Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Mass Transit Changes
There are some changes to the local bus and subway routes to be aware of:
- The #34 bus on 34th Street is no longer stopping at Lexington Avenue. There are other terminated stops to be aware of.
- The #34 Bus is now "select service" which means paying prior to boarding and holding the receipt. You
may board / exit through any door.
- The #16 Bus is now called the #34A bus with no change in route other than the same defunct stops as the #34
- The #7 train extension is well under way. When completed, the route will continue to the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
- The #34 bus on 34th Street is no longer stopping at Lexington Avenue. There are other terminated stops to be aware of.
- The #34 Bus is now "select service" which means paying prior to boarding and holding the receipt. You
may board / exit through any door.
- The #16 Bus is now called the #34A bus with no change in route other than the same defunct stops as the #34
- The #7 train extension is well under way. When completed, the route will continue to the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Re-election letter with commentary from a neighbor
Below is a letter passed along from a neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous because he/she is afraid of retribution:
A re election letter received with some comments:
My name is XXXX XXXX and I am running for re-election to the board. Over the past three years I have served as Vice President for XXXX Board of Managers and the Chair of the Building Committee. (So what does this actually mean? Figure head??)
My tenure on the board has involved an on-going battle between old regimes and new visions (aren't we a little too old for high school bs? If you have to keep saying this bs then you are part of the problem) but I am proud to report that we were instrumental in making the following building improvements with a maintenance reduction in the 2nd year and no surcharges throughout the 3 years. (then there is the question of the illusive mortgage and where those funds came/went)
Completed the following building renovations and upgrades:
· Replaced 6 major air conditioning units on 4th and 44th floors (this was a major expense that was not an individual accomplishment - this is to the credit of the super who maintains these items)
· Renovated bike/storage room with a major clean up and a brand new look (also closed this off to the owners by implementing a fee to use the space - which is part of the common charges and against the by laws)
· Redesigned and upgraded front desk systems (needless to say way over budget)
· Replaced Compactor and repaired compactor room floor (this was something that is to the credit of the super who negotiated the pricing and is responsible for the mainatainance and just reports these items to the board)
· Upgraded the gym equipment with state of the art Cybex machines (at what costs since this is a lease and the building doesn't own it - it's a liability on the books)
· Purchased new beautiful out door furniture for 44th floor terraces and pool area (ummmm white cushions in soooty NY to be stained with tanning oil? really smart - not!)
· Created "teen room" with a pool table, ping pong and Wii equipment (she had nothing to do with this b/c she was not part of the Children's Committee. BTW the pool table and ping pong were already there. This was all passed with the previous board under a different pres)
· Started a new building tradition with very well attended holiday parties, Halloween parties and wine tastings (halloween parties and holiday parties were always part of the building not new with this board)
· Enhanced children’s playroom with new furniture and toys (this only recently happened in time for these elections - what happened during the other two years she was on the board???)
· Negotiated a new plant maintenance contract including the redesign of inside and outside plants on 44th, 4th floors and out door sections on 37th street and continuing the weekly front desk fresh flower arrangement at a reduced cost (also a reduced look of flowers - they look emaciated and barren - a single stalk for a flower is not a flower arrangement.)
· Identified a new on-site dry cleaning service and negotiated an improved contract with better prices and more services (the lease was up so contract negotiations were just par for the course)
Introduced the following process improvements to improve building management:
· Picked a new gym management company and negotiated a contract with improved hours, better classes, new social events and increased service (club traffic has increased by 40% the last 2 years)(what are the costs to the building for all of this? they also have really bad attitudes since they are all so young)
· Selected an independent accounting firm with condo/coop expertise to audit building financials (then why aren't the financials published for last year if they are so good??)
· Renewed the building management contract with Cooper Square at a 3 year favorable cost (was there a bidding process? what other vendors were reviewed?)
· Installed finger recognition system outside children's playroom to better monitor access and deter uninvited guests (which doesn't work all the time and porters have to be pulled from their jobs in order to open the door to residents)
· Improved communication between Cooper Square our building management and XXXXXX XXXXXX our super with bi-monthly meetings, invoice reviews (identifying to at least a dozen redundant invoices) and project updates (what about the scheduling of employees - who is responsible for this and why are there soo many new faces?)
· Created a capital improvement master plan to help prioritize and budget projects (why not share this with all of the owners so we know when we will get smacked with assessments)
· Changed the building's accounting approach to the accrual method to better manage building operating funds (as long as the reserve fund is fair game to use in the operating fund - and not be accountable)
· Increased efficiency and reduced employee overtime pay with standardized work shifts and improved work schedules (then why are there so many changing faces?)
