Shakeup at NYLS
New York Living Solutions co-founders Michael Roche and Arnon Barzilai have parted ways, with Roche leaving the company to pursue other interests, Barzilai told The Real Deal.
Barzilai he has taken on a new partner, Andrew Ziff, who previously managed the company’s Gramercy office at 34 East 20th Street. Roche left the company at the beginning of January, Barzilai said.
The two parted on good terms, Barzilai said, noting that Roche expressed an interest in other careers and isn’t currently operating as a real estate agent. “It was just time to move on,” Barzilai said.
Roche and Barzilai founded New York Living Solutions together in 2005. The firm, which does primarily rentals, has around 90 agents and three offices, Barzilai said, though he plans to open a West Village office this spring. The company opened a new Financial District storefront a year ago in a space previously occupied by Citi Habitats.
Mizan Ayers, formerly the CEO of New York Living Solutions, also left the company, in September 2009.
Goldman grants largest-ever M/WBE contract
Goldman Sachs has granted $302 million in contracts to minority and women-owned businesses for the construction of its new world headquarters, according to a statement released today. This awarding of contracts may mark the largest single project ever granted the M/WBE business program in New York State, an organization that supports the economic and entrepreneurial development of women and minorities. In a written statement, Governor David Paterson applauded Goldman Sachs for utilizing the program in its headquarters construction. “The M/WBE program continues to be an invaluable tool,” Paterson said.