JOHN BANKS

REAL ESTATE has been a juggernaut here since Peter Minuit’s little 1626 transaction with the Native Americans, and for more than a century, the Real Estate Board of New York has been its voice. Starting in March, REBNY will be led by

John Banks, who takes over from stalwart Steve Spinola.

Banks, the former top staffer in the City Council, will represent the interests of major land and property owners on everything from the long-delayed rezoning of East Midtown, the nation’s premier business district, to affordable-housing development to politics. REBNY, one the biggest players around, will not be ignored.