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Posts Tagged ‘James Stuckey’

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James Stuckey | Growing Populations Equals Diminished Resources

In Real Estate on May 9, 2012 at 6:25 am
James Stuckey

James Stuckey

James Stuckey, former NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate Dean, says that as the world’s population increases, so does our use of natural resources. Stuckey says it’s up to world leaders to plan effectively.

In this exclusive one-on-one with James Stuckey, the real estate developer answers questions about the rapid population increases seen globally and how green and sustainable building practices can help preserve what resources are left.

Presentation Solutions: Good evening, James Stuckey. We appreciate your time today.

James Stuckey: I am certainly glad to be here.

Presentation Solutions: Let’s begin, shall we? How fast is the world’s population growing?

James Stuckey: Right now we’re seeing an increase of about 1 billion people every 13 years. By 2025, the earth is expected to have a population that exceeds over 8 billion people; currently, there are about 6 billion people across the globe.

Presentation Solutions: Why is this information of interest to developers like yourself?

James Stuckey: Think about it: these people will need homes, jobs, schools, hospitals, libraries…

Presentation Solutions: Yes, that’s true. But what impact will building all of these new structures have on the environment?

James Stuckey: Unless it is done responsibly, it will have a huge negative impact. That is why there has been such a push lately for green and sustainable development.

Presentation Solutions: Like reusing materials, utilizing natural heating and cooling cycles, and improving indoor air quality, correct?

James Stuckey: Yes, that’s right, but there are also many other components such as increasing energy efficiency and building in a way that works with the land instead of against it.

Presentation Solutions: What impact does an increasing population have on the Earth?

James Stuckey: First, humankind is using our resources at an alarming rate.

Presentation Solutions: But aren’t certain resources like water infinite?

James Stuckey: Most people mistakenly believe so but there actually is a limited amount of freshwater available. Clean water is a very serious problem in many nations around the world.  Using green building practices can help slow our consumption rate.

Presentation Solutions: What about naturally replenishing resources like trees?

James Stuckey: Demand for lumber is increasing more quickly than newly planted trees can grow into maturity.  Types of trees are a significant factor.  For example, bamboo replenishes quickly.

Presentation Solutions: Do the buildings and infrastructure that we create affect wildlife?

James Stuckey: Absolutely.

Presentation Solutions: How so?

James Stuckey: The more land we develop for human use, the less that is available for other species.

Presentation Solutions: Is that really a big issue?

James Stuckey: Yes, it is. Having proper biodiversity – that is, varied plant and animal life – is important to humans because we use these resources in agriculture and even medicine.

Presentation Solutions: What effect does an increasing population have on food supply?

James Stuckey: That is a whole other issue but as far as real estate development goes, there becomes a shortage of agriculture areas when cities overbuild residential, commercial, and industrial areas.  Fortunately, there are advances in greenhouse technologies, hydroponics, and urban farming.

Presentation Solutions: Changing topics for a bit here: What can a real estate developer do to help ease issues of public health associated with a growing country?

James Stuckey: If you look at the global picture, we can start by creating developments in undeveloped countries that would offer suitable shelter, and things that westernized society takes for granted like running water. We can also put forth efforts at creating educational facilities.

Presentation Solutions: What steps do you suggest are taken globally to help ensure that the Earth is available for these future generations to enjoy?

James Stuckey: The people responsible for the health and safety of their constituencies need to ensure that our cities are planned appropriately.

Presentation Solutions: Anything else?

James Stuckey: There are many, many things that leaders across the globe can do to help combat the impacts of overpopulation. Again, specific to real estate development, I think that the areas of the world with the best infrastructure and most accommodating overall design will have the best chance at sustaining their growing numbers.

Presentation Solutions: Well, James Stuckey, we appreciate you time and again thank you for chatting with us today.

James Stuckey: It was my pleasure.

