Who is REBNY?
Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has been aptly described as one of the worst institutions to ever plague New York City. Its top policymakers are often referred to as a bunch of billionaire bullies who are Ravaging Every Borough of New York City.
REBNY is involved in serious matters that effect the lives of millions of New Yorkers including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY boasts more than 17,000 members, about 80% of which are hard-working real estate agents. All the agents must pay substantial dues to REBNY in order to remain employed by large real estate brokerage firms like Douglas Elliman, Corcoran Group and Halstead Property. Large numbers of these agents say they are ripped off by REBNY and don't like the fact that those who run REBNY on millions of dollars of their dues money, are abusing their economic and political power in ways that do great harm to millions of New Yorkers including their own families, friends and neighbors.
Bill Rudin, CEO and Co-Chairman of Rudin Management Company, took over as chairman of REBNY in January 2018 replacing Tishman Speyer CEO & Chairman Rob Speyer. Mr. Rudin has served as a member of REBNY's Executive Committee since 1991 and as a member of the Board of Governors since 1987. The Rudin family is one of the wealthiest families in America. In 2012, a resident outraged over Rudin turning St. Vincent's Hospital into a billion dollar luxury condo complex wrote: "Shame on Bill Rudin building a temple to himself for the rich with Luxury Apartments and no provision for a hospital for the community. Your greed will send you to the depths of Hell."?
When you think of the billionaire and multi-millionaire bullies and racketeers who are REBNY's top policymakers, think of this:
REBNY is the main bankroller of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) which allows Republicans to control the NYS Senate and prevent or hinder the progress of legislation that benefits women, workers, civil rights and the overall health and well-being of the 99%.
REBNY's billionaire bullies rake in unneeded billions of dollars in tax abatements and subsidies deemed corporate welfare, supports privatization of public services and undermines public education, public housing, rent stabilization, stability of small businesses and healthcare for all.
REBNY's policies and practices promote 100% open shop on construction jobs and a union-free environment.
"Members of REBNY's Board of Governors like Tax Cheat Stephen Ross of Related Companies (net worth $7.6 billion), President Trump's close friend Richard LeFrak of LeFrak Organization who wants to end rent stabilization (net worth $6.3 billion), Thieves Jerry and Rob Speyer of Tishman Speyer (net worth $3.9 billion), and Thieves David and Jed Walentas of Two Trees Management (net worth $2.1 billion) think union construction workers are grossly overpaid!" —Ray Rogers, director, Campaign to Stop REBNY Bullies
Other top policymakers of REBNY include Gary Barnett who staunchly supported separate entrances for lower income tenants in luxury buildings referred to as "poor doors." Fortunately after public outcries, NYC banned poor door entrances. Unfortunately, slumlords like Daniel Brodsky and others like him are welcomed members of REBNY's Executive Board and Board of Governors.
