2007 May
2007 May Vol. 27, No. 5
Focus on...Design
New Recycling Initiatives in New York City
The environmental challenges facing our planet are so big and so complex that they often feel far beyond our individual control. But the simple fact is, if we all step up to the challenge and do our part, together we can make a big difference. Nowhere is that more true than in the area of recycling. It's simple and easy—and not only does it reduce our impact on the Earth's natural resources, it also reduces the amount of trash we have to ship out of state. Read More
Breathing Life into Lobbies on a Budget
Perhaps it's been years since your lobby was last updated, and the décor is reminiscent of an aesthetic better left in the past. Or perhaps the lobby and common areas have are showing signs of everyday wear-and-tear, and are now a hazard for residents. Although the idea of revamping your lobby or other common areas might seem overwhelming—not to mention costly—the good news is that it can be done on a range of budgets. Read More
Common Area Upgrades That Don't Break the Budget
You know that you need to upgrade your apartment so that the building can both maintain its value and avoid costly repairs and maintenance down the road. But have you considered the common areas in the building as something that can affect your co-op or condo's property value? For owners, common areas might not seem like a huge priority when it comes to making upgrades, but many experts beg to differ. Read More
Smart Solutions for Floor Coverings
When it's time for your co-op or condo to start
discussing replacing the floor coverings for your lobby, staircase or
hallways, it's important to look at all the options available,
because a lot has changed over the past decade. Where once it seemed like a
no-brainer to just put down any old brand of carpet, now the range of
materials available are endless, and it might make more sense to go with
something less conventional like decorative rugs, tile or leather. Read More
Defining Your Capital Improvement Project
A capital improvement, as the name suggests, is any property enhancement—or "improvement"—that increases its overall value—or "capital." Capital improvements can be undertaken by individual owners as well as co-op or condo boards. The range of what constitutes capital improvements is vast. Installing a new window in the bathroom of a single unit is a capital improvement; so is installing a new roof for every tower in Co-op City. Read More
Designing with Resident Needs in Mind
There are certain touches that make a house a home. When it comes to designing and renovating co-ops and condos, that same rule applies. Adding touches that personalize a space, and tailoring that space to the needs and desires of the people who live there can make all the difference in the world when transforming four walls into a place of comfort, security and relaxation. Read More
Beautifying with Rooftop and Community Gardens
New York City is known for many things beautiful—architecture, a rainbow of diverse cultures, and its fabulous skyline, but let's face it, outside of Central and Prospect Parks, most people aren't aware of how much park land actually exists in the city. Read More
Don't Do It Yourself
Every once in a while, one hears about a co-op or condo that has been neglected for some time and has some problems in its common areas. Dirt builds up on the lobby floor, the fluorescent lights on the ceiling flicker, paint is chipped from some of the hallway walls, and perhaps the small outdoor garden is overgrown. Read More
Managing a Gut Rehab Project
Starting a major renovation can be tough when you're dealing with a single-family home, but doing the job on a condo or co-op involves many considerations that house dwellers never face. It's not just a question of what contractors and professionals you will choose for the job, but also a question of whether the co-op board will accept your plans for the rehabilitation project. How will the neighbors react to the noise created from the work? These and many other considerations can make the rehab process seem daunting from the start, particularly for those who've never attempted such a job before. Read More
Decorating with Feng Shui
Ever wonder why you suddenly get a feeling of relaxation and tranquility upon entering certain spaces, and your blood goes cold in others? Why some homes just feel happy and harmonious the moment you cross the threshold, and others just don't? Read More
A Look at Traditional Queens
Few people think of Flushing, Queens as a neighborhood of rich historical importance but they're missing the big picture. Perhaps best-known as the birthplace of television star Fran Drescher (and her unforgettable accent) and home to one of history's most recent miracles—albeit a secular one that took place on a baseball diamond—the truth is that Flushing is home to a long tradition of diversity and tolerance. The neighborhood took early, important steps toward the cultural freedoms we take for granted today, and is now one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world. Read More
A Look at the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NYC)
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects' first (and largest) chapter—its New York Chapter, founded in 1857. Read More
Top Dozen Reasons for Co-op Board Rejections
Before even beginning the hunt for that perfect co-op, the prospective buyer should be familiar with all the possible ways one's application might be rejected. That familiarity will enable one to focus on the appropriate buildings as well as to make the necessary adjustments so that rejection will not occur. Read More
President's Perspective: In the Eye of the Storm
There I was, innocently removing empty cartons from my new condominium unit. I was approached by a woman on my floor asking why I'd left the cartons where I did. I politely, but firmly, informed her that I was following the superintendent's instructions. Little did I know that I was already being scouted to be a board member. Read More
Q&A: Financial Document Drama
Is a condominium required to produce an annual financial report? If they don’t, what is the recourse? If the management company doesn’t allow me, an owner, to review the finances under the New York State Real Property Law, what is my recourse? Is the management required to show a copy of the contract to a board member or owner? If they don’t what is the recourse for them? This is not a sponsor-owned condo. Read More
Q&A: Risky Business
Currently, I am on a board that is involved in litigation brought about because of a resale denial. I was recently told by a lawyer that if a co-op board is sued “personally and as board members” the following is true: Read More
Q&A: Wall-to-Wall Noise Solution?
A couple of our co-op tenants are complaining of noisy neighbors. There is an issue of some residents not adhering to the 80 percent carpeting rule. As a result, the board voted that any new occupants be required to get wall-to-wall carpeting in all rooms, excluding the kitchen, bathroom and closets. The shareholders are very upset over this. They say a resale highlight is “hardwood floors” which are very popular nowadays. Read More
Q&A: Too Many Pets
I live in a 100 percent owner-occupied condominium. Our bylaws and house rules very clearly state that unit owners may have no more than two pets, only one of which may be a dog. One of the unit owners (who is also a board member) keeps four dogs in her unit as her pets. Since she is a board member, the board will not take any action against her. Do you think her menagerie could have a negative impact on the value of the property? What is a unit owner to do? Read More
