The Real Deal

Projects that could transform chunks of the tri-state get new lease on life due to density concerns

The little-known titan who built some of NYC’s most iconic properties — and amassed a fortune that made him one of the richest entrepreneurs of his era

Memorial Day Weekend marked the official opening bell for the Hamptons season. And while most of those flooding into the East End were thinking about which beaches and restaurants to hit, residential brokers were more focused on capturing business.

That’s especially true because while prices and sales volume were up in the first quarter on the East End over last year, they were down compared to the fourth quarter.

“Everybody seems to be taking a little bit of a breather,” said Paul Brennan, the Hamptons manager for Douglas Elliman.

Sandy’s devastation could bring a boom to the construction and real estate industry

“Our building industry, our landscaping industry, our retrofitting industry, they will have work for the next decade,” said Ron Shiffman, a professor of urban planning at the Pratt Institute and a former member of the City Planning Commission. “If we really take seriously the lessons of Sandy, it will kick-start a whole new economy.”