2014 September
Focus on... Energy & The Environment

Energy Conservation Top 10 Energy Tips
2014 September Top 10 Energy Tips

There’s probably not a condo, HOA or co-op board that doesn’t worry about money at some point or another, which is why staying on top of the latest money-saving opportunities is vital for any building or community to be successful. One of …

Read More
Benchmarking
2014 September Benchmarking

Energy is money. And in big co-op apartment or condo buildings, energy is big money—we’re talking thousands upon thousands of dollars in waste...or savings. Most folks know that turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, taking shorter shower…

Read More
Energy Conservation Submetering for Savings
2014 September Submetering for Savings

It’s a beautiful Friday night and you’re out to dinner with four of your best buddies. The restaurant's ambiance is exquisite and the food is divine. You’re on a budget, so you stick to ordering a delicious appetizer and some tasty soup, w…

Read More
Energy Conservation The Recycling Cycle
2014 September The Recycling Cycle

New York City is trashy. Literally. Every day, the people living in the Big Apple produce hundreds of tons of trash—12,000 tons, according to GrowNYC, a nonprofit organization that strives to improve New York via environmental programs. Th…

Read More
Maintenance Squeaky Clean
2014 September Squeaky Clean

Everyone wants to live in a clean building—that's a given. Back in the day, a bucket, mop and a bottle of bleach or ammonia were pretty much all that a superintendent needed when it came to cleaning entry halls, stairwells and other reside…

Read More
Maintenance Maintaining a Healthy Building
2014 September Maintaining a Healthy Building

It was January 1977 when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) first identified and isolated a previously unknown strain of bacteria found breeding in the cooling tower of a hotel air conditioning system. The bacteria, subsequently named L…

Read More
Maintenance Windows to the World
2014 September Windows to the World

One of the defining architectural parts of a New York City building are its windows—whether it’s an ornate decorative window, one designed for energy savings or a large window that envelopes the side of a structure. In a co-op or con…

Read More
Maintenance Heat Without Hassles
2014 September Heat Without Hassles

Cleaner skies, healthier lives and a shinier Big Apple are some of what the much-talked-about changeover from No. 6 and No. 4 fuel oil is intended to accomplish. Under New York City's “Clean Heat” mandate (part of former Mayor Michae…

Read More
Management Gyms as an Amenity
2014 September Gyms as an Amenity

Way back when, having a “gym” in your building usually meant a windowless room with a forlorn-looking treadmill, some mismatched free weights, and maybe even an old Soloflex bequeathed by a former neighbor who didn’t want to take it with h…

Read More
Law & Legislation Housing Development Fund Corporations
2014 September Housing Development Fund Corporations

Mayor Bill de Blasio says that New York has “a crisis of affordability.” According to the mayor’s ten-year housing plan, his administration is committed to “build or preserve nearly 200,000 affordable units” throughout the five boroughs. M…

Read More
Board Operations Proxies & Procedures
2014 September Proxies & Procedures

The candidates. The issues. The campaigns. Excitement and suspense are built into just about every election, including those of co-op and condo board members. In fact, those elections can stir even more emotion given the impact they may ha…

Read More
Q&A Q&A: Inquiring Minds Want to Know
2014 September Q&A: Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Q I have a few questions that I would like to post: 1) Is it true that the board can deny my refinancing application and not provide a reason? What are my rights? How can I fight this? 2) Can the board sue me for writing an open letter to…

Read More