Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Vantage Residential, in a partnership with the Community League of the Heights (C.L.O.T.H.) and Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), today announced it is providing new apartments for 20 of the families displaced from 552 Academy Street in Inwood.

At a press conference held on April 1stat Community League of the Heights on 500 West 159th Street, City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez joined Vantage, HPD and C.L.O.T.H. to announce this significant step in relocating these families and presented 20 families with keys to their new apartments.  

“The tenants of 552 Academy worked together and stood up for their rights, and the many groups represented here today built upon that work, and have made the tenants dream a reality.  While the city, through the hard work of the Council, the Department of HPD and the Borough President Stringer, rehabilitates the buildings, Vantage Properties has made sure that the tenants will have a place to live until they can return home.  I would like to thank Vantage Properties and HPD, who helped me, along with other local elected officials, to help send the message that when tenants call out for help, their call won’t go unheard.  Today is a great day for both the residents of 552 Academy and for tenants citywide” said NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

“I stand with my fellow elected officials, as well as HPD and Vantage Properties today to show that New York City makes affordable housing a priority.  These tenants went through tremendous hardship at 552 Academy as it literally crumbled beneath them.  I am proud to join in the unity that all levels of government and the community showed in this effort, giving these tenants the real support that they needed” said NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat.

“The relocation of these tenants is a product of teamwork from so many different elements of the community.  This is an example that other neighborhoods will be able to replicate in order to support affordable housing in their communities” saidYvonne Stennet, Executive Director of Community League of the Heights.

“There has been a tremendous effort on the part of everybody involved to not only figure out a plan that addresses the rehabilitation needs of this property, but to also ensure that the tenants are involved in the process and to see their concerns are heard and addressed.  Today signals a new beginning. As the tenants settle into their apartments and gain some sense of stability, they can now look forward to the road ahead which ultimately leads back to safe new homes at 552 Academy Street. I thank Senator Espaillat, Assemblyman Linares, Councilman Rodriguez, and Borough President Stringer for their leadership, and I look forward to continuing our work together as this project progresses. I also would like to thank all of the property owners who have worked to find available space in their buildings so that these families can stay in the neighborhood they call home” said HPD Deputy Commissioner Anne-Marie Hendrickson.

“I’m happy to join with Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, city officials and community members to take note of some good news for the displaced tenants at 552 Academy Street: These residents were forced from their home because of nearly 1,000 building code violations, but 20 provisional units have now been provided by Vantage Properties while plans are developed for the building’s reconstruction. Although the tenants won’t be able to move back for up to two years, this is a hopeful beginning. We’re going to continue working together to ensure that all of these tenants can be restored to their homes in this community, as soon as possible” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer

 “After being forced to leave their apartments, these families shouldn’t have to also leave their communities, and Vantage is pleased to help provide a safe and quality solution that keeps these families in the neighborhood,” said Neil Rubler, CEO, Vantage Properties.

, , ,

Apr
12

Vantage’s Top Performing Brokers of 2010

by Michael Regan

A  dinner celebration was held to honor the top performing brokers of 2010. The event was hosted by Neil Rubler and Michael Regan of Vantage Properties. The brokers in attendance were Anu Dutta and Anthony Brown from Charles Rutenberg, Maggie Marco of the Level Group, Milton Coste of 159 Real Estate, Tae Moon from Starnest Real Estate, and Henry Cui of New World Real Estate. The event was an excellent opportunity to synergize with the brokerage community and gather ideas on how Vantage Properties can better serve the needs of our prospective residents.

“Congratulations and thank you to Vantage’s top performing brokers of 2010,” said Neil Rubler, CEO of Vantage Residential. “We are proud to have a staff of men and women who support our mission and are dedicated to serving both our current and prospective residents.”

, , , , ,

Feb
23

Sunnyside Sparkles with Holiday Cheer

By Raquel Batista

Vantage is helping light up Skillman Avenue for the holidays!  Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer switched on an array of festive lights between 45th and 51st Streets in front of a large group of revelers.  Vantage Residential and the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the event.

Grab a coat and check out the twinkling snowflakes and beautiful sparkling lights while strolling down Skillman with your loved ones and neighbors.

“I want to wish a very Happy Holidays to everyone in the Vantage community!” said Neil Rubler, CEO of Vantage Residential.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer celebrates the debut of holiday lights on Skillman Avenue with Vantage’s Cathy McGovern and Raquel Batista

Dec
06

Vantage Gives Thanks to Seniors In the Community

Vantage staff serving lunch to attendees

By Raquel Batista

Over 100 participants from six Queens senior citizens’ centers gathered with City Council Member Julissa Ferreras for a Vantage-sponsored Thanksgiving week lunch on November 22nd at Sabor Latino.

“Many of the residents of Vantage’s are senior citizens, and sponsoring these kinds of community-building events is an important part of our mission,” said Raquel Batista, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Compliance, Vantage Properties.

