Did Hurricane Irene invalidate your NYS Property Condition Disclosure Statement?



New York residential real estate sellers, agents, brokers, and attorneys may need to follow-up with their clients due to Hurricane Irene.  She may have invalidated your NYS Property Condition Disclosure Statement, which could affect your property resales/sales.



Waterfront property or
flooded driveway?



The NYS Property Condition Disclosure Act requires the seller of residential real property to present a signed statement of known conditions and information concerning the property to the seller. Your building inspectors may have inspected a dry site, not after a hurricane.

Specifically, line items: 10, 11, 20, 28, 30 thru 47 with respect to flooding, damages, and other conditions. Failure to disclose updated conditions could affect your sales. Please consult counsel as needed.

Hudson River Architecture, PLLC performs residential property condition inspections and updates in the Hudson River area.

Irene - The Aftermath: What to do.

Hudson River Architecture, PLLC just called to a neighbors house to consult about a flooded basement.

We called the Peekskill Police Dept landline [914-737-8000], not 911! to inquire if the Peekskill Fire Dept [914-788-1832], pump basements; they do.  A PFD engineer arrived in minutes to determine the extent of flooding

They have a backlog of calls with some people with 8 feet of water in their basements.

Call your insurance company with policy number and take photos with a high water line. Insurance company will call adjuster to make a site visit. 

My client's water heater and boiler were underwater.  The water heater will probably need to be replaced.  The boiler's electric controls and maybe the burner will need to be replaced.  The water heater should be installed abover the high water mark next time.

Do what is necessary to protect your life and property, just don't endanger yourself doing it.

Notice of Formation of: HUDSON RIVER ARCHITECTURE, PLLC

Notice of formation of: HUDSON RIVER ARCHITECTURE, PLLC; Articles of organization filed with the  Secretary of State of N.Y (SSNY) on August 3, 2011; office location: Westchester County, NY; SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served; SSNY shall mail process to the PLLC, 817 Central Avenue Suite 1, Peekskill, New York 10566. Purpose: professional practice of architecture.

R.I.P. Melbourne Farmhouse: Circa 1812 to August 19, 2011



Melbourne Farmhouse
Yorktown Central School District Administration Building

The hotly debated and controversial demolition of the Melbourne Farmhouse is now a reality as workers have already begun tearing down the building.

"We understand that there is emotional attachment to this building, but it has sentimental not historical significance," Yorktown school board President Jackie Carbone said in a letter addressed to Supervisor Susan Siegel and released to the media. "We respect that and have tried to honor the sentimental significance and ensure that the building will be remembered."

The school board has asked Thomas Leigh, an architect for Hudson River Architecture, to go through the building and identify decorative period pieces in the building that could be salvaged, she said. Those items include a handrail, two fireplace fronts, two front entry doors with frames and the frame and door to the attic.

The metal-roofed rear porch folded in on itself. 

We have had these items abated, removed from the building and crated," Carbone said.

As a result, the school board will donate these items to the town of Yorktown for their museum.

"The reality is that the building is in very poor condition, with sagging floors, severely cracked plaster walls indicative of building settling, as well as dry-rot," Carbone said. "The entire building is racked to one side, off its foundation."

http://yorktown.patch.com/articles/melbourne-farmhouse-is-being-demolished#photo-7426183

Adaptive Re-Use in Question

YORKTOWN - A difference of opinion over the future of the Melbourne Farmhouse on the Yorktown High School campus was evident during a meeting Friday, March 18 between district officials and community residents looking to save the historic building.


Superintendent of Schools Ralph Napolitano, Assistant Superintendent of Business Tom Cole, school board President Jackie Carbone, district architect Armand Quadrini, Town Clerk Alice Roker and Peekskill architect Thomas Leigh met with Alan Strauber, Monica Doherty and former Yorktown Supervisor Don Peters, all members of the Melbourne Farmhouse Preservation Committee.


Continue reading, click here.

Project Signage Gets Noticed

Thomas M. Leigh, Architect recently installed project identification signage on a 2-family house renovation located at 219 North Broadway in Peeksill, New York. Please click on the picture to enlarge the sign.

Just like real estate sales signs, construction project signage can help generate leads from neighbors and potential driveby customers.

Install one of our signs on your next project. We do make house calls.

