| Dear HGAR Members: Here are today’s Daily Updates – May 8, 2020: NEW YORK STATE NEWS Cuomo Says, ‘We Have the Beast on the Run.’Bolstered by continued statewide data that shows a decline in overall hospitalizations, intubations, new cases and deaths, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters today at his daily COVID-19 briefing that the state is now in control of its own destiny in dealing with the Coronavirus. He said that for the first time he believes the state is ahead of the virus. “We have the beast on the run,” Cuomo said. However, the governor seemed to confirm what many observers have believed, that the re-opening of the downstate economy will not begin once his “New York on Pause” COVID-19 restrictions expire on May 15. The governor told reporters that it is very likely that he will begin his multi-phased re-opening plan in areas upstate with the construction and manufacturing industries after May 15 and said that the current downstate data does not support the lifting of any restrictions here. A total of 216 people died from COVID-19 in New York State on Thursday, May 7, down from 232 fatalities a day earlier. See Bloomberg News story. New York State Seeking $60B in Next Fed. Coronavirus Aid PackageNew York officials said on Thursday that the state requires at least an additional $60 billion in direct federal funding along with millions of dollars more from Medicaid and FEMA formula changes in the next Coronavirus aid package. The state’s request, which is part of the National Governors Association’s bid for $500 billion for all states and territories, would be spread over three fiscal years and could be used for revenue shortfalls, according to the association. See Newsday story. Senators Propose Bill to Help Local GovernmentsU.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado, and U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin announced new legislation, the “Direct Support for Communities Act,” which provides local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs from the COVID-19 emergency. The local assistance would complement critical relief that states also require in this crisis, which the representatives are simultaneously aggressively pursuing. The unspecified funding under the Direct Support for Communities Act would be a critical part of a larger state and local relief package to be considered by Congress. “Under our proposal, counties, cities, towns, and villages of all sizes could count on direct, guaranteed financial relief, instead of having to layoff vital workers, cut important services, or raise taxes and fees at absolutely the worst time,” Sen. Schumer said. “Local governments deserve nothing less than our strongest federal support, and I am doing everything I can to get significant and flexible federal aid to our states and local governments included in the next legislative package Congress considers.” See announcement at schumer.senate.gov. NATIONAL NEWS How are Offices Preparing for the Return of Workers?Offices are preparing their spaces for a post-pandemic world. Companies are bringing in thermal cameras, HVAC systems that can fight bad germs, contactless coffee machines, and more as employees prepare to return to company offices in some areas of the country. “What’s important about the COVID world is that people still feel comfortable and it feels warm and inviting when they enter the building, especially after being on the trains and buses and walking in their masks,” Craig Deitelzweig, CEO of Marx Realty, told The Real Deal. “Everyone wants a hospitality feel but now they will work together, six feet apart.” See Realtor Magazine story. Suburban Office Markets Could Get Stronger Post PandemicMoody’s Analytics in a recently released report indicates that suburban office properties may make some gains over their rival central business district spaces post Coronavirus. The analysis says businesses may be prompted to consider factors expected to affect ensuing demand on office space, particularly with concerns over COVID-19 and communication systems that allow employees to work from home, according to a report at Globest.com “For many years, suburban office space fell out of favor because of the resurgence of U.S. cities,” said Ryan Severino, chief economist at Jones Lang LaSalle. “Is this COVID-19 crisis going to spur renewed interest in suburban markets, as households and employers move out of cities? Time will tell.” See story at GlobeSt.com. See full report at Moodys.com . NAR NEWS |
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| VIRTUAL REALTORS® LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS WEEK of MAY 11-15thDon’t miss this great opportunity to attend these Live Streamed Events. Click Here for Live Streamed Events Schedule.Full Details on all meetings and to Pre-Register go to https://www.legislative.realtor/. NYSAR UPDATES Go to the NYSAR FAQ’s which were updated on May 7th with regards to:How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact Fair Housing? Can I ask a client/customer/consumer if they have been exposed to COVID-19?Can I go to a property where nobody is present (meaning if individuals reside there, everyone has left the property) to view it or take photographs for a listing? (updated 5/7/20) Please continue to check for updates on HGAR.com COVID-19 Resources. Stay safe and stay well. Sincerely, Richard Haggerty, HGAR CEO |