Our landlord, BLACKSTONE, can't handle Stuy Town and Peter Cooper Village. There is a lack of enforcement of certain "rules," and no amount of notice to this alleviates the problems. We are continually being told half-truths and fabrications. And we have no viable Tenants organization, despite our TA asking for dues all the time. So far, the politicians have proven to be basically useless. A typical New York story.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Stuy Town's Impressive Christmas Tree
The current Stuy Town Christmas tree, off to the side of the Oval:
The Stuy Town Christmas Tree tradition from a couple of years ago, at the center of the Oval lawn:
Times are indeed hard, priorities must be set. Money to spend on an Ice Rink and Oval "events," but no money for a decent Christmas Tree.
I like that they're using a live tree now. It'll be nice for kids who grew up here to come back and see the same tree each year, plus it's less wasteful. Maybe get a shot of the tree lit up at night, I think you'll find it looks nicer. Of course, it could use a trim.
Wasn’t it stated (by Rose?) that the plan was to plant a permanent large tree in the center of the Oval? Oh, but then came all of the crappy Oval Events. This is a Charlie Brown tree without the happy ending.
Give it a chance? You can't be serious. How long? Twenty years? Thirty years? Fifty? A hundred? By the time, the Oval lawn will be leveled for whatever is going to arise here in the future. The tree is also too close to others if it's going to grow considerably. Something will have to be chopped down.
Again, no one can say this tree is even reasonably attractive. The trees they are selling in the basketball playground look considerably better.
This is another example of inane "green" philosophy (and, truthfully and more importantly for CWCapital a buck saved) that gives us crap instead of the better things people are used to and appreciate.
And if you think most of Stuy Town and Stuy Town kids would rather have this abomination than the magnificent trees Stuy Town used to have, well--brother (or sister), you must have some motive for saying so that you're not letting out.
Bottom line: This tree is a joke. And will be a joke for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, we do have the Ice Rink, of course, which I'm sure you consider money well spent.
I'm all for a live tree since I feel that killing a tree for decoration is wrong. That's not to say that they couldn't have planted one that is more in keeping with the stature of the Oval.
Anony 5:34 PM-You forgot the other part of the corporate CWC spin/lie "residents and their guests” (I refuse to say CompassRock, its CWC who runs this place). BTW, I finally went inside the ice rink the other day. I did not buy a rink ticket but nobody asked me for my ID. Nobody asked the people on the ticket line for an ID. Are nonresidents using the rink? Who the F knows? Since they are not asking for ID, this a plainly a commercial enterprise, in violation of the zoning law, not a “resident accessory”. But the stroller mafia and their spawn love the place. They do not care about laws or regulations. They only care about themselves. But the funny thing, they do have leases subject to the RS law. Boy, what a stink they would make if CWC refuse to renew their leases and book the usual 4 per dorm transient types. Like Yah!
Old Saint Nick must have parked his reinndeer in the stairwell of 7Stuyvesant Oval this morning while decorating the anorexic looking CW Capital Christmas "tree". How do I Know? Because there was a mound of shit on the 4th floor landing. Couldn't have been dogshit from one of our more considerate neighbors could it?? And a Merry X-mas to you all!
They MUST ask for ID otherwise the rink doesn't count as "accessory use" therefor making it a violation of the zoning laws. THANKS DAN!!!! THANKS TENANTS ASSOCIATION! ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE CLOWNS!!!
Remember when MetLife used to put up the little Christmas-themed houses by the fountains, with a Santa and reindeer above the old security booth? Something like that would be inexpensive compared to the rink and would look much nicer than that excuse for a Christmas tree.
I suspect the older tree is prettier, but your 2012 photo is shot during the daytime so it's hard to tell how it looks lit up. A nighttime shot would be a better comparison.
Off topic, maybe, but here goes: Since Compass Rock took over the recycling areas have been somewhat better because the porters have been made to clear them several times a day. The oinks who put dirty recycling stuff out continue to do what they do and the idiots who don't know what the chutes are for also continue to do what they do. The porters are working much harder than ever and their numbers have been cut to the bone. It would be nice if each of us adults (the newbies and students don't fall into this category) each gave the porter in the building a little tip at Christmas/Holidays. Just a $20 from each of us could make a difference and show our appreciation for these guys and girls. Just a suggestion.
>>I suspect the older tree is prettier, but your 2012 photo is shot during the daytime so it's hard to tell how it looks lit up. A nighttime shot would be a better comparison.<<
You must be new around here. There's no "suspect" about it, and you don't need a nighttime comparison shot.
