Harlem Stories - Upper Manhattan Neighborhoods

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Where Legends Echo: The Polo Grounds & Rucker Park and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss 2 legendary locations known for their connection to sports- Rucker Park and the Polo Grounds. Either of these locations are where our superstars have played- or even made their reputation f...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Why are Renovations So Expensive in Manhattan? and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the challenges and expenses of renovating in a Manhattan condo or co-op. We drill down to discuss the Alteration Agreements, House Rules, the nature of finishes chosen, and insurance requirements-...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – I've Been Elected to My Condo or Co-op Board. Now What? and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss common topics that condo and co-op boards need to address. Since so many Upper Manhattan condos and co-op's are small to mid-sized buildings- it's more likely that an owner...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Proposed Harlem Projects That Never Came To Be and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss some large proposed Harlem Projects that never happened including Buckminster Fuller's plan to redevelop Harlem with massive domes in the sky , A 180' tall Ferris Wheel, a West Side 125th...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Understanding SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Townhouses and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the legacy world of SRO Townhouses - Single Room Occupancy homes. While many SRO's disappeared throughout much of the city over the decades- they are still fairly common in Upper Manhatt...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – 125th Street- The Changes Since the 1990's and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss how 125th street, the main shopping corridor of Harlem has changed over the decades. Buildings are being renovated, some are being torn down with taller buildings, but not too tall, are being adde...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – How Regulations & Taxes Impacted NYC Over the Last Decade and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss how the abundance of new regulations and taxes over the last decade have impacted home sales prices and rents. Some regulation is important- and some of these have helped keep us saf...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Many Ways Manhattan Real Estate is Different from Everywhere Else – Part II and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss: ·       Attorney’s and Due Diligence ·       Closing Costs ·       Boards / Board Packages ·       Misc. Topics – MLS’, Realtor Status, Home Showing Appts, House R...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Many Ways Manhattan Real Estate is Different from Everywhere Else – Part I and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   It’s common to have a conversation with a buyer that is familiar with buying and selling elsewhere, but yet they are shocked to discover how different it is in Manhattan. The goal for this 2...

The latest episode of my podcast has been re-released due to popular demand – Harlem’s Extraordinary Influence on the Modern Image of Santa Claus and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.  In this episode I discuss how a variety of events came to tie together Upper Manhattan and the evolution of Santa Claus. This is the last episode for the season - but we will be b...

Back by Popular Demand! The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Thanksgiving: The Intersection of Norman Rockwell and Drug Kingpin Bumpy Johnson and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app. Now on Youtube and Amazon Music!   In this episode we give thanks by going back into Harlem's history to discuss a famous as well as an infamous resident. Norman R...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Crypt of Hamilton Heights and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss Church of the Intercession, the Old Trinity Church Cemetery located on the same grounds with many notable persons permanently interred there (including a member of the Astor family who died on the Titanic) and the...

Re-release by popular demand! Happy Halloween! The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Haunted Mansion- Founding Father Edition – The Morris Jumel Mansion and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or on your favorite podcast platform.  In this episode I discuss the history of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the some of the legendary residents and guests of the mansion, a who’s who of Earl...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Tax Abatements – How I Only Pay $4/month in Property Taxes and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode I discuss the 421-A and less common J-51 Tax abatements. These are disappearing- but if you can find a property with one of these abatements it can be an excellent opportunity to save a significan...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Superhero's & their Creators that Have Called NYC Home and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss why so many of the superhero's and their stories are based in NYC, a peak into the early history of comic books, and who are the creators and/or their characters that are conn...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released - Secrets of Barnard College and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app. In this episode we discuss the connection between Columbia University and Barnard College, The campus and it's buildings, and the unique and quirky traditions associated with the school.  In case you missed any of previous episodes you can a...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The House that the Circus Built- The James Bailey Mansion and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the James A. Bailey mansion - who is the less famous partner of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Yes, he was P.T. Barnum's partner. The Bailey mansion today is one of the rare free sta...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Hudson Heights- Jaw Dropping Views without the Extreme Costs and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss some of the history of the area, the various parks in Hudson Heights- including the highest point in Manhattan, as well as some of the condo and co-op options in the neighborhood.  ...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released - 15+ Ways to Afford More Space for Less Money and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app. In this episode I identify many different ways to extract value in the home search process as buyers seek more space within their budget. In case you missed any of the previous episodes you can also listen at the same link above...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Getting to Know East Harlem and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the location, history, ethic movement, architecture and housing, and other notable points of interest of East Harlem.   In case you missed any of previous episodes you can also listen at the same link above or subscr...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Lost Amusement Park of Washington Heights and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the lost amusement park that was once located in the Fort George section of Washington Heights. More than 100 years ago, this amusement park. The two neighboring amusement parks effectively merged...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Old 32nd Precinct Building and Stables in Carmansville and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the neighborhood of Carmansville, it's former police precinct and stables, along some of the  stories of corruption tied to this old precinct and the ole' Boss Tweed era of ci...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Another 5 Things to do Exploring Upper Manhattan for an Afternoon and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss and recommend you check out Sakura Park/Grants Tomb; Viaduct Valley/Columbia's new Manhattanville campus/West Harlem Piers Park; Riverbank State Park; The City College Camp...

The latest episode of my podcast has been released – The Bunny Theater - What are Columbia's Intentions and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss the quirky history of the Bunny Theater in Hamilton Heights- and ponder now that Columbia University owns the building- what do they plan to do with it?   In case you missed any of previo...

Welcome Back as we start Season 4 of the Harlem Stories Podcast. The latest episode of my podcast has been released – Understanding Special Assessments in a Condo or Co-op  and can be heard at www. Harlem-Stories.com  or your favorite podcast app.   In this episode we discuss why a building might hold a special assessment, what can trigger it, and various considerations when paying for it   In cas...