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Airbnb invites you to stay at Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse for free
The Barbie season is officially approaching. The live-action film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is coming to theaters next month, bringing countless opportunities to experience a life in a Barbie world. Fans of the iconic Mattel dolls now have a chance to book a stay in Barbie’s Malibu house thanks to Airbnb. The vacation rental marketplace offers two one-night stays at the actual Barbie dreamhouse. The Californian mansion is a real-life iteration of the world-famous toy that first appeared in stores in 1962. This is not the first time this dreamhouse opened its doors to visitors. In 2019, the hot-pink home appeared on Airbnb in honor of Barbie’s 60th anniversary. This summer, Ken is hosting two one-night stays for up to two guests in this newly renovated mansion. All stays will be free of charge. (Image credit: Airbnb) “We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.” The booking includes a stay at the oceanfront mansion with an infinity pool, access to Ken’s wardrobe for the best beach outfits, and a chance to learn new moves at an outdoor disco dance area. In addition, the lucky guests will also receive their very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala skates and a surfboard. Once you arrive at the property, you will be greeted by a concierge, who will show you around and arrange your meals. (Image credit: Airbnb) The booking for Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse will open on Monday, July 17, at 10 a.m. PT. The first one-night stay will take place on July 21, 2023, – the day the long-anticipated Barbie movie will hit theaters. In addition, Airbnb will also make a one-time donation to Save the Children. The extraordinary mansion will also welcome guests on July 22. The entire stay is free. However, guests will be responsible for their own travel. Resources: “Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse is back on Airbnb – but this time, Ken’s hosting,” (Airbnb, 2023) “An official ‘Barbie’ dreamhouse has been unveiled – and it’s on Airbnb,” by Phil de Semlyen (Time Out, 2023) “Airbnb is offering a free stay at Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse—here’s how to book,” by Nicolas Vega (CNBC, 2023) “Barbie’s Dream House Is Available to Rent on Airbnb, and Yes, It’s in Malibu,” by McKinley Franklin (Variety, 2023) “Take a look inside Barbie's Malibu Dreamhouse — it's kitschy, it's hot pink, and it's available on Airbnb,” by Amanda Goh (Business Insider, 2023)
NYC’s congestion pricing plan receives final federal approval
New York City will soon officially become the first city in the United States that changes drivers looking to enter its busy streets. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) received final federal approval. This approval allows New York City to launch a congestion pricing policy as early as next spring. The tolling program covers Manhattan below 60th Street. After a 30-day public review process, the Federal Highway Administration issued a “Finding of No Significant Impact” for NYC's congestion pricing plan. Now, the MTA – the agency responsible for implementing this program – could charge drivers every time they enter Manhattan during peak hours. However, the MTA is still working on some final details, including toll rates, discounts, and exemptions. "Congestion pricing will reduce traffic in our crowded downtown, improve air quality and provide critical resources to the MTA.” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud of the thorough Environmental Assessment process we conducted, including responding to thousands of comments from community members from across the region. With the green light from the federal government, we look forward to moving ahead with the implementation of this program." Last month, the MTA published its final environmental assessment, which includes tolling rates that range from $9 to $23 for cars, motorcycles, and commercial vans. Small trucks will be charged $12 to $65, and drivers of larger trucks will have to pay anywhere from $12 to $82. The congestion pricing plan faced resistance from New Jersey officials. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Senator Bob Menendez, and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. released a statement criticizing the decision to approve this initiative. "All New Jersey drivers entering Manhattan using the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels and George Washington Bridge must be exempt from New York’s Congestion Tax,” said New Jersey officials in a joint statement. “We will not stop fighting until we defeat this plan and ensure New York is not allowed to balance its budget on the backs of hard-working New Jersey families. That’s a Jersey promise." Although New York is the first city in the United States to implement such a policy, similar tolling programs exist in other parts of the world, including Singapore, Stockholm, London, and Milan. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 700,000 vehicles entered the Central Business District (CBD) daily. These cars travel, on average, only 7 miles per hour in the CBD and even slower in Midtown, according to the MTA. Resources: “NYC Is Cleared for First-in-US Congestion Tolls as Soon as April,” by Michelle Kaske (Bloomberg, 2023) “Feds give final approval to New York’s congestion pricing program,” by Ben Brachfeld (amNY, 2023) “Congestion pricing is coming to New York City, officials announce,” by Nathaniel Meyersohn (CNN, 2023) “Federal Highway Administration approves Manhattan congestion pricing plan,” by Marcia Kramer and Dick Brennan (CBS New York, 2023) “MTA receives final federal approval for congestion pricing,” by Eyewitness News (ABC 7 NY, 2023)
New York City Council introduces a bill that will require landlords to pay broker fees
It is not an easy time to be a New York City renter. New Yorkers looking to sign leases in the city must battle rising rents, fierce competition, and limited inventory. In addition, NYC renters also need to include additional expenses in their budget, such as broker fees and security deposit, apart from the monthly rent. However, the costs associated with signing a lease may soon go down for prospective tenants. The New York City Council unveiled a new bill requiring those who hire real estate agents to pay broker fees. Currently, NYC renters are responsible for paying a one-time broker fee that typically ranges from one month’s rent to 15 percent of the annual rent. This bill would provide substantial financial relief to tenants since, in most cases, landlords and building management companies are the ones who hire real estate agents. “The bill is fair and simple: whichever party hires the broker will have to pay the broker fee,” Council member and co-sponsor of the bill, Chi Ossé, said in a tweet. “Far too often, tenants are paying fees to a broker that their landlord or building’s management company have hired. This makes the already-stressful NYC housing process even more expensive and difficult than it already is.” This piece of legislation, known as the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act, would not cap broker fees in any way. However, real estate agents warn that it may negatively impact brokers' commissions and push rents up. Those who oppose this legislation argue that NYC building owners will raise rents to pay broker fees. If the bill passes, it will take effect 60 days after it becomes law. “Instead of dealing with the housing crisis, this bill is a wasteful distraction that does far more harm than good,” the REBNY said in the email sent to Commercial Observer. “The legislation wrongly punishes real estate agents for a housing shortage and rising rents they did not create, while falsely claiming it will also improve the home search process for renters.” New York City has tried to change its broker fee rules multiple times. For a brief moment in 2020, NY renters were no longer required to pay broker fees. In January 2020, the New York Department of State issued new guidance that banned the collection of broker fees. In response, the real estate brokerage filed a lawsuit. A year later, an Albany County judge ruled against this guidance. Resources: “NYC Council bill would require broker fees be paid by ‘hiring party’,” by Devin Gannon (6sqft, 2023) “City Lawmakers to Try to Make Landlords Pay Residential Broker Fees,” by Mark Hallum (Commercial Observer, 2023) “You will still have to pay broker fees in NYC,” by Shaye Weaver (Time Out, 2021) “New York officially gives real estate agents the go-ahead to collect broker fees,” by Devin Gannon (6sqft, 2021)