· Defined roles and responsibilities for each of the employee roles - handy man, concierge, doorman and hallman
· Initiated employee yearly reviews, performance based bonuses and quarterly staff meetings (who determines this? How much is this costing us?)
Finally we are in the process of finishing the following projects hopefully before the end of the year:
· Upgrading 44th floor and lobby furniture upholstery with elegant and sturdy new fabrics. (at what costs and was this bid with multiple vendors)
· Installing a new package tracking system with a new screen in the mail room to increase timely delivery (this is a major security concern to be in a public area - what are we paying the doormen and conceirges for?)
· Providing Verizon FIOS access (we don't have this yet - so technically you are incorrect in saying this is provided)
During the past 3 years I have had the opportunity to renegotiate contracts (don't you mean letting the management company do this?), standardize processes and promote a more accountable management style (you mean the rudeness and unattentiveness to the owners from the management company unless you are on the board?) at the XXXX. In the process I fought to change old approaches, self-serving directives and dated thinking. My goal if re-elected will be to continue to identify and facilitate building development projects and make all the improvements in building management permanent and ingrained in the XXXX's culture. (how about improving your relationship with the staff instead of bossing them around - they are afraid of you)
IMO:
Do you think people who play on things of the past should be reelected? We are not in high school and this is our hard earned money. Having a select few run the building is not the way to go.
Our building needs fresh blood. Get new people in - this shouldn't be a career. Familiarity breeds contempt and corruption
A re election letter received with some comments:
My name is XXXX XXXX and I am running for re-election to the board. Over the past three years I have served as Vice President for XXXX Board of Managers and the Chair of the Building Committee. (So what does this actually mean? Figure head??)
My tenure on the board has involved an on-going battle between old regimes and new visions (aren't we a little too old for high school bs? If you have to keep saying this bs then you are part of the problem) but I am proud to report that we were instrumental in making the following building improvements with a maintenance reduction in the 2nd year and no surcharges throughout the 3 years. (then there is the question of the illusive mortgage and where those funds came/went)
Completed the following building renovations and upgrades:
· Replaced 6 major air conditioning units on 4th and 44th floors (this was a major expense that was not an individual accomplishment - this is to the credit of the super who maintains these items)
· Renovated bike/storage room with a major clean up and a brand new look (also closed this off to the owners by implementing a fee to use the space - which is part of the common charges and against the by laws)
· Redesigned and upgraded front desk systems (needless to say way over budget)
· Replaced Compactor and repaired compactor room floor (this was something that is to the credit of the super who negotiated the pricing and is responsible for the mainatainance and just reports these items to the board)
· Upgraded the gym equipment with state of the art Cybex machines (at what costs since this is a lease and the building doesn't own it - it's a liability on the books)
· Purchased new beautiful out door furniture for 44th floor terraces and pool area (ummmm white cushions in soooty NY to be stained with tanning oil? really smart - not!)
· Created "teen room" with a pool table, ping pong and Wii equipment (she had nothing to do with this b/c she was not part of the Children's Committee. BTW the pool table and ping pong were already there. This was all passed with the previous board under a different pres)
· Started a new building tradition with very well attended holiday parties, Halloween parties and wine tastings (halloween parties and holiday parties were always part of the building not new with this board)
· Enhanced children’s playroom with new furniture and toys (this only recently happened in time for these elections - what happened during the other two years she was on the board???)
· Negotiated a new plant maintenance contract including the redesign of inside and outside plants on 44th, 4th floors and out door sections on 37th street and continuing the weekly front desk fresh flower arrangement at a reduced cost (also a reduced look of flowers - they look emaciated and barren - a single stalk for a flower is not a flower arrangement.)
· Identified a new on-site dry cleaning service and negotiated an improved contract with better prices and more services (the lease was up so contract negotiations were just par for the course)
Introduced the following process improvements to improve building management:
· Picked a new gym management company and negotiated a contract with improved hours, better classes, new social events and increased service (club traffic has increased by 40% the last 2 years)(what are the costs to the building for all of this? they also have really bad attitudes since they are all so young)
· Selected an independent accounting firm with condo/coop expertise to audit building financials (then why aren't the financials published for last year if they are so good??)
· Renewed the building management contract with Cooper Square at a 3 year favorable cost (was there a bidding process? what other vendors were reviewed?)
· Installed finger recognition system outside children's playroom to better monitor access and deter uninvited guests (which doesn't work all the time and porters have to be pulled from their jobs in order to open the door to residents)
· Improved communication between Cooper Square our building management and XXXXXX XXXXXX our super with bi-monthly meetings, invoice reviews (identifying to at least a dozen redundant invoices) and project updates (what about the scheduling of employees - who is responsible for this and why are there soo many new faces?)
