NAIOP NYC and the New York chapter of AAREA have joined forces to host a networking event on September 18 at Yankee Stadium’s Audi Club. This will be the first-ever soccer-specific venue built in New York City, making it a unique and exciting location for this event. In anticipation of the gathering, Connect CRE spoke with NAIOP NYC leadership for a sneak peek. Here’s what they had to say:
Q: How long have NAIOP NYC and AAREA NY chapter been collaborating on networking events?
A: While we have not partnered before, Tim Oberweger (NAIOP Communications Chair) did moderate an AREAA Manhattan/Jia Law Group event over the summer where Jason Jia was his mentee while studying at Brooklyn Law School.
Q: It is common for industry associations to sponsor networking events alone or as their main focus. What benefits do associations and their members gain from teaming up with other groups?
A: Collaborations between local chapters of industry associations are quite common; however, this type of partnership is less frequent in New York City compared to other markets.
Q: Aside from providing valuable networking opportunities, what makes this particular event special? What key takeaways can attendees expect?
A: We will be discussing the new stadium currently being constructed for NYCFC which ties perfectly into your next question.
Q: In 2027, Willets Point in Queens will welcome its first-ever soccer-specific stadium thanks to a public-private partnership between New York City FC and The Big Apple itself. This development also includes affordable housing units, public schools,a hotel,and retail shops surrounded by open space accessible by all citizens.What makes this project noteworthy?
A:The significance lies within all that you mentioned – it marks not only as being the very first soccer-specific stadium built within city limits but also provides much-needed affordable housing options along with amenities such as schools,hospitality services,and shopping outlets.Furthermore, as a lifelong New Yorker,I can attest to the discussions surrounding how to better utilize Willets Point. I have attended many Jets/Mets games where street parking was the only option,and most of these streets were unpaved and filled with “chop shops.” This development is long overdue and will greatly improve not just the neighborhood,but also Queens,New York City,and even the Tri-State area as a whole.
