Since the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers expired and interest in buying has declined accordingly, the Wall Street Journal looks at how some NYC developers are offering their own $8,000 "tax credit" (concession) to appeal to buyers However, instead of, say, $8,000 to go to closing costs, one Williamsburg building is offering "move-in bonuses" like "a $2,500 voucher for cleaning services; one year of free parking, a $2,500 gift card to Ritz-Carlton Resorts and Hotels, $2,500 toward closing costs or a free designer-created terrace setting that includes plantings, furnishings and décor." David Maundrell, who helped developed the concept, explained, "While it's easy to offer people an $8,000 credit, it's kind of dry and there's no excitement about it." Yeah, who wants $8,000 compared to $2,500? more ›

After years of hemorrhaging film production business to cheaper locations like Canada, New York City is seeing a spike in movie shoots, back up to the pre-9/11 level. Bloomberg reports that the city saw a 36% rise in production last year, with over 245 movies and television shows shot citywide in 2007. A consulting group hired by the mayor’s office determined that the industry pumps $5 billion a year into the economy and employs some 100,000 people. more ›