Beth Zafonte

- 666 5th Ave 20th Floor, New York, NY 10103

In the high-stakes and intricate world of New York City real estate, the success of a major development project or a corporate relocation often hinges on more than just location and market trends. It depends on securing the right financing and navigating the complex landscape of economic development incentives. This is where a specialized real estate consultant like Beth Zafonte, a key figure at the prestigious law firm Akerman LLP, becomes an indispensable partner. Beth Zafonte’s expertise lies not in traditional brokerage, but in a highly specific and valuable niche: advising real estate developers, Fortune 500 companies, and other large institutions on how to identify, obtain, and structure billions of dollars in economic incentives and real estate financing.

Her work is crucial for complex urban renewal projects and major corporate transactions that shape the skyline and economy of New York. As the Director of Economic Development Services at Akerman, she provides a broad suite of services that go beyond conventional real estate advice. Her role is to serve as a strategic consultant and project manager, ensuring that large-scale, multi-faceted projects are not only feasible but also financially optimized. This article will explore the unique value proposition offered by Beth Zafonte, highlighting her professional location, her specialized services, and the key features that make her a recognized leader in her field.

Location and Accessibility

Beth Zafonte is based at 666 5th Ave, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10103, USA, within the offices of Akerman LLP. This address is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, one of the most iconic and strategic commercial locations in the world. Situated on Fifth Avenue, the building is at the epicenter of business, finance, and commerce, providing a central and prestigious meeting point for high-level clients and stakeholders. The location's prominence reflects the scale and significance of the projects that Beth Zafonte and her team handle.

Accessibility is excellent due to the building’s prime position. It is located near several major subway stations, including those serving the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines, making it easily reachable from all parts of New York City. The presence of a wheelchair accessible entrance at the address ensures that the office is welcoming and convenient for everyone. The surrounding area is a nexus of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, and professional services, which further enhances the firm's ability to engage with a wide network of industry leaders and key decision-makers. This strategic location is a testament to the high-level consulting work performed and its impact on the city's development.

Services Offered

• Real Estate and Economic Development Consulting:

  Beth Zafonte specializes in advising clients on the structure, valuation, and negotiation of complex real estate projects. Her work focuses on helping clients understand and obtain economic development incentives, including tax abatements, bond financings, sales tax exemptions, and grants. This specialized consulting is crucial for developers and corporations undertaking large-scale projects in New York, where these incentives can significantly impact a project's financial viability.

• Real Estate Financing Solutions:

  A significant part of her practice involves securing various forms of real estate financing. She is an expert in leveraging tools such as New Markets Tax Credit financings and other government-backed programs to provide her clients with capital at favorable terms. Her role is to connect clients with the right financial sources and help them structure deals that are both innovative and efficient, ensuring the successful funding of major real estate developments and corporate expansions.

• Project Management and Stakeholder Alignment:

  Clients rely on Beth Zafonte as a project manager to oversee third parties, align stakeholders, and ensure the overall feasibility of complex projects. She is known for her ability to coordinate various moving parts and bring together diverse groups—from architects and engineers to legal teams and government agencies—to achieve a unified and successful outcome. This hands-on, project-management approach ensures that every aspect of the project is meticulously planned and executed.

• Corporate Relocation and Retention Advisory:

  Beth Zafonte provides critical advisory services for corporations considering relocating or expanding their operations. She helps these companies navigate the incentives landscape, identifying and securing packages that include tax credits, grants, and other benefits to facilitate their move or expansion. Her expertise in this area is vital for corporate leaders who need to make strategic real estate decisions that have a profound impact on their business and bottom line.

Features / Highlights

• Specialized Niche Expertise:

  Beth Zafonte’s primary strength is her deep and highly specialized expertise in economic development incentives and financing for large-scale real estate projects. While most real estate agencies focus on buying and selling, she operates in a different league, providing strategic, high-level consulting that can unlock billions of dollars in value for her clients. Her work with programs like Opportunity Zones, EB-5 financing, and various tax abatement programs sets her apart as a leading authority in the field.

• Extensive Professional Experience:

  With more than 35 years of experience, Beth Zafonte has helped clients identify over $3 billion in economic development incentives. Her impressive client list includes major corporations like Hearst Communications, JP Morgan Chase, and Whole Foods Market. This extensive background and proven track record demonstrate her capability to handle some of the most complex and significant real estate transactions in the United States.

• Active Voice in the Industry:

  Beth Zafonte is a recognized and active voice in the commercial real estate community. She holds leadership roles in prominent industry organizations, including WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate and The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). Her involvement and thought leadership in these organizations signify her deep connections and influence within the New York real estate ecosystem, which she leverages for the benefit of her clients.

• Collaborative and Comprehensive Approach:

  As a Director within Akerman LLP, she benefits from and contributes to a collaborative environment that provides opportunities to work across various practice groups. This ensures that clients receive a holistic suite of legal and real estate services. Her ability to work with and manage third-party professionals is a key feature of her service, offering a comprehensive solution for even the most intricate projects.

Contact Information

Address: 666 5th Ave 20th Floor, New York, NY 10103, USA

Phone: (212) 880-3800

Mobile Phone: +1 212-880-3800

What is worth choosing

For large-scale real estate developers and institutional investors in New York, the choice of a consultant is a strategic decision of the highest order. Beth Zafonte is an excellent choice for anyone looking to navigate the often-opaque world of real estate financing and economic incentives. Her specialization and long-standing experience mean she provides a level of expertise that is difficult to find elsewhere. She is not a generalist; she is a master of her specific craft, which is critical for projects with complex financial and regulatory requirements.

The value she brings is not just in identifying opportunities but in structuring the deals and managing the process to ensure a successful outcome. Her role as a project manager provides a single point of contact and accountability, streamlining a process that can often be fragmented and frustrating. Furthermore, her deep connections within the New York real estate community, from government agencies to professional organizations, give her a distinct advantage in securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. In a market where every detail can impact a project’s success, having a strategic partner like Beth Zafonte is a significant competitive advantage. For projects that require more than just a real estate broker, she is the professional to consult.

Beth Zafonte

666 5th Ave 20th Floor, New York, NY 10103, USA