> they could be used for classroom and education, medical uses like doctor and dentist offices, health purposes like fitness and dance studios,

The number of students in New York continues to shrink. The number of commuters in New York has shrunk as well which means the demand for doctors and dentists (people swinging by during lunch or after work) shrinks. Fitness and Dance studios . . . I guess so.

Overall there is not that much demand for commercial space now. I hear your point on the expenses of conversion, but what's wrong with dorm style housing?

There are a lot of people that already live in defacto dorm style housing anyway. Would it be that bad of an idea to offer something that is specifically tailored for that? I agree with you that commercial-to-residential conversions aren't the magic solution, but there is no one magic solution. I think these sort of conversions play a role. Dormitory style housing should be available in NY.