Gregg Schenker.
Gregg Schenker
President and co-managing partner at ABS Partners Real Estate
How much longer can this go on?
The pandemic and its variants are showing signs of waning; the next round of booster shots should substantially mitigate the pandemic. People are beginning to gather comfortably in venues such as theaters, concert halls and ballparks. I personally attended the U.S. Open and was surrounded by thousands of vaccinated people. At first, this activity felt uncomfortable, then I became more comfortable; the trend of being comfortable surrounded by vaccinated people has continued. We all know that vaccination is highly recommended by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. This is the best available solution.
What does normal look like?
There is no normal. Life is constantly changing, presenting obstacles, crises, struggle and victory. The only alternative is to manage through the challenges to the best of our ability.
If you could go back in time to March of 2020, what’s the first thing you would do?
Broadly, be outspoken regarding the need to mask up, protect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, and notify the public of the highly transmissible nature of this airborne disease.
What do you do now that you never did before 2020?
Think more holistically about the fragility of the Earth’s ecosystems. While nations are separate, we are part of a single global community of mankind and must work together to preserve our health and well-being.
What’s the biggest threat to the return to normal?
Life will continue to evolve and it will be necessary to continually adapt to changes in life, business and the ecosystem.
Is now the time to buy or sell?
It depends on the price. Although, it’s almost always a good idea to buy real estate. New York City offers an opportunity to access the greatest pool of workforce talent in the world, coupled with its robust cultural institutions. The new restaurants emerging will create a lifestyle experience unmatched anywhere else in the world.
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?
Create a government-funded assistance program for those who can demonstrate financial need, along with other programs to retrain workers to perform jobs in the ever-evolving economy. It is unjust to place the financial burden of the pandemic on private property owners by preventing them from enforcing leases and contracts.
Lightning round
Eric Adams or Curtis Sliwa?
The candidate that will work the hardest to make our city safe, tax-friendly toward job creation, and lead with a balanced approach, respecting and being inclusive toward all New Yorkers.
Last time you got on an airplane, what was your destination?
September 2021, roundtrip to Chicago.
What vax did you get?
Pfizer.
Your go-to takeout?
There is no one favorite; NYC has so many incredible restaurants to choose from and the diversity is wonderful.
Where does your patience wear thinnest — evictions or anti-vaxxers?
It’s fair to recognize we have much more to learn about the vaccines and their potential long-term consequences and side effects. Nevertheless, at the moment the vaccines are the best available alternative and I believe it’s critical that every eligible candidate be vaccinated.
