The Stuyvesant Town Report

Comment Policy

AN OFFER: PAY ME ONE DOLLAR FOR EVERY INFRACTION THAT I SEE--A UNCOVERED MATTRESS ON THE LOOP, DOG DO-DO NOT PICKED UP, OUTSIDE DOGS BEING WALKED INTO ST OR PCV. ONE DOLLAR FOR ONE PHOTO. I KNOW MANAGEMENT READS THIS BLOG, SO ACCEPT MY OFFER. BLACKSTONE WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER.

As we see, nothing much is being done about the many complaints residents have: the discarded furniture on the loops, including the illegal discarding of uncovered mattress; the outside dogs that are infrequently checked for that blue ST lanyard, and their owners escorted out if they don't have one; the lack of R7-2 clarity from our local politicians who seem to be delaying and delaying; the club cars that go this way and that, and many times against regular traffic rules; the failure of our TA to even address those issues, etc. On top of that, residents near the building of the subway extension on 14 Street have had to endure noise and health issues at all hours of the day and night. This is not the way to live. Because of these facts, and a few more, a new representation has to happen. This is where Stuyvesant Town Tenants Advocacy comes in. There are no dues, and plans are underway to get the group doing something proactive about our complaints. The time for submitting our complaints to Management, Public Safety and Blackstone is over.

All comments to posts have to await approval. Approval does not happen immediately. NOTE: Comments reflect the opinions of the person writing them and should not be assumed to reflect the opinion of the blog.

Management has two priorities: 1) Making sure money is made, hence upgrading and filling up apartments is their goal. "Amenities" are important in selling the place, though few residents use them. 2) If someone needs medical attention, Public Safety will be there, if alerted.

Quality of life issues are not that important, however. Things like the carpet rule or outsider dogs. These "rules" tend to be ignored, on purpose it seems. So you will see a lot that isn't taken care of properly, and complaints will be met with a creative excuse and a smile.

"Peace and quiet" must be a cruel joke, though this property is sold that way. There can be no peace and quiet as ALL apartments must be upgraded, which includes the installation of an AC unit below the window. Aside from the continual construction about the neighborhood, there is a new and noisy subway extension being built along East 14 st and the shut down of the L line. "Choosing" to live in NYC, now the newest mantra, is a fabrication when the talk is of ST and PCV, which was traditionally quiet, with no construction noise.

Though money was always important, it is now more important than ever. Money rules many things, as you will find.

At this point, 30 years into living here and seeing many things, I can state that Management and their reps are BS-ing us. I can't say that loudly enough: We are being BS-ed. I don't see any genuine change, though the "selling" of this place is intense. Few of the "rules" will be enforced, as Management doesn't want to lose customers or potential customers. Where personal integrity is a hallmark of an excellent management style, this integrity is not seen in enforcing some of the rules.

Our Tenants Association is, basically, null and void. Oh, it is still around, but it lacks the will power to confront much of anything. The TA will ask for your dues, however. By now, the TA is a charade.

About those "club cars" we see going this way and that way, and outside of Stuy Town or Peter Cooper Village:

https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/motorized-devices-cannot-be-registered-new-york

Tenants' Rights: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/tenants_rights_and_obligations.html

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Happy Holidays from Stuyvesant Town

I saw this YESTERDAY. And it is still there and almost 10:40 am today. And Public Safety goes by this many, many times.

I had to go the PS office today to complain, so it will probably be picked up now.

I don't run this place, but....

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Fake

Perhaps new residents have no clue and the older residents have mercifully forgotten, but there was a time when the Christmas tree at the Oval was real, not the artificial one put up now. (And not what the previous admin had to the side, that straggly little tree which looks pathetic.)

The artificial tree is there to save money, period, much like the Smiley Face that covers the clock in Playground 12. Newer residents, who are paying a lot for the privilege of living here, can wow all they want, but the fact remains that once upon a time, there was more caring here and the Christmas tree was a real one, not the phony one put up.

We (well, some of us) would much rather the energy be spent on Public Safety (real patrolling and reporting--and, yes, there was another attempt to rob a resident inside the "community") clean loops (not the discarded junk), and sidewalks where you don't have to look for either dog refuse or a club car heading this way and that.

