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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 15 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In the normal course of business, from time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings relating to the ownership and operations of our properties. In management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

We had outstanding letters of credit totaling $13.8 million and $6.5 million and surety bonds totaling $95.0 million and $112.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These letters of credit and bonds were issued primarily in connection with insurance requirements, special real estate assessments and construction obligations.

 

On June 27, 2013, the City of New York executed the amended and restated ground lease for South Street Seaport. The restated lease terms provide for annual fixed base rent of $1.2 million starting July 1, 2013 with an expiration of December 30, 2072, including our options to extend. The rent escalates at 3.0% compounded annually. On July 1, 2048 the base rent will be adjusted to the higher of fair market value or the then base rent. In addition to the annual base rent, we are required to make annual payments of $210,000 toward maintenance of the East River esplanade as additional rent through the term of the lease. The additional rent escalates annually at the Consumer Price Index. Simultaneously with the execution of the lease, we executed a completion guaranty for the redevelopment of Pier 17. On January 11, 2017, we executed an amendment of the lease which, pursuant to our lease option, added an additional premise to the lease and modified other related provisions. The 2017 amendment provides for an appraisal update to be performed on completion of construction for the purposes of determining any additional rent.