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Building Knowledge episodes
- Episode 90: Power Moves: How to Cut Energy Costs This Winter
Energy prices are heating up — and building owners, managers, and homeowners are feeling the pressure. In this episode of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI), we dive into what’s really happening across the energy markets and how to prepare for the months ahead.
Our guests, Jim Slattery (CEO) and Tim Connors (VP) of The Slattery Energy Consulting Group Inc., break down:
- Heating oil and natural gas price forecasts for winter 2025–26
- Energy-saving strategies for residential and commercial properties
- Why energy costs vary across regions — and how to plan for it
- How BRI’s new partnership with Slattery Energy as our Exclusive Energy Consultant can benefit members
Whether you manage a multifamily complex, run a business, or just want to save on your heating bill, this conversation delivers practical insights to help you stay efficient — and ahead of the curve.
🎙️ Tune in and get the energy intel you need before winter hits!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
32 min - Episode 89: Protecting Your Business When ICE Shows Up — What Every Employer Needs to Know
When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives at your job site, what happens next can make or break your business. In this episode, BRI Labor Counsel Matthew Persanis, Esq. breaks down exactly how to prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement — from understanding warrants to protecting employees’ rights and your company’s legal standing.
You’ll also hear Persanis’ expert take on:
✅ The do’s and don’ts when ICE shows up unannounced
✅ How to handle employees taken into custody by mistake
✅ Annual sexual harassment training requirements for NYS employers
✅ Dealing with difficult employees (without stepping into legal hot water)
✅ The biggest challenges facing New York employers right nowDon’t wait for a knock at the door — get informed before it happens.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
31 min - Episode 88: A Look at Universal Design Principals
Episode 88 of “Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” explored the concept of Universal Design—an approach to creating environments accessible to all people, regardless of age, ability, or mobility.
Our guest was Carlos Martinez, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Bridges, a West Nyack–based nonprofit Independent Living Center dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This episode marked his first appearance on Building Knowledge.
During the conversation, Martinez provided a comprehensive definition of Universal Design and discussed how Bridges is putting its principles into practice through the organization’s Four Ann Street renovation project in New City, Rockland County. He shared:
- The vision and key features of the Four Ann Street project;
- How “visitability” is being integrated into the renovation and what the term means;
- Why the project serves as a model for inclusive housing; and
- The partners involved in bringing this innovative effort to life.
Martinez emphasized that the Four Ann Street renovation can serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to advance accessibility and inclusion through Universal Design.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28 min - Episode 87: Key Issues Currently Facing Co-ops & Condos
In this episode of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI), we dive into the major legal and operational challenges confronting Co-ops and Condos across the New York metropolitan area.
Our guest is Richard Klein, Esq., Partner at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer, LLP, making his first appearance on the show. Richard shares expert insight on issues boards and property managers are actively navigating, including:
- Concerns about underlying mortgages amid shifting lending conditions
- Managing rising operating costs, especially in insurance and energy
- Best practices for assessments and financial planning
- Addressing the realities of aging buildings
- Legal considerations for service and emotional support animals
- Handling resident conflicts within communities
- A discussion of Richard’s contributions to the New York Times “Ask Real Estate” column, including hoarding, fire damage, and the balance between compassion and enforcement
Whether you’re a board member, property manager, or real estate professional, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating today's Co-op and Condo landscape.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28 min - Episode 86: Problem Gambling Situations Involving Employees - What Employers Need to Know
Episode 86 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) focused on problem gambling among employees and what employers need to know to effectively address these situations. The featured guest was Leilani Yizar-Reid, Team Leader at the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center. A returning guest, Yizar-Reid has previously appeared on Building Knowledge and on BRI’s former radio programs.
Topics explored in this episode included:
- The warning signs employers should watch for when suspecting an employee may be struggling with gambling issues
- How to appropriately approach an employee with concerns about potential gambling problems
- Ways businesses can support employees dealing with gambling-related challenges
- Whether current economic stressors and high living costs are contributing to an increase in employee gambling
- Other common factors that lead employees to turn to gambling
- The impact of employee gambling on workplace productivity and business operations
- Data highlighting the age groups most affected by problem gambling
- Support programs available through the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center for employees
- Employer-focused resources and trainings provided by the Center to help navigate workplace gambling concerns
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24 min - Episode 85: What Building Owners Need to Know About N.Y. State’s Lead Rental Registry
Episode 85 of Building Knowledge tackled a critical topic: New York State’s Lead Rental Registry.
