President's Report

I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you to those that attended our first in person event for our Chapter Tour of Seneca One in Buffalo. It was great to see familiar faces, and to have the opportunity to catch up with each other. I was reminded of the countless number of people in our industry that I have been able to meet solely because of my affiliation with NAIOP, both locally and at the national level. I’ve gotten to know so many other developers and owners, and we have had the opportunity to learn from one another based on our experiences in this industry. I have also had the opportunity to meet others in the business; attorneys, architects, engineers, and bankers, that have resulted in strong business relationships. I urge you to take advantage of the strong networking opportunities that NAIOP provides by becoming a member. It has certainly played a large roll in my career and has been very impactful to our company. During this time where we have tried to continue to provide unity, advocacy and education in our industry, we urge you to stay active and engaged in the chapter through chapter membership and sponsorship.

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Advocacy News

The Big Day Approaches ... Remember To Do Your Part As Leaders

With November 3 fast approaching, NAIOP Upstate NY would like to encourage its leadership to demonstrate positive messaging and responsible practices. 

• With long lines anticipated, consider providing additional time to staff for voting.
• Recognize that as leaders in our industry, your voice can be powerful to counter insightful messages found online. Demonstrate productive and positive ways to support candidates, messages and the democratice process.

Scaffold Law Reform Proposed

Congressman Chris Jacob's has introduced the "Infrastructure Expansion Act" (H.R. 8222). The Infrastructure Expansion Act that Rep. Jacobs has introduced imposes a comparative negligence liability standard, pre-empting the Scaffold Law on those projects receiving federal funding. NAIOP Upstate NY is familiarizing itself with the full contents of this legislation and invites members to provide your thoughts on the matter to Advocacy Chair Dan Leonard at [email protected]

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NAIOP Corporate Connection

NAIOP will hold Officecast on Monday, November 9 – Tuesday, November 10.  The world is re-examining how we go to work, and the implications for the office sector can’t be overstated. Prepare for the paradigm shift at Officecast 2020. Hear from leaders in the space about how to adapt to the radical shifts in work habits and tenant demands; the powerful, practical technologies critical for a healthy workplace; the state of capital markets; potential untapped submarket stars and more.

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ROUND UP

Seneca One Tour Well-Received!

A small, socially distanced group gathered for a recent tour hosted by Ciminelli Real Estate and Douglas Development last week. The tour of Seneca One included its food hall, residential units, office space and common areas. The event sold out, indicating there is a need for small in-person events in the future. If you have an interest in hosting a project tour, please contact Amy Nagy at [email protected]. 

Race for Place Takes Off ...

Buffalo’s Race for Place is an exciting new initiative launched by City of Buffalo. Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, which is intended to help advance the Western New York region by providing support for innovative and inclusive talent attraction efforts; sparking dynamic public and private sector approaches to infrastructure and public realm improvements; access and mobility enhancements and integration of Smart Cities technology for a downtown core that is competitively positioned to attract further investment and talent. For updates on this initiative go to www.raceforplacebuffalo.com. As part of the Race For Place initiative, Douglas Development Corporation agreed to forego the possibility of substantial tax benefits for the company’s Seneca One Douglas Development project in order to advance vital infrastructure improvements. The City of Buffalo will also match this significant investment in a public-private partnership, creating a nearly $40 million “Accelerator Fund,” which will act as a jumpstart for further development and talent attraction through infrastructure and place making improvements.

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Calendar of Events

• NAIOP will hold Officecast on Monday, November 9 – Tuesday, November 10

• BUDC and Wendel is holding a Downtown Ellicott Street Meet-up and Tour on October 29 at 3.  Meet at Eddie Brady’s Tavern.
• The Rochester Business Journal will hold Excellence in Construction and Real Estate virtually on Thrusday October 29 at 5. Register here.
• Leadership Buffalo is accepting applications for its upcoming class. Visit their Web site for more information.
• NYSCAR's WNY Chapter is hosting a breakfast and NFTA Project Update on November 19 at the Hyatt Place in Amherst, NY.
• Construction Exchange is hosting a Virtual Breakfast Exchange on November 6 at 8:30.

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