The January issue is live!

In the sparse but stormy halls of Manhattan Housing Court, some landlords are busier than others. For the first time, we reviewed more than 6,000 cases on the docket to find what rates of Housing Court action represent a norm. 

In our cover story, “Most Likely to Litigate,” in the January issue (now available online), TRD identified 12 privately owned and financed Manhattan buildings with the highest percent of cases in the court – as well as the landlords who were most active.

Meanwhile, at the very top of the city’s condominium sales market, brokers say the lack of urgency among buyers and the influx of new product are contributing to a slowdown.

As Steven Spinola prepares to step down as president of the Real Estate Board of New York by mid-year, we profile his successor, John Banks, a longtime lobbyist for Consolidated Edison. He has much in common with the outgoing president, and wields similar influence.

We also chart the biggest deals of 2014, with an in-depth look at the priciest transactions in residential, retail and building sales.

Elsewhere in the issue, we look at the first year of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration; the rise of Ridgewood; and the impact of the plummeting ruble.

Finally, in our Closing interview, developer Don Peebles talks about having a big Afro as a teen, buying homes compulsively, and grooming his son to take over the business.

To dive into the January issue, click here or on the magazine tab at the top of the website. — Mark Maurer