Building Knowledge

Episode 130 of “Building Knowledge” focuses on what building owners, property managers, and homeowners need to know about evaluating, maintaining, repairing, and replacing windows and doors as the region transitions from summer into the colder months.

Our guest is Dan Hughes, Sales Manager at JILCO Window Corp. in Granite Springs, a hamlet of Somers in Westchester County, New York. This episode marks Dan’s first appearance on “Building Knowledge.”

During the episode, Dan discusses:

Tune in for a practical conversation about windows, doors, energy efficiency, construction costs, and the broader business climate facing the Hudson Valley.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 129 of Building Knowledge examines the Sports Field Expansion at Manhattanville University in Purchase, New York, and what it could mean for future athletic facility projects, higher education, and the Hudson Valley building industry.

Our guest is Frank Sanchez, President of Manhattanville University and a newly appointed member of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. He discusses the university's investment in a state-of-the-art, multi-use athletic complex, the project's funding, and how it will enhance opportunities for student-athletes. President Sanchez also shares his perspective on regional economic development, the current business climate in the Hudson Valley, and New York's ongoing affordable and workforce housing shortage.

Topics discussed include:

This marks President Sanchez's first appearance on Building Knowledge.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 128 of Building Knowledge explores what's happening in the Hudson Valley's real estate markets with special guest Vlora Sejdi, Immediate Past President of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) and a respected Realtor with deep expertise in the region.

Vlora joins the podcast to break down the latest housing market trends, including recent data from OneKey MLS covering Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and the Bronx. She shares insights into today's homebuyers, discusses the challenges shaping the market for the rest of 2026, and offers her outlook for what's ahead in 2027.

The conversation also examines New York's ongoing affordable and workforce housing shortage, whether policymakers are making progress in addressing it, and the reasons Vlora remains optimistic about the future of the Hudson Valley real estate market.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York has enacted the most significant reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in nearly 50 years—but what do these changes actually mean for housing, infrastructure, and the future of development across the state?

On Episode 127 of Building Knowledge, host Jeff Hanley is joined by Joshua Berman, Campaigns Director for the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and a leader with the Unlock New York's Future coalition, to break down the sweeping SEQRA reforms signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her "Let Them Build" agenda.

Together, they discuss why the previous SEQRA process often delayed housing, clean energy, transit, and infrastructure projects, and how the new reforms aim to streamline environmental reviews, reduce unnecessary red tape, lower construction costs, and accelerate the development of much-needed housing.

The conversation also explores:

If you're interested in housing policy, land use, economic development, or the future of building in New York, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the state's biggest policy changes in decades.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Westchester County needs more housing—but what resources are available to help make it happen?

In Episode 126 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Blanca Lopez, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, for a conversation about the county's housing initiatives, funding opportunities, and programs that support new development, rehabilitation, and preservation.

Commissioner Lopez explains how the Department of Planning is working to address Westchester's housing shortage and highlights the incentives available to developers, contractors, property owners, and municipalities. She also shares her perspective on how local and state leaders are responding to the region's growing housing challenges.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

Whether you're involved in development, construction, real estate, property management, or simply interested in the future of housing in Westchester, this episode offers valuable insights into the programs and partnerships helping shape the county's communities.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 125 of Building Knowledge, we welcome Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, to discuss the coalition's ongoing efforts to address Westchester County's housing shortage.

Sarah explains the coalition's mission, membership, and the local policy options that cities, towns, and villages can adopt to expand housing opportunities. She also shares an update on the municipalities already taking action, outlines Welcome Home Westchester's revised 2026 campaign, and discusses how recent reforms to New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) support the coalition's goals. The conversation concludes with Sarah's message to local and state lawmakers on the urgent need to tackle the housing crisis facing Westchester County and New York State.

Whether you're interested in housing policy, community planning, or the future of housing in the Hudson Valley, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the region's most pressing challenges.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 124 of Building Knowledge explores security considerations for building owners, property managers, homeowners, and consumers as summer gets underway. Guest Thad McKeown, Director of Sales for Integrated Protection Services in Darien, Connecticut, returns to the podcast to discuss seasonal security challenges and best practices.

Topics include summer security planning for residential and commercial properties, the importance of after-hours lighting, emerging security products for multifamily communities, and considerations for office, retail, industrial, and warehouse facilities. Thad also discusses the connection between environmental damage and property security, shares general security recommendations for owners, managers, and residents, and offers his perspective on the current business climate throughout the New York metropolitan area.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The Latest in Laundry Room Solutions for Building Owners and Managers” is the topic of Episode 123 of Building Knowledge. Our guests are Scott Scarpato Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Automatic Laundry, and Matthew Mariella, Regional Sales Manager for Westchester and Fairfield Counties. This marks the first appearance on Building Knowledgefor both guests.

During the episode, Scott and Matthew discuss how mobile app technology is changing the laundry experience for residents of multifamily buildings and users of commercial facilities. They also provide an overview of Automatic Laundry’s Laundry Connect Services and Laundry Card Technology, and explain how these innovations can improve convenience, efficiency, and revenue accountability for building owners and managers.

Additional topics include the benefits of Automatic Laundry’s free site surveys, how they compare to services offered by other providers, when property owners should consider upgrading their laundry rooms and equipment, and the biggest challenges currently facing the laundry industry.

This version is concise, professional, and in line with the style typically used for podcast episode descriptions.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 122 of Building Knowledge pays tribute to Tim Foley, CEO of the Building and Realty Institute, as he is recognized by Westfair Business Journal as a recipient of its prestigious 2026 C-Suite Award.

The C-Suite Awards celebrate the outstanding leadership, vision, and achievements of senior executives and organizations throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. The program honors leaders whose strategic direction and innovative initiatives have made a meaningful impact on their businesses, industries, and communities.

Tim will be honored during the awards ceremony on June 10 at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains.

To commemorate this achievement, representatives from across the building, real estate, and business communities joined Episode 122 of Building Knowledge to share their congratulations, reflections, and appreciation for Tim's leadership and dedication to the industry.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 121 of Building Knowledge explores the challenges, concerns, and opportunities facing business leaders across New York's Hudson Valley region.

Our guest is Michael Dardano, principal of Buzz Potential, a respected public relations and marketing firm based in Tuckahoe, N.Y. A familiar voice to BRI audiences, Michael has appeared on both the Institute's former radio programs and previous episodes of Building Knowledge.

During the conversation, Michael shares insights into what local business leaders are experiencing amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Topics include the impact of global events on business confidence, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, labor shortages, regulatory compliance challenges, cybersecurity concerns, and the growing shortage of affordable and workforce housing. He also discusses why maintaining strong marketing and public relations efforts remains critical for businesses, even during difficult economic times.

Tune in for an informative discussion on the issues shaping the Hudson Valley's business climate and what leaders can do to navigate an increasingly complex marketplace.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.