Very Different Narratives of Google, Amazon and NYC

From left: Paul Darrah, John H. Banks/ photo credit: Ed Lederman

NEW YORK CITY—Paul Darrah, director of real estate NYC at Google, formerly was an architect before Michael Bloomberg tapped him to head real estate for Bloomberg LP. So, he has been around the block in navigating the city’s real estate terrain. Speaking with the Real Estate Board of New York’s president John H. Banks, at the association’s members spring luncheon, Darrah emphasized that any companies coming into New York should ask how they impact the community where they are residing.

“For us, since we started our New York presence, we have partnered with the local community. We have partnered with local officials. We have contributed in significant ways to the local community. That’s how we have grown, matured and developed our presence in New York,” said Darrah. “I think it’s a good strategy and it has been good for us.”