| US Office Occupancies, Rents Rise Near Pre-Sept. 11 Levels
April 17 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. office rents rose 11 percent in the first quarter and vacancies dipped close to the lowest since before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as companies added employees, increasing demand for working space. Rents gained as the average office vacancy rate in U.S. downtowns fell to 9.9 percent in the first quarter, from 12.6 percent a year earlier, according to data provided by New York- based real estate services provider Cushman & Wakefield. Annual rents rose to $29.66 a square foot from $26.76. ``We see at least three more quarters of vacancy-rate reductions and rent increases pretty much across the board,'' Maria Sicola, executive managing director for research services at Cushman, said in an interview. This would come from ``growth in the employment sector, particularly white-collar employment, coupled with very restrictive supply,'' she said.
New York Yankees valued at US$1.2 billion by Forbes
The New York Yankees' value increased 17 per cent in the past year to US$1.2 billion, Forbes magazine said Thursday in its annual estimates of franchise worth. The Florida Marlins, given the lowest value at $244 million, had the highest operating income at $43.3 million, according to the magazine. "As usual, the franchise valuations and operating income numbers are pure fantasy and based on no correct information," Marlins president David Samson said. "To comment on such irresponsible journalism would only give it more credit than it deserves." The magazine defended its story. "Forbes compiles its annual valuations of Major League Baseball franchises based on information obtained from team executives, sports bankers, public documents, and other sources believed to be reliable," spokeswoman Elizabeth Wasden said.
Brooklyn trio charged as graffiti vandals for defacing subway tunnel
Three alleged members of a major graffiti crew have been indicted on charges of causing more than $10,000 in damage by vandalizing one of the "L" line subway tunnels and emergency exits with spray paint. Two of the alleged crew members are also charged with spray painting their "tags" on two Long Island City buildings a month earlier. The District Attorney identified the defendants as Miles Wickham, 22, (a/k/a "RESKEW," "RSKW" and "RW"), of 404 5th Street; Michael Baca, 22, (a/k/a "2ESAE" - pronounced Too Easy), of 545 Meeker Avenue; and Raul Mendez, 35 (a/k/a "DRO"), of 1738 East New York Avenue, all of Brooklyn. The three defendants, who are alleged members of ACC (which stands for All City Crew and Another Crime Committed) are variously charged in a 43-count indictment with second- and fourth-degree criminal mischief, making graffiti and third-degree criminal trespass. If convicted, each of the defendants faces up to seven years in prison.
Central Park Gears Up For Summer
The schedule of this year's Central Park Summerstage—a series of free concerts put on in the Rumsey Playfield area of New York's largest park—has been announced, with artists including Television and Neko Case slated to take stage. In addition to these free shows, at least two pay-for-admission benefit concerts will take place in the Playfield: Joss Stone, Common and Ryan Shaw will open the series June 8 and the Decemberists will perform July 16 alongside Grizzly Bear. As it develops, more information will become available on the Summerstage website.
Schedule For Central Park Summerstage:
06/08 - Joss Stone; Common; Ryan Shaw*
06/15 - Cassandra Wilson
06/16 - Television; Dragons Of Zynth
06/22 - Comedy Central Park With Dave Attell
07/16 - The Decemberists; Grizzly Bear*
07/20 - Neko Case; Eric Bachman
07/27 - David Parsons Dance Company; Cedar Lake Dance Ensemble
07/29 - Wild Style Reunion With The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, The Cold Crush Brothers, Grand Master Caz, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore
08/05 - Camille A.
U-Haul Offers 30 Days of Free Storage to New Jersey Flood Victims
PENNSAUKEN, N.J., April 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The U-Haul Company of Southern New Jersey is offering 30 days of free storage to families that have been affected by recent flooding. Families that need more information about the 30-day free self-storage assistance program should contact the following facilities. "These floods have caused tremendous damage and inflicted extreme hardship on the communities we serve," stated Paul Kelly, marketing company president, U-Haul Company of Southern New Jersey. "I hope this effort will provide assistance to families that truly need a helping hand. We will continue to help our friends and neighbors in this time of need." Since 1945, U-Haul has been the undisputed choice for the do-it-yourself mover, with a network of more than 15,400 locations in all 50 United States and 10 Canadian provinces.
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