Gershon Alexander's Affiliations

• International Council of Shopping Centers

• NJAA

Gershon Alexander's Publications

• Gershon Alexander on the ICSC December, 2010 By: Gershon Alexander As a Commercial Developer of the Main Street Commons in Peekskill, New York, I am a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), which serves as the global industry association for those who build and manage commerce developments. ICSC’s stated goal of advancing the shopping center industry drives its activities and initiatives. In pursuit of this objective, the Council provides educational programs in a variety of aspects of the shopping center business, serves as a forum for idea exchange, collects statistical data and performs research on the industry, offers certification programs that help sector professionals adhere to high standards, advocates for the industry in local, regional, national, and international governmental organizations, and acts as a liaison between the industry and the public. In 1957, seven retailers in Chicago met and decided to form an association for the shopping center trade. Within two months, the Council included 36 members, who elected ICSC’s first board of trustees. From the original 7, ICSC has grown to 60,000 members from more than 80 countries including the United States and Canada. Shopping center developers, managers, owners, investors, and other professionals maintain ICSC membership and benefit from the Council’s many initiatives and networking opportunities. Today’s ICSC includes an Office of Global Public Policy that advocates to influence regulations and legislation affecting its worldwide membership. For more information about joining the organization, visit icsc.org .

• Real Estate Trivia January, 2011 By: Gershon Alexander Since real estate became a practice centuries ago, the industry has accumulated a trove of fascinating and insightful bits of trivia. The Eiffel Tower stands at an astounding 984 feet, and is still considered one of the world’s tallest buildings. You think your house was expensive? Kansai International Airport, based on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Japan, cost $15 billion. [Posted by Tdk] According to recent research, the average price for a single-family home in the U.S. is $230,000. Former U.S. president and Declaration of Independence author Thomas Jefferson designed his own home, the stately Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. [Posted by YF12s] Confused about your property’s boundaries? New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah all share a common border, giving the area the name of the Four Corners. Even when the market is down, real estate is considered to be one of the soundest long-term investments one can make. The most expensive real estate in the world can be found on Fifth Avenue in New York City, which sells for $580 per square foot. [Posted by A. Balet]

• A Brief History of the City of Peekskill, New York, Gershon Alexander January, 2011 Gershon Alexander’s PAG Investmenst has recently overseen a commercial development project called Main Street Commons in Peekskill, New York. Located 50 miles north of New York City, the city was home to nearly 25,000 people as of July 2009. Photograph of Peekskill’s historic district, taken by Daniel Case. The town derives its name from the founder of the first settlement in the area, New Amsterdam resident Jan Peeck, who formalized a contract with the native residents of the region called the Ryck's Patent Deed of 1684. The modern name is formed by blending the two words of the original name: Peeck’s Kil (“kil” means “stream” in Dutch). Lightly settled until American Revolutionary times, Peekskill grew in population and consequence through the manufacturing industry that thrived in town. Attracted by the manufacturing potential of Peekskill, the Continental Army made its headquarters in the town in 1776. Peekskill’s mills produced gunpowder, leather, planks, and flour for the troops. Incorporated as a village in 1816, Peekskill was legally absorbed into the Town of Cortlandt in 1849 and did not regain independent status until officially becoming its own city in 1940. Peekskill has played home to a number of prominent individuals over the years, including Richard E. Jackson, a Peekskill mayor and the first African-American major in the state of New York; T. C. Boyle, a well-respected contemporary novelist; and NBA stars Elton Brand and Hilton Armstrong. On October 9, 1992, a meteor struck blazed its way across sky on the East Coast, breaking up and eventually striking a Chevy Impala in Peekskill. Weighing 27.3 pounds, the Peekskill Meteorite is the fourth meteorite in history for which the exact orbit is known. It is also one of the most extensively studied meteorites, owing to the 16 videos that captured its journey.

• Using the Right Gear: Hiking (Part 2), Gershon Alexander March, 2011 Using the Right Gear: Hiking (Part 1) By: Gershon Alexander Compared to running, hiking requires more extensive preparation and specialized gear. Of course, this depends on the difficulty and type of hiking that you plan to do; supplies for a day trip in one of the many parks and preserves in New Jersey, for example, will differ dramatically from what you need to thru-hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Despite these considerations, basic hiking gear remains fairly simple. Make footwear your first priority. Because hiking puts particular stress on your feet and your ankles, good hiking boots should give you the comfort, solidity, and traction you need to tackle any surface. In addition to stability, your boots should provide protection from the elements you encounter on your hike, including dirt, mud, and water. To keep your feet warm and dry, look for boots made from water-resistant materials, like Gore-Tex or treated leather; a gusseted tongue also keeps out gravel and other loose elements. Finding good hiking socks are just as crucial to hiking as the boots themselves, since they add another layer of comfort between your foot and the ground. Your socks need to keep your feet dry and at the right temperature, so choose thick socks with moisture-wicking material that can provide both ventilation and thermal properties. Wearing shirts, pants, jackets, and hats made of durable and breathable material can protect your body from the great outdoors, especially if you plan to hike in dense foliage. Apart from these necessities, you can chose from a wide array of hiking accessories to enhance your experience, including backpacks, navigational tools, hiking sticks, and more. Like running gear, hiking gear depends largely on the weather, the area, and your plans, so always dress to maximize your comfort, safety, and ability to move. Once you feel secure about your gear, you can enjoy what hiking and running are all about: healthy and inspiring exercise.

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