16 The Courier sun • business • AUGUST 14, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com ▶business ▶THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre The two-story retail mall on 164th Street in Fresh Meadows is a few weeks from completion. WELCOME TO GREENTREE CONSTRUCTION Greentree Construction was formed by contractors who come from generations of remodeling experience. Their approach is to give customers the most cost-effective solutions to their projects. Peter Molina, vice president, has lived in Queens his whole life, and now he wants to focus more of his construction company’s services on his home borough. Molina grew up in Little Neck, where his parents still live and is now a Douglaston resident. Greentree has built homes in Brooklyn, the Bronx and neighborhoods in Queens, such as Jamaica, Ozone Park and Springfield Gardens. Molina said his business is different than other construction companies because of its modern appeal. “Our professional team of trained construction specialists can offer you excellent consultation on all your projects, whether it’s an idea you have been interested in or a design that you finally want implemented,” he said. Using the iPad, Greentree provides drawings and renderings to show what your house would look like after the renovations. It’s exciting for the homeowner to see a digital rendering of the renovation before getting started, therefore every worker is equipped with an iPad. The company also helps clients save money and help the environment by using Energy Star products. In addition, they engage clients using social media and daily Facebook updates. Greentree also keeps clients informed by involving everyone in the process. By educating as many people in the house as possible, Molina maximizes efficiency and creates a low stress renovation process for the homeowner and household. Specializing in kitchen and baths, Molina brings an extensive background in construction. Starting at age 17, he has worked in construction in various positions. Now he brings his experience to the company by leading more than 70 employees. Greentree’s first priority is to expand business in Queens. With hometown roots, Molina hopes to keep business in the community by working with people he sees in local stores and with whom he shares the same area code. “We’re a neighborhood company,” Molina said. “We’ll always be minutes away from our Queens clients.” GREENTREE CONSTRUCTION Peter Molina Office: (347) 836-8777 ext 201 Fax: (347) 402-1560 Peter@gtcnyc.com www.gtcnyc.com www.facebook.com/GreentreeConstructionInc The Elder Law Minute TM Choosing The Right Trustee By Ronald A. Fatoullah, Esq. and Yan Lian Kuang-Maoga, Esq. Trusts are commonly used tools in Medicaid and Estate planning. When creating a trust, one important decision is the selection of an appropriate trustee and successor trustee. There are many factors to consider when choosing a trustee. The following are several points to contemplate when making this decision: (1) Needs of the beneficiary: Each trust is created for a different reason and with a specific beneficiary in mind. First and foremost, it is critical to consider the needs of the beneficiary when selecting a trustee. For example, a disabled beneficiary who is not capable of asking for financial assistance may need a trustee who is more involved in his/ her life so that the needs of the beneficiary can be ascertained firsthand. It is essential that the trustee be able to make financial decisions that will enhance the life of the disabled beneficiary. On the other hand, a beneficiary who is a spendthrift may need a trustee with a stronger hold on the trust account who can withstand the often incessant demands of the beneficiary. (2) The characteristics and expertise of the trustee: A trustee can be a lay person or a professional such as a corporate trustee or an attorney. While a corporate trustee or attorney usually has the experience and staff support to carry out the administration of a trust, the cost may be prohibitive for a smallsized trust. In addition, a corporate trustee often lacks personal knowledge of the beneficiary and may not fully understand what may be best for the beneficiary. Conversely, a professional trustee may be necessary to avoid family conflicts and the mismanagement of trust funds. It is common to name lay individuals, often family members and friends, as trustees. However, even a lay person should have some basic abilities. The trustee should be somewhat business savvy because he or she is entrusted with the management of the assets. The trustee should be organized and at least have the wherewithal to seek appropriate professional help and guidance when needed. For example, an inexperienced trustee can and should retain the elder law ROnald Fatoulah, ESQ, CELA* services of a competent financial advisor to manage the assets of the trust, and should also retain a good accountant and attorney to handle financial and legal issues as they arise. A trust oftentimes lasts for the lifetime of the beneficiary, and years of financial records should be kept and organized. Obviously, the more complicated a trust is, the more sophisticated the trustee should be. Of course, the trustee must be impartial with regard to all the beneficiaries. (3) Potential trustee’s willingness to serve: When an individual is selected as a potential trustee or successor trustee, it is important to ensure that the person wishes to serve in the capacity as trustee. Individuals are often honored to be selected as a trustee, but have reservations about serving until they understand exactly what is involved. The attorney creating the trust should be available to discuss the attendant responsibilities with the potential trustee. The selection of a trustee and successor trustee is an important decision which is often made based on the type and purpose of the trust. An experienced estate planning and elder law attorney can assist with these and other selection considerations. Ronald A. Fatoullah, Esq. is the principal of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, a law firm that exclusively concentrates in elder law, estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianships, estate administration, trusts, wills, and real estate. Yan Lian Kuang-Maoga, Esq. is an elder law attorney with the firm. The law firm can be reached at 718-261-1700, 516-466-4422, or toll free at 1-877-ELDERLAW or 1-877-ESTATES. Mr. Fatoullah is also the co-founder of JR Wealth Advisors, LLC. The wealth management firm can be reached at 516-466- 3300 or 800-353-3775. Fresh Meadows two-story mall to open soon BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre Work on a two-story mall in Fresh Meadows on 164th Street is weeks away from completion, according to owner J&H Management Corp. About four years ago, former Councilman James Gennaro assisted in changing the zoning of the lot to commercial to clear the way for the shopping center. J&H, which filed to demolish the auto repair shop on the lot in 2012, started construction last year and was expecting the shopping center to be completed in the spring. The more than 13,000-square-foot retail mall will have 13 tenants and 38 parking spots. “It’s about bringing retail into an area that really needs it, and bringing parking to Queens,” said Joel Fischer, president of J&H Management Corp. The new mall will share the block with a pizzeria near the 69th Avenue, and is close to a Key Food supermarket on the next block. Some shops are already confirmed as tenants, but the owner wants to hold off on announcing them at this time. BUSINESS in the NEWS
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