10 Questions to Ask Before Construction Starts

1. Do you have a design image that needs to be finalized?
2. Do you have a piece of property or an existing building?
3. Do you know how much will your project cost?
4. Do you have plans ready so your project can proceed?
5. Do you know how to select a contractor?
6. Do you know what permits and insurance are required?
7. How do you legalize your requested alternations?
8. Where will you live, if necessary, during construction?
9. Will you, or someone else, be supervising the construction?
10. Why do you need an architect?

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mandated in NY State

Amanda's Law takes effect tomorrow, February 22, 2010 in New York State.

Amanda's Law, passed in 2009 by the NYS legislature requires homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

Under the law, 1-family, 2-family, dwellings in condominiums or co-operatives, and multiple dwellings must have a carbon monoxide detector installed regardless of the date of construction or sale.

The law was named after Amanda Hansen, a teenager whose life was tragically ended by a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler while sleeping at a friend's house in Januray 2009.

The new law requires that a carbon monoxide (CO) detector meeting New York State standards, and that it be installedin an operable condition in dwellings where there are appliances or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or have an attached garage.

Prior to Amanda's Law, carbon monoxide detectors were reuired in 1-family, 2-family, and dwellings in condominiums or co-operatives only if they were constructed or offered for sale after August 9, 2005.

As a result of Amanda's Law, a carbon monoxide detector will be found in nearly all residential structures in the state. This creates a safer living environment for New York residents and creates greater awareness to home safety issues that are intensified by seasonal heating issues prevalent in the Northeast.

-----

TML - Courtesy of a press release issued by the Fireman's Association of the State of New York, mailed to the author, the president of the Peekskill Art Lofts cooperative residence by the Westchester County Planning Department.

I predict a shortage of detectors as owners and residential managers find out about this law. There are hardwired and plug-in battery backup models available. The affordable plug-in models cost about $20 to $30 each, with higher priced units up to $150.

Start Planning for Spring Construction

Thomas Leigh, AIA is exploring the construction of a house built in the 1800's using balloon framing, mortise & tendon and pegs to bring it into the 2010's.

Remodeling adds less to home resale values than it used to - Dec. 18, 2009

Remodeling adds less to home resale values than it used to - Dec. 18, 2009

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City of Peekskill Brushes Up Definition of Artist

Peekskill may widen eligibility criteria for artists’ housing.

WITH Westchester County’s real estate market a challenge these days, Peekskill is doing its part by rethinking the criteria for eligibility for its artists’ housing.

The city’s live-work rentals were developed over the last two decades in the downtown historic district. Peekskill created an artists’ zone in this eight-block area by allowing the conversion of empty space over storefronts as part of a revitalization project. In all, 49 rental units have been built on the upper floors of commercial buildings, along with 28 units in a co-op built with city, county and state funds.

Peekskill Art Lofts, a 28-unit work/live residential

co-operative for Peekskill certified artists.

By ELSA BRENNER
Published: December 4, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/realestate/06wczo.html?_r=1

NYS Historic Preservation Tax Credit Bill Signed

July 29, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT

Program Will Create Jobs and Draw Private Investment to New York’s Historic Main Streets Enhancements Will Make Tax Credits More Effective in Preserving Historic Structures

Governor David A. Paterson signed legislation to strengthen the New York State Historic Preservation Tax Credit, improving a program that will stimulate investment in urban neighborhoods, create jobs, increase property values and revitalize historic areas.

The Governor held a ceremonial bill signing at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society and was joined by members of the Senate, Assembly and community.

The rehabilitation tax credit program provides incentives to developers, municipalities, businesses and residents to make investments in distressed areas by rehabilitating historic properties that are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

“New York has a wealth of historic properties, particularly in our small cities, that are falling into disrepair or are underutilized. The enhanced Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit will breathe new life into the State’s historic downtown areas while creating jobs and revitalizing the economy,” said Governor Paterson. “

As we move forward toward the New Economy, it is critical that we continue to use our State resources to leverage private investment dollars to take our distressed historic areas and return them to vibrant centers of commerce and culture.”

Historic preservation efforts play an important role in smart growth community renewal. Preservation efforts have proven to create jobs, attract small business, increase property values and promote affordable housing. In addition, historic preservation works to enhance the quality of life in historic urban neighborhoods by maintaining the distinctive culture and character of the area.

The enhancements signed by Governor Paterson will provide the following tax incentives for qualified historic properties:

Gradually increase over five years the cap on the commercial credit value from $100,000 to $5 million and the residential credit value from $25,000 to $50,000;

Target the credit in “distressed” areas -- those located within a Census tract identified at or below one hundred percent of the median family income;

Increase the share of qualified rehabilitation costs that commercial property owners can claim for the credit from 6 percent to 20 percent; and

Offer the Preservation Tax Credit as a rebate for lower income homeowners to provide them with a stronger financial incentive with relatively smaller tax liability.