Even the outdoor playgrounds, on which money was spent, are a failure during the winter months and when it rains.

There is still a measure of lawlessness here, and Management knows this. The fake trees and a lot of artificial designs are not working. They look cheap. But, then again, perhaps they are working in a manner that is not expected.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Home Sweet Home - 2

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This is what "greets" me when I exit my building. The mattresses have been there for a least two days. Before that, there were other uncovered mattresses in that place. Also if you just need to go to the bathroom, there are dirty toilets that you can use on the other loop from 14th Street. They are also "sitting" there. Nice going, Blackstone. Thank you for your consideration.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Stuyvesant Town - The New Fun House

Dear Residents, or can I say, dear friends, because I feel we are friends after a few years of getting to know each other. As you know, Blackheart, the company, wishes to cheer you and yours with a Happy Holiday Season. But that is only one of my goals here. The other is to inform you that we will be officially changing our name to Fun House. You may have seen the large smiley face atop one of our playgrounds, you certainly can't help seeing the various signs that wish you a "great day" as you leave this complex. (Hopefully, not feet first--ha, ha. That is a joke.) You have seen our vigilant Public Safety force charming you with a pleasant hello and a friendly smile. And, for this holiday season, we have installed, at great expense, several hanging egg chairs for the enjoyment of residents. And more fun to come!

So we figured why not rename Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village to Fun House? Because that's what we are all about--fun!

Truthfully, we have gotten an undeserved bad reputation. People even say we have become a dorm and are just interested in money, money, money. Not so! Everything is done for you, our dear residents.

So one more "rule"--ha, ha. Fun House will be the official name come January 1st. So no more Stuy Town or Peter Cooper. (Historically, Peter Stuyvesant was a virulent racist, besides). Remember: Fun House.

Yours truly,

Rick Heyduck
CEO & General Manager of Fun House

c/o Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association

P.S. Don't forget your Rent Checks!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Management Introduces Another Amenity

They are called "hanging egg chairs." Right now they are in front of Oval Study, but who knows? Perhaps we will be seeing more of these around the property!

I don't know if Management got the best price. Maybe they got a package deal. But we here at this blog would love to help out, if we can. At least by pointing out the hanging egg chairs available and prices....

349.99

268.99

247.99

Sale Cheap! Do call. Residents can sit next to each other for that community spirit!

Update! And even though it is freezing outside, get into Stuy Town's very own Hanging Egg Chairs! Now performing at Oval Study!

Friday, November 9, 2018

Home Sweet Home

Monday, October 29, 2018

Welcome to Stuyvesant Town and Its Surroundings

Friday, October 26, 2018

That Vampire Ball

I got there a little past the opening at 5:30. I would say the photos I took were between 5:45 and 5:55. Initially, before I went, I thought the "event" would be more inside ST/PCV, but it was as close to 1st Avenue as possible. So, the money spent by Management is promotional money to get more people interested in ST/PCV. Of course, I could be wrong. But I do hope the "event" will be greater for children. You know, the little one who are always interested in bright lights.

Anyway, my take is that the "event" was pathetic. As I wrote, you couldn't miss the lights--and the speak-loud singing and guitar strumming. Five Stuy Cafe? Everything was awful and meant for fly-over people and not real New Yorkers. At least I hope they are not real New Yorkers!

There were more people coming in, so don't let the very low numbers fool you. But who knows? Maybe few will make it to this ball....

I had to leave because the Vampire Ball was so bad. Oh, I got the name of the catering company. I will be checking. :-)

Update 10/27:

A ST resident sent in a few priceless photos, which I'd like to share in the spirit of things. Taken around 6:30....

Of course, you may have elected to go to Five Stuy Cafe instead and sit and relax and listen to the music:

Oh, wait... Not many people here as well.... At least the band is playing. Thanks, Blackstone!

(Hat tip to ST resident.)

I write this on May 3, 2018: Since this year, there have been three suicides in ST/PCV. Aside from silence by almost everyone, there occurred a suicide where sulfuric acid was used and the city had to be called in, including the Fire Dept. As of now, there has been a general state of silence about this suicide, even though other resident lives were at danger. Yes, our councilperson is silent. The TA is silent. Obviously, Management is silent, too.

