🚕 The Reinvention of 5th Ave?

November 20, 2024

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What Up Family?

Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a lifestyle letter serving a weekly dose of real estate, culture, and wisdom—all in three minutes or less. Let’s dive in. 

 

Real Estate Remix 

On Midtown’s 5th Ave, more than 5,400 pedestrians an hour crowd the sidewalks during rush hour. I’m sure this is hardly a surprise to anyone living or working in this particular area. Now there’s a plan to reduce pedestrian traffic and restore its luster. The proposed plan (which spans 20 blocks from 60th down to Bryant Park) aims to significantly widen sidewalks, plant more than 200 trees, and add seating areas—by removing two of the street’s five traffic lanes. Having more greenspace and seating would lure New Yorkers back into these areas, however, the traffic on the avenue could increase significantly, straining already long commutes. I’m curious to hear what you think about this plan—are you for it or against it? Let me know by replying back to this email! 

 

NYC Insider: What’s Happening This Week 

Sometimes business brings me outside of NYC, and usually it’s to London, which is why I want to feature one of my favorite jazz events happening there this week. London’s EFG Jazz Festival is in full swing, with some of the best musicians in the genre filling up venues both large and small across the city. There will be legends like Robert Glasper—who’s performing tomorrow at the iconic venue, KOKO, in Camden—and emerging artists at smaller, more intimate venues around the city, too. If you find yourself in London this weekend, I’d highly recommend hitting up a show! The festival runs until Nov 24th.    

 

Weekly Gem 💎

You Are God’s Gift To Us

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, I felt it important that this week’s gem focus on gratitude for who we are. Remember: everything about you is unique. Push out all the noise that tells you you’re too short, too tall, too fat, too skinny, that your nose is too big, or your lips too thin, or that your skin color needs to be this or that. You are one-of-one and God’s gift to all of us! The way you were designed was intentional. Remember who the F you are!! Stop trying to ‘fit in’ or contort yourself beyond recognition. You are perfect as-is, so stay special. We need you.

 

The Best Homes on the Market This Week  

Here are three of my favorite fly listings in NYC across all price points.  Because Team Carte Blanche is all about the people, not the price.  

	151 E 85th, 14A  $13,450,000   5 Bed | 5.5 Bath   UES A magnificent 5-bed home in The Lucida—a full-service, luxury condo building in prime UES. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light while showcasing panoramic views to the south, west, and north. I doubt this will last long…residences in this building rarely come available.  Listed by Meylin Maldonado
	367 Grand Ave, Unit 2 $3,695,000    5 Bed | 3.5 Bath    Clinton Hill Spanning over 3,300 SF across THREE floors of an extra-wide corner brownstone, this home is special, fam! It offers a full floor dedicated to living space, plus two additional floors with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. My favorite part is the primary suite’s five-piece spa-like bathroom.  Listed by Nicholas Lounsbury
	410 Central Park West, 1D2D $1,795,000   3 Bed | 2 Bath    UWS An exquisite co-op residence that offers a blend of classic charm and modern luxury. This spacious 1,700 duplex boasts a lavish living space, chef’s kitchen with a custom-built windowed banquette, and high end appliances. Listed by Avi Alkotzer

Who wants a tour?

Before you go…

🏅: Michelin added 19 more restaurants to its NYC list. Find out which ones made the cut here. 

💲: Big news for my NYC-ers with the recent passing of the F.A.R.E act. Now, broker fees will be paid by the person that hires them. There is misinformation out there that tenants will ‘never pay a fee’ which is inaccurate. However, the days of landlords hiring brokers and then putting the onus on the tenant to pay both sides is “over” (180 days to take effect). This may lead to many ‘yet to be determined’ consequences but the current model was untenable and unfair as someone who often represents tenants can attest. Our industry mostly aligned with landlords and protecting their interests which was telling. 🤔 What are your thoughts? Sound off!

👟: I have my eyes on the iconic Air Jordan 3 “Black Cements” [OG colorway] that’s dropping but my wide feet are in the way! Where do you rank these on ‘your best of’ list?

🦃: Baked macaroni & cheese has to be my favorite Thanksgiving dish and my Aunt Odessia’s recipe never fails me. What’s your favorite TG recipe? Let’s swap! Send me yours and I’ll send you mine.   

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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Let’s talk.

Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?