The program will apply to taxable years beginning January 1, 2010, and will sunset in five years on December 31, 2014.

http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_0729092.html

Construction Site Weather Forecasting

Construction Site Weather Forecasting

Flag Still = Calm
Flag Moving = Light Wind
Flag Blowing in Breeze = Heavy Wind
Flag Wet = Light Rain
Flag Dripping = Heavy Rain
Flag Dry = Sunny
Flag White = Snow
Flag Still & Cold = Icy
Flag Invisible = Fog
Flag Gone = Hurricane

Considering an Addition, Renovation, Alteration

Send me your pictures, sketches, floor plans of the location

your considering renovating, adding on to, or alterating for

a free quote and/or critique

Wanted: Home Renovation Salvage

Do You Have These Items To Sell?


Hudson Valley HistoricsCustomers Want To Buy Them! http://www.hudsonvalleyhistorics.com/

During the past few weeks, our customers have requested quite a few items -- so many, in fact that we decided to list them and see if any of *you* have these items and are interested in selling them:

Newel Post:43" post for a renovation in Brooklyn. Antique in dark wood if possible.Cast Iron

Enamel Sink:Double Sink Requested, but will look at anything. Needs to fit into a 36" base cabinet.

Porch Post:Antique turned wood, 6" in diameter, 90"-96" tall for a renovation in Long Island.

Sliders. French Doors or Oversized Windows:Addition being planned for a house in New Jersey. Rear wall will be mostly glass, and hopefully will have a slider of french door (or two) as a centerpiece.

Kitchen Cabinets:New/Unused kitchen cabinets, white preferred, but will consider wood.

Feel free to forward this post to any friends, homeowners, contractors, builders or architects you know. Perhaps you can help them sell something that they've been holding on to waiting for the right person to use it. If you have something to sell, let us know, and if you have specific product needs, send us an email!

As always, we'll handle all the negotiations, payment, pick-up and delivery of any of the items we sell for you.Thanks in advance for reading this email and to helping us repurpose building materials.

Cheers,
Matt Kovner
Hudson Valley Historics
matt@hudsonvalleyhistorics.com
845-389-7900
www.hudsonvalleyhistorics.com

AGC: Construction unemployment reaches 19.2%

Building Design and Construction
June 5, 2009

Unemployment in the construction sector climbed to a “horrendous” 19.2 percent (not-seasonally adjusted) as an additional 59,000 construction workers lost their jobs in May according to new federal data, said construction economist Ken Simonson today.


Simonson, who discussed the significance of the new jobs data during a media conference call with contractors from across the country, said that construction employment has declined by 990,000 jobs, or 14 percent, in the past year while overall nonfarm employment has declined by 4 percent.


“Construction continues to bear a disproportionate share of the pain from the recession,” Simonson, the chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, said. “Simply put, the unemployment rate for construction in May was horrendous.”


Simonson said that the construction employment figures would likely have been worse if not for the stimulus. “The stimulus is doing its job putting men and women back to work,” and, “It is boosting opportunity and generating economic activity in an increasingly broad geographic area.”

Read Simonson's remarks at: http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/May%20Jobs%20Remarks.pdf.

Turn Your Next BIG IDEA Into Reality

Peekskill 12th Annual Open Studios

Peekskill 12th Annual Open Studios

Sat & Sun, June 6 & 7, Noon - 5pm

100+ artists 12+ exhibiton 25+ artists' studios
Art all around the town!

OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND EVENTS

Free Guided Tours from the Gazebo at 1 pm and 3 pm both days or pick up the map and walk on your own.

George Dubinsky, Eclectic ImagesThe Field Library
Drawn Group show of PAC membersStandard House thru July 26
Off the Beaten Track--Peekskill artists Westchester Community College
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Free admission during Open Studios
Openings and Artist's Receptions
Peekskill Youth Bureau Paint-In at the Field Library during Open Studios
Free Shuttle Bus-to the Standard House, the Hat Factory, HVCCA and the Gazebo
Free parking through out downtown

