Cooperator - Articles - Board/Shareholder Relations

From Horror to Harmony

no@spam.com (Ed Serken) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:07:28 EDT

Neil Goldstein flashes a look of genuine surprise when a resident kisses him hello on the cheek in the lobby of The Harmony, an Upper East Side co-op where he is board president. Other residents trot by with friendly waves and call out, How are you doing, Neil? A couple seated on the lobby couch look over floorplans, obviously waiting for a broker to show them an apartment. An elevator opens to discharge a small child who totters toward the doormen, who know the kid by name. Clearly touched by the environment, Goldstein rubs the spot on his cheek and breaks into a satisfied smile.

Who Really Runs the Building?

no@spam.com (Lenore Barton) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:48:08 EST

Most people assume that the board of directors runs the building. Actually the responsibilities for maintaining the building are usually divided between the board of directors and the managing agent. Both parties perform their functions with the advice and help of many support professionals. Typically the board establishes the policy and expenditures; and the managing agent or property manager actually runs and manages the procedures in the building. It’s important that the manager understand the philosophy and culture of the building in order to be able to implement the style the board desires.

Taking the Bait

no@spam.com (Greg Olear) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:47:15 EST

Bugs, rodents, and other pests are always a potential problem in a city or densely populated suburban area—and even upscale, well-maintained buildings are not impervious to the occasional unwelcome interloper. Cockroaches invade kitchens, termites feast on foundations and walls, bees sting humans, and now bedbugs have hogged the press as the latest plague du jour. No two ways about it: if your property falls behind on the pest-control front, you’ve got yourself a menagerie.

Small Town Ambiance in the Big City

no@spam.com (Alexis Wolff) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:46:22 EST

A two-mile long sliver of land in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island sits a mere 700 feet from Manhattan’s East Side. Still, many New Yorkers know nothing about Roosevelt Island’s expansive green spaces and unrivaled city views, not to mention the distinctive small town ambiance of this planned community.

Combining Comfort and Convenience

no@spam.com (W.B. King) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:45:22 EST

A recent British survey found that the typical person spends an average of five years of their life in either their kitchen or their bathroom. That might not compare with the number of hours logged behind a desk or the wheel of a car, but it’s a significant chunk of time. With both time and space at a perpetual premium in New York City, homeowners seeking to maximize their enjoyment and comfort in these defining rooms really have their work cut out for them.

Trickle-Down Effect on Buildings and Boards

no@spam.com (Raanan Geberer) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:44:41 EST

Bear Stearns in Danger of Collapse… Dow Falls 400 in One Day… Big Three Automakers Seek Emergency Aid… Citigroup Shares Tumble Below $5 a Share… Dow drops below $8,000… Federal Regulators Shut Down Two California Thrifts… More Consumers Switch To Buying With Cash…

Storage Units Benefit Both Owners and Building

no@spam.com (Keith Loria) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:44:00 EST

Remember in Seinfeld how you would always see Jerry’s bicycle hanging from the ceiling in the background? Perhaps if his building had had a storage room or a bike rack in the basement, this cumbersome space-saving method that many New Yorkers employ wouldn’t have been necessary.

A Look at Enforcing House Rules

no@spam.com (Greg Olear) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:43:10 EST

It’s a time-worn pattern that plays out in workplaces, classrooms, and residential buildings everywhere: rules are set, and enforced strictly for awhile. Over time, enforcement wanes a little; the rules are bent, then broken—until such time as they’re being routinely ignored.

Bringing in a New Board

no@spam.com (Jonathan Barnes) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:42:07 EST

In managing the affairs of a building or a community, all board members are far from equal in their abilities and skills. Some bring experience in construction or a background in law, finance, or other professions that can be helpful to the board. Some board members bring little insight or professionalism to the group, and are more concerned with personal vendettas, cronyism or other compromising pursuits. It’s an unfortunate fact of democracy that rule by the people means that sometimes the people ruling don’t do such a great job.

Top Complaints of Board Members and Residents

no@spam.com (Liz Lent) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:41:13 EST

Everyone loves a Top 10 list and the co-op and condo world is no different. Besides, if Letterman can do it, so can we. With that in mind, this month we’ve got the top ten things that drive board members crazy about their residents and the top ten things that make residents pull their hair and curl into the fetal position. More importantly, we’ve got suggestions on how to put all of those trifling items to rest and help board members and residents find a happy common ground.