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Archive for November, 2007

New York Real Estate

Monday, November 12th, 2007

“New York State always fascinates people. Tall skyscrapers, hurrying hordes along the busy avenues are hallmarks of one of the biggest state in the United States of America. The state takes a prominent seat in the political, economic and cultural life of America. New York is a melting pot of different cultures. Yes, life in this big city is never dull and never slow.

New York City–or Albany, the capital of the state–is the also the epicenter of all action. So here, you can experience everything: great ideas, innovation, fashion, and food. On top of this, New York was the haven of refugees coming from other parts of the world in early and recent history.

Geographical Location and Demographics

New York is a potboiler of all races; and is the 27th largest state of the USA. It occupies a land area of 141,299 square meters. It has jurisdiction over 6,864 square miles of inland and coastal water. Manhattan, Staten, and Long Islands are the major islands of New York. New York lies in the Middle Atlantic region of the USA. Ontario and Quebec of Canada is bounds northern of territories of New York. Lake Ontario and Lake Erie lie form natural boundaries in the northwest and west regions. Pennsylvania takes up the west and south of the state. New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean are on the south. The eastern borders have Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Climate

New York climate is generally humid. The different terrains and elevations contribute to the varying climates. Regions along the coastal areas are warmer and experience fewer storms. Upstate lowlands are exposed extremes temperatures in winter and summer. The Adirondacks are coldest during winters. The temperature of regions nearer the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean are also modified by the warmer moisture air.

History

New York was named after the duke of York in the 1660s. It’s the 11th of the 13 original states of the Union. The incorporation of the Eerie Canal into the New York State Canal System contributed to the significant transformation of the state in commerce.

Education

New York lists a line of the world’s premier colleges, and private and state universities offering various degrees.

Industry

New York is not called the Empire State for nothing. This has reference to the diversity and wealth of resources of the state. New York commands much of the country’s industries, finance and commerce. Despite its technological and commercial and advances, there are still a number of rural regions in the state.

New York real estate industry has provided thousands of homes for migrants and the state’s residents. There are thousands of New York real estate licensed professionals who can provide the needed services. The services of the New York real estate firms are not limited to buyers and sellers. Their services are also provided to assayers, banks, auditors and lending institutions. New York real estate firms are listed in phone books and posted on the internet. All New York real estate firms can be relied to give you the efficient service that are needed.

Investing in New York

The ever growing population of New York provides endless possibilities for investments. There will be no chance that investment placed in New York will not prosper then.”

New York City Schools and Teachers’ Union Join Forces to Attract New Teaching Talent through Innovative Housing Support Program

Monday, November 12th, 2007

“Like many other school districts in large, metropolitan cities, New York City Schools currently have a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in the most challenging schools. Though state law requires teachers in the targeted critical subject areas of mathematics, science and special education to be certified, there are 600 positions now held by teachers without the proper credentials. This shortage, which covers all grades in the middle and high schools, demanded an innovative solution to the problem.

New York City schools and the United Federation of Teachers developed a creative method to fill the need for experienced, certified teachers — a new housing support program. It is considered one of the most concerted and generous programs aimed at recruiting teachers in subject areas with the worse shortages. The joint effort is a rare example of cooperation between the two parties.

The housing support program gives incentives worth up to $15,000 to certified teachers in the shortage areas. The initial payment incentive is up to $5,000 for housing-related expenses. These expenses include relocation costs, down payment on a mortgage, and rental fees and deposits. This initial payment is followed by a monthly housing stipend of $400 for a two-year period.

Additionally, the New York City schools and teachers’ union have partnered with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development to provide home ownership assistance to these teachers. This will include home ownership counseling and access to down payment assistance for eligible teachers and their families.

To qualify for the housing support program, teachers must have at least two years teaching experience, be able to pass a rigorous selection process, and be willing to commit to teach in New York City schools for at least three years. Former New York City schools teachers with two years teaching experience, certified and have been out of the New York City schools system for at least two years also are eligible for the program. Teachers already living in the New York City schools area and wish to switch to the city schools could use the money for existing rent and mortgage payments.

The innovative program creates an opportunity for all members of the teachers union to avail themselves of these housing subsidies and defray the higher cost of housing in the New York City schools area. It is one of the most aggressive housing incentive programs in the United States. In comparison, Chicago schools offer a $7,500 subsidy, while California offers up to $20,000 but all of it must be repaid.

The New York City schools are strategically recruiting with trips to the state of California, which has comparable housing costs, as well as other states in the northwestern and southeastern areas of the United States. Additionally, an advertising campaign will promote the New York City schools program in the local and national newspapers, as well as other print and electronic media. The New York City schools are hoping to hire an extra 100 teachers for the 2006-07 school year. Teachers hired will begin work in a high-need middle or high school, where these teachers are most in demand.

The new housing support program will make a real difference to underserved students and gives a competitive advantage to the New York City schools.”