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS (updated) Scarlett Antonia, Joanna Astor, Andrew Barthelmes, Bob Barthelmes, Brian Beaton, Deborah Beck, Curt Belshe, Kelli Bickman, Leela Bora, Lisa Breznak, Jo-Ann Brody, Chris Burke, Ed Burke, Larry D'Amico, Jeanne Demotses, Dana DeVito, Inge Dube, Jessica Dubin, George Dubinsky, Marcy B. Freedman, Wendie Garber, Laura Gillen, Howard Goodman, Nadine Gordon Taylor, Elana Goren, Lorraine Gregus, Sarah Haviland, Anne Johann, Carla Rae Johnson, Barbara Jones, Kevin Kall, Adele Kamp, Cheolhwan Kim, Thomas Kuehl, Leslie Lew, Brook Maher, Stephen Mancusi, Bill Maxwell, Sherry Mayo, Wilfredo Morel, Roshi Newman, Joanne Oechsner, Bohdan Osyczka, Gene Panczenko, Berenice Pliskin, Bob Pliskin, Lisa Prown, Leah Quinn, Sheilah Rechtschaffer, Derek Reist, Susan Roecker, Marilyn R. Rosenberg, Donna Rossi, Calvert Schlick, Ilse Schreiber Noll, Phyllis Senghaas, Barbara Smith, Joe Squillante, Peg Taylor, Sone Tower, Leigh Trifari, Keren Valentin, Patty Villanova, Anthony Volpe, Carol Wax, Lavinia Wiggins, Linda Winters, Maureen Winzig, Yardena Donig Youner, Judy Zabar & others

For further information call
Larry D'Amico at 734-1292
Jo-Ann Brody at 737-1646
Peekskill Arts Council
P O Box 2268
Peekskill, New York 10566
http://www.peekskillartscouncil.org/

For further information
Click this link to our web site

Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Paramount Center for the Arts, Steel Imaginations, The Gallery at Westchester Community College, The Field Library Gallery, The Standard House, The Art Lot, The Garden Gallery at the Hudson River Health Care Center, The Bean Runner Cafe, Flat Iron Gallery, Driftwood Gallery, Peekskill Coffee House Open Studios is sponsored by the Peekskill Arts Council, Arts Westchester, the City of Peekskill & local businesses.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

At the Gazebo Park & Division Sts.
Lauren Michelle & Paolo demonstrate Swing Dance
Saturday 2-3:30 Jazz singer Papahawk Goldberg
Sunday 3-5pm Jazz duo: Bert Rechtschaffer & Frank Paul Pierangelo

Builders say demand for front porches rising

By Mary Beth Breckenridge mcclatchy-tribune

A front porch is more than a shelter from the elements. It's a friendly face on a home, a comfortable bridge between our private lives and our public selves. And almost by its very presence, it conveys neighborliness.

That's a big part of the reason housing experts believe the front porch is regaining its importance in home construction.

Increasing demand for front porches in new homes was projected by most of the 60 builders, architects, designers and other specialists who were surveyed for the National Association of Home Builders' Home of the Future study in 2007.

Among the panelists, 70 percent predicted front porches would become popular in new homes of about 2,400 square feet, while 79 percent expected it to be a desired feature in upscale homes of 3,000 feet or more. The experts aren't talking about porches intended primarily for decoration, noted Steve Melman, the association's director of economic services.

"This is something where you could actually sit out," a covered space big enough to accommodate a swing or a table and chairs. Melman thinks the movement has several roots.

Front porches fit with the trend toward traditional home design, and they meet homeowners' desire for a more casual lifestyle, he said.

What's more, Melman said, porches feed people's desire to belong. A front porch is an icon of the American neighborhood, and its presence helps create a sense of community almost instantly".

For more go to ......
http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/articleXml/LN981759458.html?nid=2469&rid=10833251

Thomas M. Leigh, Architect is currently designing a front porch addition for a 1970's home in Cortlandt Manor, NY; a Hudson River Town.

Definition: Architecture and Architects

ARCHITECTURE

“The practice of the profession of architecture is defined as rendering or offering to render services which require the application of the art, science, and aesthetics of design and construction of buildings, groups of buildings, including their components and appurtenances and the spaces around them wherein the safeguarding of life, health, property, and public welfare is concerned. Such services include, but are not limited to consultation, evaluation, planning, the provision of preliminary studies, designs, construction documents, construction management, and the administration of construction contracts.”

NYS Education Law, Article 147, Architecture § 7301

Practice of architecture and use of title "architect".

Only a person licensed or otherwise authorized to practice under this article shall practice architecture or use the title "architect".

NYS Education Law, Article 147, Architecture § 7302

http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eop%2Enysed%2Egov%2Farticle147%2Ehtm%23pract&urlhash=5OYM&_t=disc_detail_link