region.The mission of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and its role in supporting economic growth.The outlook for Hudson Valley businesses.The need for more affordable and workforce housing in New York.This marks President Sanchez's first appearance on Building Knowledge.

    Episode 129: Manhattanville University's Sports Field Expansion: Will It Spark a Building Boom?

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 128: What's Happening in the Hudson Valley Real Estate Market?

    Episode 128 of Building Knowledge explores what's happening in the Hudson Valley's real estate markets with special guest Vlora Sejdi, Immediate Past President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) and a respected Realtor with deep expertise in the region. Vlora joins the podcast to break down the latest housing market trends, including recent data from OneKey MLS covering Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and the Bronx. She shares insights into today's homebuyers, discusses the challenges shaping the market for the rest of 2026, and offers her outlook for what's ahead in 2027. The conversation also examines New York's ongoing affordable and workforce housing shortage, whether policymakers are making progress in addressing it, and the reasons Vlora remains optimistic about the future of the Hudson Valley real estate market.

    Episode 128: What's Happening in the Hudson Valley Real Estate Market?

  4. Jul 21

    Episode 127: What the New SEQRA Reforms Mean for New York's Future

    New York has enacted the most significant reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in nearly 50 years—but what do these changes actually mean for housing, infrastructure, and the future of development across the state? On Episode 127 of Building Knowledge, host Jeff Hanley is joined by Joshua Berman, Campaigns Director for the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and a leader with the Unlock New York's Future coalition, to break down the sweeping SEQRA reforms signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her "Let Them Build" agenda. Together, they discuss why the previous SEQRA process often delayed housing, clean energy, transit, and infrastructure projects, and how the new reforms aim to streamline environmental reviews, reduce unnecessary red tape, lower construction costs, and accelerate the development of much-needed housing. The conversation also explores: How the reforms could reshape housing development across New York.What Unit Caps are and why they matter.How communities could benefit from faster infrastructure projects.An overview of the Welcome Home Westchester Coalition's August 5 webinar on the new law.Whether additional SEQRA reforms may still be needed in the future.If you're interested in housing policy, land use, economic development, or the future of building in New York, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the state's biggest policy changes in decades.

    Episode 127: What the New SEQRA Reforms Mean for New York's Future

  5. Jul 10

    Episode 126: Building More Housing: Westchester County's Programs & Incentives

    Westchester County needs more housing—but what resources are available to help make it happen? In Episode 126 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Blanca Lopez, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, for a conversation about the county's housing initiatives, funding opportunities, and programs that support new development, rehabilitation, and preservation. Commissioner Lopez explains how the Department of Planning is working to address Westchester's housing shortage and highlights the incentives available to developers, contractors, property owners, and municipalities. She also shares her perspective on how local and state leaders are responding to the region's growing housing challenges. In this episode, you'll learn about: The role of the Westchester County Department of PlanningCurrent housing needs and efforts to expand the housing supplyAffordable housing funding opportunities and the Affordable Housing Investment FundThe Affordable Housing Rehabilitation and Preservation InitiativeLead Safe Westchester's grant program for lead hazard reduction in pre-1978 homesThe Community Development Block Grant ProgramThe future of housing policy and development in Westchester CountyWhether you're involved in development, construction, real estate, property management, or simply interested in the future of housing in Westchester, this episode offers valuable insights into the programs and partnerships helping shape the county's communities.

    Episode 126: Building More Housing: Westchester County's Programs & Incentives

  6. Jun 30

    Episode 125: Welcome Home Westchester: A 2026 Housing Update

    In Episode 125 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, to discuss the coalition's ongoing efforts to address Westchester County's housing shortage. Sarah explains the coalition's mission, membership, and the local policy options that cities, towns, and villages can adopt to expand housing opportunities. She also shares an update on the municipalities already taking action, outlines Welcome Home Westchester's revised 2026 campaign, and discusses how recent reforms to New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) support the coalition's goals. The conversation concludes with Sarah's message to local and state lawmakers on the urgent need to tackle the housing crisis facing Westchester County and New York State. Whether you're interested in housing policy, community planning, or the future of housing in the Hudson Valley, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the region's most pressing challenges.

    Episode 125: Welcome Home Westchester: A 2026 Housing Update

  7. Jun 23

    Episode 124: Summer Is Here – Is Your Building Secure?

    Episode 124 of Building Knowledge explores security considerations for building owners, property managers, homeowners, and consumers as summer gets underway. Guest Thad McKeown, Director of Sales for Integrated Protection Services in Darien, Connecticut, returns to the podcast to discuss seasonal security challenges and best practices. Topics include summer security planning for residential and commercial properties, the importance of after-hours lighting, emerging security products for multifamily communities, and considerations for office, retail, industrial, and warehouse facilities. Thad also discusses the connection between environmental damage and property security, shares general security recommendations for owners, managers, and residents, and offers his perspective on the current business climate throughout the New York metropolitan area.

    Episode 124: Summer Is Here – Is Your Building Secure?

  8. Jun 16

    Episode 123: The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers

    “The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers” is the topic of Episode 123 of Building Knowledge. Our guests are Scott Scarpato Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Automatic Laundry, and Matthew Mariella, Regional Sales Manager for Westchester and Fairfield Counties. This marks the first appearance on Building Knowledgefor both guests. During the episode, Scott and Matthew discuss how mobile app technology is changing the laundry experience for residents of multifamily buildings and users of commercial facilities. They also provide an overview of Automatic Laundry’s Laundry Connect Services and Laundry Card Technology, and explain how these innovations can improve convenience, efficiency, and revenue accountability for building owners and managers. Additional topics include the benefits of Automatic Laundry’s free site surveys, how they compare to services offered by other providers, when property owners should consider upgrading their laundry rooms and equipment, and the biggest challenges currently facing the laundry industry. This version is concise, professional, and in line with the style typically used for podcast episode descriptions.

    Episode 123: The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers
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About

Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

Information

  • Creator
    The Building & Realty Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024, The Building & Realty Institute, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Building Knowledge