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Board/Shareholder Relations
Who Really Runs the Building?
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. Read More
Q&A: Paying for Home Improvement
“I live in a co-op in Queens. The front door to my apt. is being replaced—due to its extreme age it is no longer functioning properly. The manager informed me that I will be responsible for providing all of the hardware for this door—which includes a particular type of lock and handle, large metal mail slot, and even the hinges. This will cost over $120 because of the exact type of items needed to fit this particular door. Is this really my financial obligation? I thought the co-op was responsible for providing me with a working door.” Read More
Dealing with Difficult Board Members
On last season’s “The Apprentice” reality show, celebrities volunteered their time to team up and compete, not
for a job with the Donald Trump organization, but to win a large donation to
their favorite charity. The show’s concept is to win tasks and prevent hearing the infamous words, “You’re Fired!” from Donald Trump. 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
A Case Study in Queens
My family and I have been living in Glen Oaks Village
in Queens for over 25 years. Originally built for the families of soldiers
returning after World War II, the garden-style cooperative community is one
of the largest in the New York metro area, boasting nearly 3,000 units and
providing housing for some 10,000 residents. Read More
Building Community Through Communication
The "mortar" that cements together the building blocks for community is communication between homeowners and the leadership team. The following types of communication are extremely important: (a) member surveys—both written and via focus groups; (b) annual meetings; (c) town hall meetings / mid-year report-back to owners (you should receive and encourage owner input); (d) service requests/complaints—use a review and response procedure; (e) community activities, such as National "Night Out"; (f) block parties or holiday parties. Read More
