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In this powerhouse episode of Realty Speak, I sit down with George Fontas and Frank Ricci of Fontas Advisors – two experts who’ve helped shape and navigate New York’s most complex political and regulatory landscapes.
We break down how public affairs strategy, political relationships and coalition-building directly influence real estate development, rent regulation and housing policy in NYC.
George shares how he built Fontas Advisors into a trusted partner for zoning, lobbying and alliance-building. Frank reflects on decades of hands-on experience, from co-founding SPONY to advocating through the RSA and NYAA.
This one’s packed with real stories, sharp insights and must-hear takeaways for anyone who owns, manages, or influences housing in New York.
Links to items mentioned in the episode:
SPONY – Small Property Owners of New York
NYC Open Primaries
New York Private Housing Finance Law Section 610: Process Guidance for Owners Updated March 2025
Local Regulated Housing Restoration Adjustment aka LRHRA.
Assembly Bill A7757 (Previously A6772A) – STATUS as per NY State Assembly website – 04/08/2025 In Assembly Committee.
Senate Bill S6904 (Previously S6352A) – STATUS as per NY State Senate website – 03/26/2025 In Senate Committee.
To Reach George:
George Fontas
Office – 212-408-1920
Email – george@fontasadvisors.com
https://fontasadvisors.com/george-fontas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgefontas/
To Reach Frank:
Frank Ricci
Office – 212-408-1920
Email – frank@fontasadvisors.com
https://fontasadvisors.com/frank-ricci
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-ricci-b237179/
To Reach Bill:
As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own.
Email bill@billweidner.com
Call/Text 917-232-8529.
Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com
Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/
ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/
ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify – Apple Podcast – Podcast Republic for Android
Additional Resources from Bill:
NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/
Property Owner and Property Manager Resources
https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources
https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/
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