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.
October 19, 2022 at the HGAR Offices, White Plains, New York
HGAR Management, Financial & Membership Reports
President Anthony Domathoti presented the President’s Report, reminding all Board members of our mission as Realtors and discussed the recent activities at the Fall NYSAR meeting in Saratoga Springs, NY. He touched on various activities, including the legal updates by NYSAR’s General Counsel, the DEI Committee, chaired by Crystal Hawkins-Syska, and the Commercial Division meeting, chaired by T. Teresa Belmore. He recognized the strength and leadership of the association and the appointment of its members to various NAR committees.
CEO Richard Haggerty then presented the CEO’s Report, reporting on the upcoming Global Real Estate Summit, which will take place on Oct. 20, 2022 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, as well as the Annual Member’s Day, which will take place on Oct. 24, 2022 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and Conference Center in Tarrytown.
Treasurer Carmen Bauman presented the Treasurer’s Report as of Oct. 1, 2022, a copy of which was provided to the Directors, and after review the Directors approved a motion to receive the report and file it for audit.
Brian Levine, In-House Legal Counsel, reported on the new HGAR membership applications as of September 2022, and after review the Directors approved the applicants.
CEO Haggerty then reported on the recent developments relating to the OneKey MLS nominating process, advising that proposed modifications, which had been approved in principle by the Board of Directors, had been reduced to writing by legal counsel. Although the Executive Committee is authorized to approve the proposed modifications, CEO Haggerty requested that the Board of Directors also authorize these changes, and after review, the Directors approved the modifications to the OneKey MLS nominating procedures as presented.
President Domathoti, on behalf of Crystal Hawkins-Syska, then reported on the Nominating Committee activities, indicating it is in the process of seeking applications for the HG Realtor Foundation Board of Trustees.
Presidential Advisory Group on Education (PAGE) Chair Ron Garafalo reported on the recent development and finalization of an Education Committee mission statement, which reads as follows:
“The Hudson Gateway School of Real Estate is the first choice for highest-quality, innovative education to inspire life-long learning and elevate professionalism. The Hudson Gateway School of Real Estate empowers Realtors to be their best.” After review and discussion, the Directors approved the Education Committee’s mission statement.
PAGE Chair Garafalo then reported on the recommendation of a new Education Committee structure. The proposed structure calls for an Education Committee consisting of 13 members with a mixture of appointed and open positions and includes representation from the Faculty Committee. After review and discussion, the Directors approved the proposed changes to the Education Committee structure.
Brian Levine, In-House Legal Counsel, presented Ethics Decisions designated as 294-E and 295-E, and after review and discussion the Directors confirmed the Ethics Decisions and recommendations of the Hearing Panels by individual vote.
President Domathoti provided a report on the upcoming Annual Member’s Day and encouraged increased participation and attendance. He also updated the Board on the upcoming County Day events, reviewing each scheduled event and location.
Broker, Owner, Manager Committee Chair Rey Hollingsworth Falu reported on the upcoming Broker, Owner, Manager event on Nov. 17, 2022 at the offices of HGAR, where NYSAR General Counsel, S. Anthony Gatto, Esq., will provide a presentation on real estate teams.
Woman’s Counsel of Realtors Chair Vlora Sejdi reported on the upcoming Deals on Heels event, indicating that it promises to be a great event, with proceeds from the event, including the sale of calendars and auctioned shoes to benefit RPAC.
Global Business Counsel Chair Tony D’Anzica reported that there would be an informal get together prior to the Global Real Estate Summit at Jack Doyle’s on Oct. 19, 2022.
The Board of Directors then entered a closed session relating to the discussion of the CEO Search Committee.
There being no further business before the Board of Directors, the meeting was adjourned.
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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