Our guest, Leslie Liberatore — Health Services Coordinator for Immunization Action and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs at the Westchester County Department of Health — made her first appearance on the show to break down what building owners and managers need to know.
Highlights include:
1️⃣ Why the Lead Rental Registry was created
2️⃣ Which types of housing are covered
3️⃣ The communities affected across New York State
4️⃣ Key requirements for owners and managers
5️⃣ Steps to take when hazards are identified
6️⃣ How to find qualified contractors
7️⃣ Educational resources for owners, managers, and tenantsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
22 min - Episode 84: An Update on the Important Activities of The Welcome Home Westchester Coalition
Episode 84 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) spotlighted the latest work of the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign—a county-wide advocacy effort uniting diverse partners to address Westchester’s housing shortage.
Our guest was Sarah Tavares, Campaign Organizer for Welcome Home Westchester, making her first appearance on Building Knowledge.
The conversation covered:
- An overview of the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign and its coalition members.
- The “5 in 25” agenda, outlining recommended actions municipalities can take to expand housing opportunities.
- Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a second round of Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund (MHMF) Awards, half of which support projects in Westchester, and why the campaign partners applauded the initiative.
- The growing support from county officials and faith leaders for the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act.
- Sarah’s perspective on whether local and state legislators are developing a deeper understanding of Westchester’s housing crisis.
- What Sarah would say directly to policymakers if given the chance to address them on the urgent need for housing solutions.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 min - Episode 83: What Energy Costs Could Be for Fall and Winter
Episode 83 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) explored “What Energy Costs Could Be for Fall and Winter.” Our guest, Dan Singer of Robison, returned for his second appearance on the podcast. Robison, based in Port Chester, is a leading energy company serving Westchester and beyond, and Dan has long been a trusted voice on energy trends through his past appearances on BRI’s former radio programs.
In this episode, Dan broke down what building owners, managers, and homeowners should expect this late fall and winter, including:
Heating oil price outlook for the 2025–26 season.Natural gas pricing trends and what they mean for different types of properties.Energy-saving strategies for multi-family buildings.Practical tips for single-family homeowners, co-op/condo unit owners, and tenants to cut energy costs.Regional variations in U.S. energy prices and why they matter.The conversation also touched on Dan’s broader concerns for the New York metro area and the nation, as well as the role of current world events in shaping the energy sector.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 min - Episode 82: A Discussion on the 140 East Prospect Avenue Development Project in Mount Vernon
Episode 82 of “Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” spotlighted the Alexander Development Group’s latest milestone: receiving Site Plan Resolution approval for 140 East Prospect Avenue, a 21-story mixed-use tower planned for Mount Vernon in Westchester County.
Our guest, Nicholas Alexander, Managing Director of the Alexander Development Group, made his debut on the podcast to share insights into the company’s vision and projects. The conversation covered:
- A full overview of the 140 East Prospect Avenue development.
- Perkins Eastman’s role in the project.
- How the tower is being designed to meet the National Green Building Standard.
- The integration of Passive House technology.
- Whether more Passive House projects can be expected in the New York metro area.
- How the development fits into Mount Vernon’s broader Downtown Vision Plan.
- The biggest challenges facing builders and developers today, both regionally and nationally.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
33 min - Episode 81: Current Finance Conditions That Are Affecting the Building and Realty Sectors
Episode 81 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into today’s financial climate and the challenges it poses for the building, realty, and construction industries.
Our guest, Robert Withers, Principal of M1 Capital Corporation, shares his expertise on financing trends, hurdles, and strategies for industry professionals. A longtime friend of the BRI, this marks his first appearance on our podcast series after joining us on past radio programs.
Key topics include:
🔹 The impact of elevated interest rates on construction and real estate
🔹 Forecasts for rate reductions—and what they could mean for the industry
🔹 How labor shortages affect financing and lending processes
🔹 What lenders are looking for when evaluating inquiries
🔹 Practical steps companies can take to strengthen financing applications
🔹 Lending trends tied to residential resurgence and renovation projects
🔹 Financing challenges for builders, developers, and rent-stabilized property owners
🔹 Financial issues facing co-op and condo boards across New York
🔹 Robert Withers’ outlook for the economy and finance sector in 2025Tune in to hear timely insights on navigating today’s financial headwinds and positioning your business for success.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
35 min
About Building Knowledge
From the publisher's feed
Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities.…
Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.