· Created a capital improvement master plan to help prioritize and budget projects (why not share this with all of the owners so we know when we will get smacked with assessments)
· Changed the building's accounting approach to the accrual method to better manage building operating funds (as long as the reserve fund is fair game to use in the operating fund - and not be accountable)
· Increased efficiency and reduced employee overtime pay with standardized work shifts and improved work schedules (then why are there so many changing faces?)
· Defined roles and responsibilities for each of the employee roles - handy man, concierge, doorman and hallman
· Initiated employee yearly reviews, performance based bonuses and quarterly staff meetings (who determines this? How much is this costing us?)
Finally we are in the process of finishing the following projects hopefully before the end of the year:
· Upgrading 44th floor and lobby furniture upholstery with elegant and sturdy new fabrics. (at what costs and was this bid with multiple vendors)
· Installing a new package tracking system with a new screen in the mail room to increase timely delivery (this is a major security concern to be in a public area - what are we paying the doormen and conceirges for?)
· Providing Verizon FIOS access (we don't have this yet - so technically you are incorrect in saying this is provided)
During the past 3 years I have had the opportunity to renegotiate contracts (don't you mean letting the management company do this?), standardize processes and promote a more accountable management style (you mean the rudeness and unattentiveness to the owners from the management company unless you are on the board?) at the XXXX. In the process I fought to change old approaches, self-serving directives and dated thinking. My goal if re-elected will be to continue to identify and facilitate building development projects and make all the improvements in building management permanent and ingrained in the XXXX's culture. (how about improving your relationship with the staff instead of bossing them around - they are afraid of you)
IMO:
Do you think people who play on things of the past should be reelected? We are not in high school and this is our hard earned money. Having a select few run the building is not the way to go.
Our building needs fresh blood. Get new people in - this shouldn't be a career. Familiarity breeds contempt and corruption
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day
I want to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to all of our nation's veterans and those who are currently serving for protecting our freedom and liberty.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Booze and a Massage c/o Cooper Square
By now I'm sure you've received your special "Exclusive Event at the Horizon" invitation.
Isn't this just FABULOUS?
Did the sponsor pay for the use of the 44th floor? What about an insurance rider for this event?
What these people won't do for votes....I know- take don't care of the building!
What ever happened to "a chicken in every pot"? Now they are offering free booze and a massage. The only "happy ending" will be to vote these people out.
Isn't this just FABULOUS?
Did the sponsor pay for the use of the 44th floor? What about an insurance rider for this event?
What these people won't do for votes....I know- take don't care of the building!
What ever happened to "a chicken in every pot"? Now they are offering free booze and a massage. The only "happy ending" will be to vote these people out.
National Emergency Broadcasting System Test
Please be advised that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.(EST), the federal government will be conducting the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. This event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.
The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.
Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wire line video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.
For additional information about this test please visit:
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Elections
Whether national, local or condo / co-op
Don't listen to me. A quick Google search (after bypassing CS's self-serving websites set up by CS) gives you the tip of the iceberg. The list goes on and on. This is just the 1st 2 pages!
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Cooper-Square-Realty-RVW568500.htm
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/19439-is-condo-board-allowed-to-censor-residents
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2009/11/20/100m_rector_square_lawsuit_names_developer_manager_shvo.php
http://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2011/2011-50903.html
http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/45-rector-square-unit-owners-sue-yair-levy-michael-shvo-cooper-square-realty-for-100-million-at-225-rector-place
09/13/2011 Ridiculous application process, difficult management company
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Cooper-Square-Realty-RVW568500.htm
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/19439-is-condo-board-allowed-to-censor-residents
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2009/11/20/100m_rector_square_lawsuit_names_developer_manager_shvo.php
http://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2011/2011-50903.html
http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/45-rector-square-unit-owners-sue-yair-levy-michael-shvo-cooper-square-realty-for-100-million-at-225-rector-place
09/13/2011 Ridiculous application process, difficult management company
NO 3.0 The management company, Cooper Square, has the worst lease application procedures/process/customer service I've ever had to deal with. The leasing process has always been complicated in NYC, but Cooper Square has complicated it to a whole new level! Cooper Square ... moreRead more: http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-New-York-88-Greenwich.html#ixzz1cwzDAjgj
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Horizon Condominium News Link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Condo/251198758266392?sk=wall
Remember:
"YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE."
- MC JackASS
also:
HORIZON ACCOUNTING UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Horizon accounting is under investigation by authorities including the Board of accountants (AICPA).