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Atlantic Yards Developer James P. Stuckey Answers Questions about the Community Benefits Agreement

In Real Estate on April 16, 2012 at 2:01 pm
James P. Stuckey

James P. Stuckey

According to James P. Stuckey, the Atlantic Yards project is more than a real estate development; it is a promise to the community. Presentation Solutions gets the details.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you for joining us.

James P. Stuckey: I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this great project.

Presentation Solutions: We understand that the Atlantic Yards project comes with the very first Community Benefits Agreement in New York City…

James P. Stuckey: That’s correct. It is an agreement between the builder and eight separate Brooklyn communities.

Presentation Solutions: Can you give us some specifics of the agreement?

James P. Stuckey: The CBA focus on community amenities, small business, housing, jobs, and environmental assurance.

Presentation Solutions: Tell us about the employment benefits for residents.

James P. Stuckey: Nearly half (45% total) of all jobs created will be sectioned off for minority and women workers. As well, a new training program has been established to assist individuals in developing real-world skills that can be used long after this project is completed.

Presentation Solutions: We understand that the project has a commitment to affordable housing?

James P. Stuckey: Of the 4,500 rental properties that will be available, half of those will be offered to lower income families. 225 of these will be set aside for senior citizens.

Presentation Solutions: And there is a clause in the agreement that helps small businesses in the area…

James P. Stuckey: Absolutely. During each phase of the construction process, and after completion, anywhere between 3%and 20% of all contract dollars will be spent with minority and women-owned businesses.

Presentation Solutions: There’s been a lot of talk about the community amenities that will be available once this project is complete; can you fill us in on that?

James P. Stuckey: For one, there will be a healthcare center.

Presentation Solutions: What about the childcare facility?

James P. Stuckey: What is special about the childcare facility is that it combines care for youth as well as senior citizens. While the two groups will not be together, the building is connected and each group will have access to the atrium.

Presentation Solutions: The Barclay Center, the future home of the Nets basketball team, is the highlight of the development. Will it be available for public events?

James P. Stuckey: The plan is to open up the arena to community groups for 10 or more events per year.

Presentation Solutions: That’s got to be expensive…

James P. Stuckey: On the contrary, the rates will be more than reasonable.

Presentation Solutions: Aside from basketball, what other events will the center host?

James P. Stuckey: It is a large venue that will seat between 18 and 19,000 guests. This opens up the opportunity to host tennis, boxing, and concerts along with other community events such as the circus. It’s important to note that part of the CBA allows for a set number of game tickets for sale to the community – extra care has been taken to include the city’s youth.

Presentation Solutions: The CBA sounds like it will enhance the area quite nicely. Was offering this contract a condition prior to development?

James P. Stuckey: No, it was not. It’s all voluntary. That being said, it is a legally binding contract, which just proves that the Atlantic Yards project really was initiated for the betterment of the community.

Presentation Solutions: That’s fantastic. We know that you personally have been committed to green development for many years. Can you tell about the environmental friendliness of the project?

James P. Stuckey: All equipment with over 50 hp will be equipped with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel. As well, the goal is to ensure that a substantial amount of building materials are recycled. All 16 buildings, plus the arena, will be LEED certified. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Presentation Solutions: We have also heard that the project is working closely with city officials to address any problems as they arise.

James P. Stuckey: As with any large-scale construction project, issues can occur. Areas that will be under constant monitoring are air quality, traffic, noise, and pollution.

Presentation Solutions: Mr. Stuckey, we appreciate your time today. We thank you for speaking with us.

James P. Stuckey: Thank you very much for having me.

Presentation Solutions: Do you have any final words to add?

James P. Stuckey: Just that, from its initial inception, this project was always intended to enhance the community and I certainly hope that it will do so for many generations to come.

James P. Stuckey is a man with decades of experience in his passion: real estate development. He has worked at the NYC Public Development Corporation, Gronich & Co., and Forest City Ratner Companies, to name a few. Currently, James P. Stuckey is the CEO of his own green development firm, Verdant Properties. LLC®.