search

The Real Deal Logo

Trending

Glossier founder is buyer of $22M Brooklyn townhouseGlossier founder is buyer of $22M Brooklyn townhouseSwig finds new bottom with DTLA office sale at $94 a sfSwig finds new bottom with DTLA office sale at $94 a sf“I wouldn’t use it, I would just lock the door”: Landlords pan new rehab law“I wouldn’t use it, I would just lock the door”: Landlords pan new rehab lawDevelopers have a new tax break. Now they must figure it outDevelopers have a new tax break. Now they must figure it out
New York

REBNY courts senate Democrat, flexes muscles

REBNY’s John Banks and Jim Whelan power lunched with Senator Mike Gianaris

From left: REBNY President John Banks, Senator Mike Gianaris and REBNY executive vice president Jim Whelan
From left: REBNY President John Banks, Senator Mike Gianaris and REBNY executive vice president Jim Whelan

Real Estate Board of New York head John Banks was spotted this week power lunching at the Capital Grille in Midtown with state Senator Mike Gianaris — and it looked like Banks was playing hardball, with REBNY executive vice president Jim Whelan also in attendance.

Cash from REBNY helped Republicans keep their majority in the state Senate back in 2014. But GOP lawmakers ended up siding with labor — demanding that a renewal of 421-a include a prevailing wage provision, according to the New York Post. That means developers would be stuck paying higher wages to construction workers.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Gianaris runs the Democrats’ Senate campaign committee.

“REBNY may be having second thoughts about backing the Republicans,” an unnamed politico told the Post. “Going into 2016 elections, when Democratic votes are expected to swell with or without Hillary Clinton at the top of the ticket, the GOP is going to need all the help it can get to hold on to its majority, making REBNY’s support even more critical.” [NYP] – Christopher Cameron

Tags
John BanksREBNY