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"We'll be introducing a new process to identify registered dogs thus enabling Public Safety Officers to clearly approach offending dog owners. The registration will hang from the leash handle; clearly identifying the dog as registered.

"If the dog is not registered by May 1; a summons will be issued at the point of contact. If we learn the dog owner is not a resident, they will be escorted off the property."

Rick Hayduk, CEO and General Manager of PCVST. Letter to Barry Shapiro, February 2016.

STR here: I have been around since the inception of this dog policy and I have NEVER seen anyone escorted out of ST or PCV with their non-lanyard dog. But I have seen, many times, a dog owner from outside, and his/her dog, casually walking through ST or PCV.

BICYCLES, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS, ETC.

What is legal?

Something for everyone to read:

Motorized vehicles:

The direct link:

https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/motorized-devices-cannot-be-registered-new-york

And...

Of course, "private property" but "public access" - whatever that means! And if a part of it is public access, do the rules of the city apply to our roads and sidewalks? Or does anything give because this complex is "private property"? Who comes here in case of a fire in one of our buildings? The Stuy Town Fire Brigade?

Hint: Look both ways if you are in the complex. Look on the ground, too!

61.03 Control of dogs and other animals to prevent nuisance.
(a) A person who owns, possesses or controls a dog, cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place, on a floor, wall, stairway, sidewalk, lawn, garden or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public, or on a fence, wall [or], stairway or entranceway of a building abutting on a public place

Banned & Oversize Dog Breeds in Stuy Town

Message from now EX-Landlord Rob Speyer to Stuy Town & Peter Cooper Tenants 11/06

I am writing on behalf of everyone at Tishman Speyer to express how honored we are to become part of your outstanding community. We are a business with deep roots in New York, a true love of our city and a great respect for the neighborhoods that make it special. We are committed to maintaining the unique character and environment that have made Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town such a wonderful place to live for so long. We look forward to providing you an extraordinary level of service and attentiveness that will be the source of pride and satisfaction for the entire community.

Neighborhood Recommendations

New to Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village? Here are some basic recommendations.

Best supermarket: Associated on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave A. The cheapest prices, fantastic weekly sales, very affordable lunches; solid, responsive management, but earthy. Some of the young female cashiers have attitude to spare, though. May be too far for Peter Cooper residents.

Best gym: Don't waste your money on the Oval Fitness Gym. Instead go to the earthy but real Asser Levy Recreational Center, right above 23rd St on Asser Levy Place (near the FDR Drive). $75 for a year's membership; seniors are almost free. Contains seasonal indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ping-pong table, two pool tables. Called by some rich people who wouldn't get caught going there "the prison gym," and you know why.

A Stuy Town favorite is Lenz's on 20 St. between the 20 St. Loop. The way New York used to be. Be careful of unwanted "pepper" in your food, however. Lenz's got a B grade rating and was temporarily closed down due to an order from the Health Department. Bruno's on First Avenue is more upscale, with a greater selection of food items (higher-priced, too), but was closed down temporarily by the Health Department. Stuy Town's own cafe was closed, too! And not because of all the dogs that hover and piss outside.

Gracefully has two locations, but we prefer for its size the one on 1st Ave. Prices are high and reflect the new tenants that are currently renting Stuy Town and Peter Cooper apartments. ("Do you have a credit card?") We like Gracefully's lunch specials, which are somewhat affordable.

I priced the CVS on 1st Ave near 14st. The non-aerosol hairspray was 20 cents above CVS' own website price, and one of the highest in NY. (Yes, I have hair.) You can save at least a dollar or more buying at another place. So beware. Look around for a better deal on all your items.

I love warm Quaker Oats in the morning. Gristedes is not the place to get it, nor is Associated, though their price is less. Look around!

Macular Degeneration Support Group

If you are currently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary is offering a support group for you. Conveniently located next to the Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town apartment complex, our group offers the opportunity to share stories with other members, listen to expert guest speakers, and learn coping strategies to reduce stress. Our group runs on the first Wednesday of every month and we would enjoy seeing you there. Please contact Baptiste Nicolas, Social Work Assistant at 212-979-4105 for further information and to see if this group is right for you!