Participating senior centers included: Corona Senior Center, Raices Senior Center, Florence E. Smith Senior Center, Elmcor Senior Center, Korean American Senior Center of Corona and Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly

“During Thanksgiving week it’s traditional to focus on how we can help others, and hearing the concerns of a diverse group of our community’s senior citizens is one way I can be sure to serve our community’s needs effectively,” said Council Member Ferreras.

Neil Rubler, President & CEO Vantage Residential, and City Council Member Julissa Ferreras speak with attendees

, , , ,

Nov
23

Vantage Partners with NoMAA for Local Latino Artists

By Raquel Batista

We’re happy to announce our partnership with the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) to turn empty storefronts into gallery space for nine local Latino artists during the month of October.

On October 5th we’ll launch “El Escaparate: A Storefront Art Show by Latinos Uptown,” which will exhibit artists’ work in the windows of three available Vantage commercial properties: 3495 Broadway (W. 143rd St.), 4101 Broadway (W. 173rd St.), and 3855 Broadway (W. 161st St.).

El Escaparate presents us with the opportunity to bring life into spaces that are currently empty, increase business in Northern Manhattan and highlight the talent of brilliant artists to the community.

Featured artists include: Carlos Almonte, Rene De los Santos, Pepe Coronado, Iliana Emilia Garcia, Scherezade Garcia, Florencio Gelabert, Dionis Ortiz, M. Tony Peralta, Favianna Rodriguez and Moses Ros-Suarez.

“El Escaparate” is an official event of the Latin Media and Entertainment Week, and the main exhibit at 3855 Broadway will remain up from Oct. 5 – 29.

, , , ,

Sep
30

Story Time at the Fox Run Clubhouse

By Susan Brown

This month, Fox Run will begin offering story time in the clubhouse for children of residents. On the third Thursday of every month, a guest teacher from the local Goddard School will be reading children’s books in the clubhouse from 10:00 – 11:00 am.

We hope you’ll join us for the first story time session on August 19th.

, , ,

Aug
10

Fox Run Pool Party a Hit


By Susan Brown

Last Saturday’s resident pool party at Fox Run was a hit!  We hosted almost 400 residents on the warm summer day with cool refreshments and cotton candy. There were also games for the kids, a moonbounce and a band for everyone’s entertainment.

, ,

Aug
06

Vantage & Courts of Dreams Basketball Clinic a Hit!

By Raquel Batista

We’re thrilled with the success of this afternoon’s basketball clinic and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the restored Raoul Wallenberg Playground in Washington Heights. Led by New York Knicks legends John Starks and John Wallace, as well as the New York Knicks Summer Basketball Camp Coaches, over 150 kids from the neighborhood learned basketball basics with drills and games, while having the opportunity to meet both Starks and Wallace.

Participants also enjoyed a DJ, refreshments and lunch on the courts.

Vantage and Courts of Dreams staff were on hand passing out brand new messenger bags and New York Knicks sweatbands as gifts to attendees.

“We hope the restoration of these basketball courts provides Vantage residents and neighborhood families with a fun and safe environment to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Neil Rubler, CEO of Vantage Residential.

, , ,

Aug
04

Vantage Partners with Court of Dreams to Revamp Washington Heights Basketball Court

By Raquel Batista

Vantage is pleased to celebrate the restoration of the Raoul Wallenberg Playground basketball courts in Washington Heights by partnering with Court of Dreams to hold a neighborhood basketball clinic on Wednesday, August 4th from 11am – 1pm.

Led by New York Knicks legend John Starks and New York Knicks Summer Basketball Camp Coaches, the basketball clinic will be free to children of the community ages six through 18. In addition, there will be refreshments and music from local DJ “The Groovy Truck.”

Space is limited, so RSVP as early as possible by contacting events@vantageny.com or calling 212-413-0828.

, , ,

Jul
29

Vantage Celebrates Union Agreement


Vantage employees and community leaders gathered last night at Cafe Rubio in Queens to celebrate a landmark union agreement with Local 808 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs Warehouseman and Helpers of America.

“This second union agreement reiterates our commitment to the partnership we hold with all the members of the Vantage team who work hard to uphold our mission to provide high-quality service to Vantage’s residents,” said Neil Rubler, CEO of Vantage Residential.

We’ve also been very pleased with the positive feedback we’ve heard from elected officials about the union agreements: “Across this city hardworking men and women are fighting for fair treatment, and this agreement demonstrates how landlords and their employees can partner together effectively,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

“After months of negotiation and good faith effort to reach an understanding I’m very pleased to see how Vantage and Local 808 were able to achieve this significant unionization agreement,” said City Council Member Julissa Ferreras.

“I am pleased to know that Vantage is recognizing its employees’ desires to have a unionized workforce. It is a step in the right direction. I hope to work with Vantage in the future to improve its tenants’ lives, said City Council Member Daniel Dromm.

“Everyone is a winner in this agreement – Vantage, Local 808 and the thousands of residents who rely on their buildings’ workers every day,” said City Council Member Karen Koslowitz.

, ,

Jun
16