Section 2 guides students through what to look for during a development project review while considering regulatory requirements, cap rates, and other factors that impact development decisions. Furthermore, it provides resources for gathering critical information as students learn to identify needs and compare opportunities.

Presented by Amy Nagy, this section consists of three (3) modules:

1. Larger Market Factors
2. Market Study
3. Feasibility

Amy Nagy is the founder and principal of WindsorTurner, a boutique real estate management, development, and consulting firm. She works in Western New York and beyond, looking for ways to combine her interest in the space where real estate and community development meet. She sees real estate development as an economic development tool and takes pride in advocating for the interests of both.

Amy is dedicated to community building and forges the relationships to prove it. Locally she has worked on projects including Elmwood Crossing, Heritage Point, MidCity Apartments, along with the Erie Downtown Development Corporation redevelopment project in Erie, PA. Amy serves as a local leader as a board member for NAIOP Upstate New York and a founding member of ULI Western New York’s Women’s Leadership Initiative. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from San Diego State University and obtained her master’s degree in Economics from the University at Buffalo.

Section 3 covers how architects and other design professionals can help developers with an early indication of parameters that will work with a particular place and/or building. This class will provide an overview of building codes, design requirements, and the various roles of professional design consultants in determining if planned improvements can be built in an attractive, timely, and cost-effective manner.

Presented by Kisha Patterson, this section consists of three (3) modules:

1. Architects & Early Engagement
2. Zoning & Compliance for Developers
3. Working with Existing & Historic Buildings

Kisha Patterson is a historic preservation architect, artist, and practicing activist. A seasoned project architect with more than two decades of experience in the A/E industry, Patterson is the owner and founder of Kisha Patterson Architect. Patterson is also the project architect at CPL.

Earning her BS in Architectural Studies at Florida A&M University and her Master of Architecture degree from SUNY Buffalo, Patterson is passionate about reusing buildings. She revitalizes our cities to promote economic development, environmental responsibility, social justice, and sustainable growth–without sacrificing cultural and architectural heritage.

Section 4 gives students the basics of project and cash flow pro forma financial models using Excel. A sample case study will be used to illustrate key assumptions and inputs. This section offers insight into calculations students will use to analyze profitability. Students will learn to refine assumptions about revenue, costs, and other inputs. It will dig deeper into calculations to analyze profitability. Moreover, this section will show students how to generate their own project pro forma and how to refine assumptions about revenue, costs, and other inputs.

Presented by Mythea Mazzola, this section consists of five (5) modules:

1. Intro to Financial Modeling
2. Excel Review & Development Model
3. Project Details & Pro Forma
4. Sources & Uses
5. Tips & Takeaways

Section 5 teaches students the process of getting a property “under contract” or completing a signed purchase agreement. This session also reviews the elements of due diligence and the property investigation process. Students will develop knowledge of other contractual requirements, such as loan agreements and construction agreements.

Presented by Divitta Alexander and Sujata Yalamanchili, this section consists of four (4) modules:

1. Background Considerations — Creating a Financial Plan (Alexander)
2. Team Development — Developing a Team and Sources (Alexander)
3. Ownership Structure (Yalamanchili)
4. Site Control (Yalamanchili)

Divitta Alexander is a managing member of Divitta Alexander PLLC. Her practice focuses on commercial real estate and community development law, with a concentration in affordable and mixed-income housing transactions and other complex real estate development transactions. Ms. Alexander has over a decade of experience practicing law in New York State and has represented for-profit and not-for-profit developers, public and private lenders, grantors, and investors on projects.

Sujata Yalamanchili is a partner with Hodgson Russ LLP. She has extensive experience in business and commercial real estate development, commercial leasing, and real estate investment and financing. Ms. Yalamanchili’s background includes structuring acquisition and development projects for office, distribution, and manufacturing facilities; and advising retail sector developers and operators in development. Before attending law school, Ms. Yalamanchili worked as a financial analyst for a Fortune 50 company, where her responsibilities included cost accounting, project analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

Section 6 offers an opportunity for students to learn about the different stakeholders involved in the real estate process. Students will learn how to connect with the local community, interest groups, nearby residents, landowners, and social and political organizations to get valuable feedback early in the development process.

Presented by Sandra White, this section consists of one (1) module:

1. Stakeholder Engagement

Sandra White is the creative force behind the Mustard Seed World Consulting Group, a New York State-certified M/WBE, and DBE firm. As owner, this veteran American Planning Association award-winning urban planner, communications, and community outreach specialist directs a talented team of experts specializing in community development and the transformation of neighborhoods.