Financials distributed by the treasury are not approved by the Board or audited by any accountant. They have no integrity and no value.
No official Horizon financials are currently available. As banks need them to provide financing, selling apartment units has been a problem.
Financial records have been suppressed. Board members have had no access to them.
Horizon funds have been misappropriated by some Board members. $400,000 of the Horizon reserve fund have been unaccounted for. Financial fraud is unacceptable.
Fantasy made-up financials are misleading and irresponsible. The Horizon Condo deserves better than Greek-type of accounting. The Horizon deserves better than the economic fate of Greece.
Remember:
"YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE."
- MC JackASS
also:
HORIZON ACCOUNTING UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Horizon accounting is under investigation by authorities including the Board of accountants (AICPA).
Financials distributed by the treasury are not approved by the Board or audited by any accountant. They have no integrity and no value.
No official Horizon financials are currently available. As banks need them to provide financing, selling apartment units has been a problem.
Financial records have been suppressed. Board members have had no access to them.
Horizon funds have been misappropriated by some Board members. $400,000 of the Horizon reserve fund have been unaccounted for. Financial fraud is unacceptable.
Fantasy made-up financials are misleading and irresponsible. The Horizon Condo deserves better than Greek-type of accounting. The Horizon deserves better than the economic fate of Greece.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Driveway Repair- Horizon Condo
Here is a photo taken 15 minutes ago of the "repair" of the leaking pipe that took place last week as reported by our very lovely Lipstick on a Pig. 1 picture is worth 1000 words.
Tuesday November 2, 2011 at 2:45 PM
(There has been no rain or snow for the past 3 days)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!!!!
The ghouls and gobblins of The Haunted Horizon Condominium are celebrating the most important holiday of the year. The Board President dressed in her formal attire for the evening while the Village Idiot / Treasurer terrorized the children as only he can.
Be certain to attend the exorcism in early December, unless they are successful in circumventing the rules as they typically do with their goon squad in tow.
Your voice and vote counts.
Be certain to attend the exorcism in early December, unless they are successful in circumventing the rules as they typically do with their goon squad in tow.
Your voice and vote counts.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Horizon Condominium - Where do we stand today?
I would like to have a serious conversation concerning our lives and investments at the Horizon Condominium in NYC as they stand today. I understand there are others here who don't live in the Horizon, were hoping for Friday funnies or Archie's specials. (Archie- I hope you are mending well)
There has been and will be a lot of information and misinformation pertaining to many aspects of our co-existance here.
I hope that whatever comes into our emails, various blogs, snail mail, shoved under our door and discussed by other means is evaluated by each one of us who have a vested interest in our properties.
The first consideration, and then I will let you all think about this is:
ARE WE BETTER OFF TODAY THAN WE WERE 3 YEARS AGO?
There has been and will be a lot of information and misinformation pertaining to many aspects of our co-existance here.
I hope that whatever comes into our emails, various blogs, snail mail, shoved under our door and discussed by other means is evaluated by each one of us who have a vested interest in our properties.
The first consideration, and then I will let you all think about this is:
ARE WE BETTER OFF TODAY THAN WE WERE 3 YEARS AGO?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
East River Greenway Update
Here is a link to the current status of the East River Greenway Project (East 38th-East 60th Streets)
The plan includes more than just the waterfront, but the Park on 1st Avenue, the dog run and even the Asser-Levy park on East 23rd-25th Streets.
http://www.dnainfo.com/20111012/murray-hill-gramercy/officials-already-moving-forward-on-plan-for-east-river-greenway?utm_content=luxuryliving%40hotmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Officials%20Already%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20Plan%20for%20East%20River%20Greenway&utm_campaign=Officials%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20East%20River%20Greenway%20Plancontent#ixzz1aa1qaJVb
The plan includes more than just the waterfront, but the Park on 1st Avenue, the dog run and even the Asser-Levy park on East 23rd-25th Streets.
http://www.dnainfo.com/20111012/murray-hill-gramercy/officials-already-moving-forward-on-plan-for-east-river-greenway?utm_content=luxuryliving%40hotmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Officials%20Already%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20Plan%20for%20East%20River%20Greenway&utm_campaign=Officials%20Moving%20Forward%20on%20East%20River%20Greenway%20Plancontent#ixzz1aa1qaJVb
Monday, October 17, 2011
Voice of the People
Thank you for allowing me to join this forum. I'm tired of my concerns falling of deaf ears.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Board Elections
In December some of the current Horizon Condominium Board members, including the current President and Treasurer, will be up for re-election. I don't think we need them to do any more. They have done enough!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)