An MAS panel last Wednesday night spoke to the multitude of merits of preserving industrial heritage, says the New York Times.  In addition to the social significance of industrial factories and work life in American history, the panel pointed out the economic and environmental benefits of preserving industrial buildings and infrastructure, such as providing critical blue collar jobs and reducing construction waste.  Watch a video summary of the panel here.

In other news, studies on the impacts of parks on proximate residential property values are sparking interest in directing property taxes toward parks. The Friends of Hudson River Park is examining models, such as Business Improvement Districts, that could tap into increased property values and get residents and businesses to act as stewards for their neighboring parks. (Gotham Gazette).

A church sells its air rights in East Harlem (New York Times)

The municipal bond market is starting to unfreeze (Crain’s New York Business)