Happy National Coming Out Day 2012!
We at J. Philip Real Estate wish all our friends, colleagues and clients a happy National Coming Out Day 2012. It is our sincere hope that someday we’ll all live in a world where sexual orientation is as relevant as eye color in matters of justice, equal housing, and the rights of citizens. Until that day, we’ll support initiative that mandate respect, equality and the dignity of all... [Read more about this property]
Congratulations To Mayor Hanauer on his Marriage
Ossining Mayor William Hanauer recently wed his longtime partner, Dr Alan Stahl. We wish the newlyweds every happiness! I have been a big fan of the mayors for years, not because of who he loves, but because he’s a great mayor. For decades, the downtown area of the village has been downtrodden, blighted and unappealing. Administration after administration had failed to lure culture or commerce... [Read more about this property]
Rest in Peace, Joan McGovern
Friday’s Journal News contained the story that Joan McGovern, founder of the Lord’s Pantry, had passed away at the age of 86. Her story was compelling enough; today I found out that Joan was also a fellow real estate agent. Having learned of her life and good work, it is safe to say that we have all lost a treasure. Joan lived in White Plains for 50 years and was mother to 13 children.... [Read more about this property]
Autumn in Westchester County
I took this picture this week on the Taconic Parkway on the bridge over the Croton Reservoir. The Taconic, which does from Westchester through Putnam and Dutchess toward Albany, has amazing views of foliage in the fall. It is worth a drive up. But hurry, because in a few weeks the best views will be gone and leaves will fall. This is the hazy view of the Hudson River toward Rockland County at Eagle... [Read more about this property]
On the Passage of the Gay Marriage Bill in New York
In December of 2008 I posted a blog article articulating my support of gay marriage, and why the real estate industry should support marriage equality. Tonight, by a margin of 33-29 with two Republicans crossing over, the State Senate of New York agreed with me, paving the way for the bill to be signed into law by Governor Cuomo. This is a very, very good development for the State of New York and... [Read more about this property]
Journal News Favors Marriage Fairness
The Gannet Journal News has published a well-reasoned editorial today in favor of marriage fairness in New York State. While polls indicate that the citizenry favors gay marriage 58% to less than 40% for those opposed, the issue remains in political gridlock. To its credit, Westchester County does have domestic partnership recognition, but true rights and privileges that come with legal marital status... [Read more about this property]
Housing Discrimination Found in Westchester & Hudson Valley
The Journal News of Westchester County recently ran a story regarding a report on housing discrimination in Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties. The results are awful. A study conducted in 2010 found that in 17.5% of the instances of study conducted by Westchester Residential Opportunities that discrimination occurred. In 2005 a HUD-funded study found discrimination in a whopping 46.5% of... [Read more about this property]
On a Lighter Note
We are in negotiations on a residential lease and I had to step in to assist one of my fantastic associate brokers. It looks like we’ll get things sorted out, but I had to take the listing agent on, which I’m only too happy to do when the circumstances call for it. My client referred to me as the “Straight Eye for the Gay Guy.” I love it! Read More →
Boston Sports Columnist: I Am Gay
Widely-read Boston Herald columnist and author Steve Buckley has come out in his column today. Thus far the piece has generated almost 400 comments, and mixing the subject matter into the already volatile Boston sports world has yielded some fireworks. Hate is always removed from these online forums as per the Herald’s community guidelines, but I have to admit that to smiling at those who... [Read more about this property]
