2012 June
2012 June Vol. 32, No. 6
Focus on...Law & Legislation
2012 Legislative Update
The 2011-12 legislative session is on in Albany as this article is being
written, and bills of all kinds are being considered—including some with implications for co-op and condo owners and administrators
across the state. Housing is also on the agenda in the New York City Council.
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Suit Happens
Take a moment and imagine your family or circle of friends: each person with his
or her unique personality, attitude, experience and background. In a co-op
building or condo association, hundreds of people live together, sharing common
areas and trying to abide by the same rules and regulations. That’s hundreds of different backgrounds, experiences and personalities coming
together and like your own family, it's inevitable that there will occasionally
be friction—or outright conflict—between members of the group, no matter how harmonious things usually are.
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Legal Legends
They say there are eight million stories in the naked city, and when you’re an attorney working for a co-op or condo in New York, you may find that some
of the best of them are happening to you.
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The Debate Rages On
Concern over health, the environment, and an evolving legal landscape has
prompted a number of condo and co-op boards in communities across New York City’s five boroughs to ban cigarette smoking not only in common outdoor areas but in
individual units. This restriction has ignited a heated debate over
health/nuisance vs. individual rights, and both sides can be vehement in
advocating for their position.
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Hiring Good Help
Think about this: according to the United States Department of Labor, each year
nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace
violence. Fraud committed by employees cost American companies approximately
$20 billion annually, and workplace theft tops out at more than $120 billion.
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HVAC Insider
Given our chilly winters and blistering hot summers, those living in New York
co-ops and condos are keenly aware of the importance of properly working
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
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The Heights of Brooklyn Heights
Perched on the East River waterfront and offering up stunning views of the
Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn
Heights is the borough’s most expensive neighborhood and attracts tourists by the busload.
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Tax Fight in Queens Continues
Many regular readers of The Cooperator doubtless remember the struggle that
ensued in the spring of 2011 when co-op officers and elected officials in
Eastern Queens declared a “tax revolt” against the city for huge increases in assessed valuations. Read More
Q&A: Shareholders' Rights to See Financial Information
“I know you probably get tons of questions—I have combed through your site and am looking for information regarding the rights of shareholders to see books. Our managing agent and board are refusing to allow viewing of anything but minutes and an annual report. We have a commercial tenant who has not paid rent in 8 months, and an assessment foisted on us with two weeks notice has increased our maintenance about 33 percent. What recourse do we have? Read More
