Wow, what a year it's been! New York saw a huge break out of activity at the ultra top end of the real estate market, but lagged behind the rest of the country in lowering unemployment. The stock market had it's best year in about a decade, but Wall Street did not regain employment as companies sought to diversify to other lower cost states.
Today, we are seeing the end of the Michael Bloomberg era (which I personally enjoyed and I thought overall enhanced the quality of life for New Yorkers). The incoming mayor, Bill DeBlasio, was a come from behind candidate who has pledged to be progressive and, many people hope will also bring more focus to the outer boroughs, some areas of which are still truly suffering from the havoc of Hurricane Sandy. Though I do not know him personally, Mr. DeBlasio was in fact my city councilman for nearly 8 years. I wish him luck and good progress.
I wish a very prosperous new year to my family, friends, colleagues, and to everyone I have yet to meet!
