Happy June, lohud readers. From the uncertain future faced by a local building department, to rent under $800 in New Rochelle, to a mansion with a giant robot's head on the front lawn — your Week in Real Estate is looking just about unbelievable. Read on to learn more.
What's going on at the Mount Vernon Building Department?
Consider this: It's been two years since you sold your home. You've yet to receive a certificate of occupancy from the city of Mount Vernon— due to an open building permit you filed ... 52 years ago. The city's recent request to move things along: architectural drawings from the 1990s.
This is the reality Renaldo Mancini, who once worked in the city's Public Works Department, now faces. It's one of many scenarios bogging down the Mount Vernon Building Department, and the powers that be have taken notice.
Our Tax Watch and government accountability columnist Dave McKay Wilson recently did a deep dive on the department after New York state threatened to take it over if it doesn't remedy serious "deficiencies" that require "prompt corrective action."
Subscribers can check Wilson's story out by clicking here.
Read our coverage:State threatens Mount Vernon with takeover of building code enforcement by mid-August
Affordable housing complex offers luxe living without high rent
When the developers behind The Renaissance at Lincoln Park took on the task of building an affordable housing complex nearly 10 years ago, and in turn revitalizing the neighborhood, they knew they faced an uphill climb. Developers were well aware they'd need to overcome “decades of justifiable mistrust and skepticism” from locals.
Today, The Renaissance could serve as a beacon for many would-be renters grappling with the near-hopeless task of finding a place to live— that fits into their budget. With rents starting at under $800, The Renaissance may very well raise the bar for other developers in the area.
Check out Growth and Development reporter Helu Wang's look at the building, and be sure to check out our photo gallery from photojournalist Mark Vergari, which highlights the sleek interiors of the complex.
Read the story:New Rochelle affordable housing complex offers high-end amenities without pricey rent
Story continues after gallery.
Sustainability a key topic for developers, Realtors
May's Westchester real estate conference made it abundantly clear: developers and agents need to care about sustainability in the Lower Hudson Valley market.
Touching on topics from climate resiliency to renewable energy, expert panels offered their take on what is quickly becoming a big part of the Westchester real estate market's future. Subscribers can check out Helu Wang's coverage of the conference to learn more.
Read the story:Sustainability, clean energy were high priority at Westchester real estate conference
Feels like summer: Muchnick's seasonal bucket list; X-Men inspire Airbnb
Lohud Food writer Jeanne Muchnick is known for her expert takes on local cuisine, restaurants and more. Add "fun" to her list of expertise. If you're looking for just what to do this summer in the Lower Hudson Valley, she's got you covered.
Subscribers can read Muchnick's "summer bucket list" here.
Growth and Development reporter Michael P. McKinney and digital producer Hartriono B. Sastrowardoyo teamed up for the chance to write this comic-lover's dream story: Airbnb is advertising exclusive stays in an X-Men 97-themed mansion in Westchester. While booking is officially closed, a nerd can dream, right?
The famed Marvel superhero franchise's ties to Westchester go back even farther than a mansion mysteriously listed as being in New Castle (according to town staffers, its not). The comic's storyline touts familiar backdrops like Scarsdale and Salem Center (a play on North Salem, most likely). The fact that Xavier's Institute for Higher Learning is located in Westchester County is officially X-Men canon.
And while it's listed as off the market, Avail has a similar mansion in North Salem on their website for $3,500 a month rent (with an $8,000 security deposit). It's pet friendly, has laundry in the building, and a private jet (with superhero roommates). But you'll be charged $20 for parking (of course). The listing says "contact Charles Xavier" to learn more.
Check out the story on the Airbnb "Icon" here, and don't miss our photo gallery which offers a glimpse into the stylized "war room", X-Men dorms and more.
Contact the Growth and Development team
Make sure you check out last Friday's edition of This Week in Real Estate to get caught up on a record-breaking sale in Bedford, a FEMA grant to help Elmsford homeowners avoid further flood damage, and more.
- Have a question for a Realtor? Email Growth and Development reporterHelu Wang(hwang@lohud.com).
- Have a tip on a unique listing? Reach out to Growth and Development reporterMichael P. McKinney(mmckinney@lohud.com).
- Ashley Fontonesis the Emerging Audiences Editor at The Journal News and lohud.com. Got an idea for a poll or a story? Email her at afontones@lohud.com.
