Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
Boardroom Report
Boards of Directors
Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc.
April 13, 2022, at the HGAR Offices, White Plains, New York
HGAR Management, Financial & Membership Reports
President Anthony Domathoti presented the President’s Report, providing a recap of HGAR’s recent attendance at MIPIM and the importance of building and developing the association’s international presence. President Domathoti encouraged renewed involvement in fair housing, referenced the fair housing tool kit and noted that Bryan Greene from NAR, would be speaking about fair housing as a part of an HGAR panel in the coming days.
CEO Richard Haggerty presented the CEO’s Report, recommending to the Board of Directors that the protocols for COVID testing and/or proof of vaccination be lifted for all HGAR activities and offices. CEO Haggerty requested the Directors to object if not in favor of lifting the protocols. No objection was registered.
CEO Haggerty then reported that two new staff members have been hired: Michael Neppl, Government Affairs Director, and Victoria Melbourne, Director of Member Engagement. Other recent hires include Derbie Pierre-Louis and Valerie Williams, who recently joined the Member Success Team. Additionally, HGAR is actively seeking a Director of Events. CEO Haggerty reported on ongoing discussions with LIBOR relating to OneKey MLS nominating procedures.
Treasurer Carmen Bauman presented the Treasurer’s Reports as of March 1st and April 1st, 2022, a copy of which was provided to the Directors, and after discussion the report was approved for filing.
CEO Haggerty then reported on, for informational purposes only, HGAR’s Dues Receipts Report. As a part of that discussion, it was requested that the term “local” be changed to “primary.”
Nominating Committee Chair and Immediate Past-President Crystal Hawkins-Syska reported that, after discussion, the Nominating Committee is recommending Vlora Sejdi as the replacement Westchester Regional Director, and after discussion the recommendation was approved.
In-House Legal Counsel Brian Levine presented the most recent Professional Standards Report on behalf of Professional Standards Committee Chair, Layla Boyles, and a discussion was held regarding the potential of developing an HGAR Professional Standards Citation Policy. A recommendation was made to review the NAR Citation Policy by a PAG, as developed by the Professional Standards Chair, and approved by President Domathoti.
CEO Haggerty reported on the upcoming Lobby Day relating to activities, transportation, and related events, noting that the Legislative Steering Committee will be meeting to discuss details and priorities.
CEO Haggerty then provided an update relating to recently state-enacted regulations relating to “Standardized Operating Procedures” compliance and recent articles which were added to the Broker tool kit.
The following Committee and PAG reports were then provided: Commercial and Investment Division, by Mackenzie Forsberg, Global Business Counsel, by Co-Chair, Tony D’Anzica, HG Realtor Foundation, by Gail Fattizzi, Leadership Accelerator Program, by Gail Fattizzi, Education Committee, by Vice-Chair, Brian Phillips, PAG on Education (PAGE), by Chair, Ron Garafalo, Fair Housing Committee, by Chair, Barry Kramer, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Freddimir Garcia, Office Space Assessment PAG, by President Domathoti, Broker Owner Manager Committee, by Chair, Rey Hollingsworth Falu, Communication and Website PAG, by CEO Haggerty, Annual Member’s Day Committee, by Director of Communications, Mary Prenon, RPAC Committee, by Chair, Ron Garafalo, Faculty Committee, by Director of Professional Development, Michael Malone
The presence of visitor Bill Flagg, President of the North Central Jersey Association, was acknowledged at the meeting. Thereafter, CEO Haggerty and President Domathoti discussed opposition to the Good Cause Eviction Legislation and the recent “ Call to Action.”
Thereafter, President Domathoti made closing remarks and indicated that the next Board of Directors meeting would be held in person at the HGAR office in White Plains on May 18, 2022, at 10:00 am.
These systematic barriers hindered the accumulation of wealth for African Americans for decades; this hindrance deprived many black families of the opportunity to pass down property and assets to future generations, thereby perpetuating economic disparities.
The program offered the latest home sales data and trends for Rockland County, updates on the NAR Commission settlement, and perspectives on topical business and political issues.
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