Andrew Mathias.
Andrew Mathias
President at SL Green Realty Corp.
How much longer can this go on?
We continue to see signs of a return to a new normal in NYC post-Labor Day. Pedestrian and commuter traffic has picked up significantly, and our tenants are returning to their offices. We expect this momentum to continue to pick up through the fall as more larger companies open their doors to their employees again.
What does normal look like?
“Normal” looks like more flexible schedules for some, more amenities and less densification in the workplace, and a very competitive market for talent that forces companies to rethink the office experience.
What do you do now that you never did before 2020?
Video conference!
What’s the biggest threat to the return to normal?
Safety and security in NYC, particularly on mass transit. We need commuter confidence to be back at 100 percent.
Is now the time to buy or sell?
This is a great time for both. The market is starved for sellers given refinancing is such an attractive alternative given where interest rates are, and we believe buyers are still getting a bit of a COVID discount as rents have not fully recovered to prior levels.
Suddenly, there’s a big change to the New York state constitution and you’re now named the 58th governor of the Empire State — what do you do about the eviction moratorium?
We don’t believe the eviction moratorium is a thoughtful solution to the real issue of housing affordability. We would focus on more long-term answers to the issues of access and affordability, and explore increasing government subsidies rather than shifting the entire burden to tax-paying landlords via the eviction moratorium.
Lightning round
Eric Adams or Curtis Sliwa?
Adams.
Last time you got on an airplane, what was your destination?
Florida in the summer to confirm what we thought about everyone relocating full-time.
What vax did you get?
Moderna.
Your go-to takeout?
Épicerie Boulud at One Vanderbilt.
Where does your patience wear thinnest — evictions or anti-vaxxers?
Zoom meetings!