Sandy believes that through meaningful engagement of community stakeholders, effective plans can be created where transformation can occur. Her experienced team of planners and experts capture a community’s big-picture dreams, aspirations, and hopes using an imaginative, engaging, and successful visioning and strategic planning process.

Section 7 familiarizes the students with the range of local regulations governing site planning and feasibility while exploring the process for applying for and securing planning board approval and other necessary approvals, such as the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).

Presented by Adam Walters, this section consists of three (3) modules:

1. The Green Code
2. Site Plan Reviews
3. Variances & Special Use Permits

Adam Walters, J.D. is a partner with Phillips Lytle LLP. Mr. Walters’ practice focuses on real estate development — from initial planning and entity formation to project completion, including litigation related to project development.

Mr. Walters is particularly experienced in land use and zoning matters including environmental impact review according to the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. He also serves as an adjunct instructor for the University at Buffalo’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

Section 8 helps students to understand the financing process. This session investigates how to calculate payments, interest, and principal and their impact on a pro forma. The students will also examine how personal finances can factor into the approval process for commercial property loans. Students will review sample documents that lenders often require.

Presented by Royce Woods, this section consists of four (4) modules:

1. Capital Markets
2. The Process
3. The Numbers
4. Cash Flow and Credit

Royce Woods is Vice President for Community Development Lending at Citizens Bank. Previously Mr. Woods was the Chief Diversity Officer at Evans Bank. Additionally, Mr. Woods was the Executive Director of the Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center.

Mr. Woods spent over 10 years as a commercial banker in the Pittsburgh and Atlanta markets. He also worked for the City of Buffalo’s Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning where he was responsible for financial viability analysis of some of the city’s largest development projects. Royce has a BA in Finance from Hampton University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Section 9 investigates alternative financing options available to developers. Students will also become familiar with the state, federal, and local incentives available for real estate development.

Presented by Jason Yots and Rich Rogers, this section consists of two (2) modules:

1. Historic and Brownfield Tax Credits (Yots)
2. Alternative Funding Sources (Rogers)

Jason Yots Yots has been a tax credit development attorney since 1996 and is currently a partner at the law firm of Cannon Heyman & Weiss in Buffalo, NY. Jason previously was principal and the President of Preservation Studios, an historic preservation consulting firm. He continues to operate Common Bond Real Estate, a real estate development company that rehabilitates historic buildings in Western New York.

Richard Rogers is an attorney whose practice concentrates on real estate development, especially projects utilizing historic, brownfield (new market tax credits), and opportunity zone incentives. He has a strong interest in land use and municipal law, especially using conservation to fight suburban sprawl. Richard has an M.U.P. and is a Principal at Urban Vantage, an urban planning and real estate development consulting firm; and a partner at Small Change, a funding portal democratizing development and investment opportunities.

Section 10 focuses on cost estimates and the cost management process. Students will learn about best practices and techniques for estimating total construction costs. This section enables students to understand the construction process—the various contracting approaches available to construct a project—and to what degree each entity (Owner/Developer/ Construction Manager/Contractor) is exposed to various risks associated with constructing a project.

Presented by Chris Hogan, this section consists of six (6) modules:

1. Intro to Construction Means and Methods
2. Evaluating & Selecting a Team
3. Construction Cost Estimating
4. Planning, Design & Permitting
5. Contracts & Agreements
6. Construction Phase & Closeout

Christopher Hogan is the Chief Operating Officer of RP Oak Hill Building Company Inc. Mr. Hogan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.

A New York State Licensed Professional Engineer and LEED Accredited Professional, Mr. Hogan has over 40 years of experience on numerous construction projects. He also serves as an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning.

Section 11 offers strategies for marketing and leasing a property. Students will learn about the different types of leasing (residential vs. office) and agreements (triple net vs. gross), how to find the right tenant, and the key elements of a good lease. It also looks at accounting practices and how they impact the long-term viability of the development project. Students will learn how to keep their property in good condition and maintain strong relationships with tenants.

Presented by Art Hall, this section consists of two (2) modules:

1. Promotional Marketing
2. Contractual Marketing

Art Hall is the President of Hallmark Planning & Development, LLC. Hallmark Planning & Development is a minority urban planning and commercial real estate consulting firm specializing in community planning, placemaking, environmental justice, and commercial real estate.

In his previous role as the Senior Project Manager at Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), Mr. Hall developed next-generation planning and economic development strategies for a 35-acre campus. Additionally, Mr. Hall facilitated the New York State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) designation to develop a community-based, area-wide plan for brownfield remediation and redevelopment incentives.