New York

NEW YORK CITY-After five years of overseeing business development at the WTCA, Robert DiChiara has been promoted to executive vice president of the not-for-profit organization. He joined the organization in 1997.

STAMFORD, CT-Ending an office search that lasted more than two years, international global information solutions firm Thomson Corp. will significantly expand its corporate presence here with its signed leases at Metro Center and First Stamford Place totaling more than 130,000 sf of office space.

NEW YORK CITY-We're on the threshold of war, there are no jobs, the Bush tax plan is a dubious bet and business confidence is still in the dumpster. So why is Mark Zandi so upbeat?

NEW YORK CITY-During an event held here late last week, three real estate appraisal experts explained the harsh realities facing valuations of Lower Manhattan real estate. Unfortunately, said the experts, a turnaround in property assessments is not in the foreseeable future.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY-An affiliate of GHP Office Realty of White Plains reports it has purchased 145 Huguenot St., a 300,000-sf office building in downtown New Rochelle.

STAMFORD, CT-AvalonBay Communities has acquired Avalon at Greyrock, a 306-unit high-rise in downtown Stamford for $69.9 million. The move greatly increases its presence in the lower Fairfield County marketplace.

NEW YORK CITY-Retail management technology provider QRS signs an eight-year deal at what was briefly the world's tallest building. Previous tenant iWon.com moves downstairs to the 35-story property's second floor.

NEW YORK CITY-Community Board One has fired the opening salvo in what promises to be a fierce battle over the proposed Edward J. Minskoff building at 270 Greenwich St. Board members say it's too big, too tall, and totally ill-conceived.