>>Looks awful, but honestlly, more important things to worry and comment about.
just saying. thanks STR and happiest of holidays you are still great.<<
Thanks, and happy holidays to you, too.
I'm very limited on time these days, and this one was easy to deal with, and still needs to be pointed out, however trivial it may seem in the large scheme of things.
STR, the tree does count. It's another thoughtless act by CW. But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect.
If the tree had more lights in more colors it would be fine. But solid blue is so dull and not festive. Hey Sean Sullivan - how about tossing 3 strands of 300 multicolor twinkle lights on that tree... You can get them at Brickmans for about $7.99 per strand. It's not too late! Merry Christmas! :-)
>>But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect.<<
Hmm, I was wondering about that. I believe the proper flag tradition is that a flag can be up all night as long as it has a light on it. Of course, PCVST used to take down the flag at sunset and raise it in the morning. And if the flag wasn't at half-mast for the Newtown massacre--well, that's lame. Surprising, because as a former Marine, Sean Sullivan should be particularly sensitive to these issues.
"STR, the tree does count. It's another thoughtless act by CW. But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect."
I've noticed their blatant disrespect for the flag and their total refusal to fly it at half staff, contrary to the President's order. This is particularly despicable in a complex that was built for returning veterans. But I believe that CW is a Canadian company, so what the hell do they care about respecting our flag? They just respect US money and nothing and no one else.
OK... And it's Saturday morning and I'm in my 11th floor apartment being seranaded by the lovely slap shots and screams of the hockey practice downstairs. Isn't this the pits? Why aren't folks walking a picket line out there to protest that piece of crap that perpetually invades the quiet enjoyment of our homes. Soon the industrial equipment will be out to clear the ice. I might as well live on 2nd Ave. Good job clueless landlord. Poison the 1 thing that made this place special.. our own private quiet park.
9:50--I live right near there also, and I love it. It sounds like community to me and such a long-standing tradition. Doesn't bother me in the least and sometimes I stop and watch. It's why we have playgrounds, to use and enjoy. Pick up hockey is part of our city.
" Good job clueless landlord. Poison the 1 thing that made this place special.. our own private quiet park."
Hey, the only thing this substandard "landlord" knows how to do is make this into a substandard theme park, thereby creating substandard living conditions for its tenants. What more would you expect from a bunch of half-assed ignuds who can't even respect the American Flag?
I heard they are developing a big piece of East 14th Street between Avenues A and B. I hope they keep Rite Aid and 14th Street Wash and Clean in the neighborhood. Would be nice if they put a decent supermarket there. Associated is so crowded, cramped and scuzzy. The meat always looks like it is waaaaaay beyond its real sell-by date. Dangerously so. A nice Gristedes or Food Emporium would be very welcome as far as I'm concerned.
@December 23, 2012 9:31 PM I think Wash N Clean is moving in where La Isla was. Merry Christmas STR. We need you more than ever! Merry Christmas everyone!
STR, let me wish you Happy Holidays and a Healthy 2013! You do a GREAT job and truly perform a wonderful service for the ST-PCV community! Your time and effort in providing this blog is appreciated and respected by me and many others! Nice work!!
Hockey in the playgrounds has been here for eons and it is a good way for youngsters to burn off energy and it is enjoyable to watch too. However, that stinky ice rink is something altogether different. It is out of place here because it is a commercial enterprise and attracts outsiders and causes a lot of disturbance to those who live close to it. Same goes for those awful summer "concerts" which are execrable. OK, I know the guys playing hockey in the playgrounds make a noise, and some guys from outside the complex come over to join in the pick up games, but they don't cause trouble and are pals of the guys who live here. Lets draw a distinction between something that has been a long-standing part of our community and something that has been foisted onto us by a numbskulled dope (Andy Mac) from the boonies.
Re: the dumbassed ice rink and summer noisefests, has management ever done a cost to profit analysis of this garbage? I should think that the bondholders are entitled to see a breakdown of what the garbage theme park crap costs and what it brings in so they can decide whether or not it is worthwhile. I wonder if CW/Campus Rock are held accountable for how they spend money and whether or not what they spend on it is worthwhile, i.e., profitable.
Has anyone noticed that the TT Facebook page (the only forum it provides) has been turned into a Craigslist meets Angie's List? Pretty pathetic considering the important issues we would like the TA to address.
They used to have a Nativity Scene in the Oval every year, but I guess that is considered waaaay too politically incorrect these days. Only a Pagan tree and a Menorah are acceptable.
The interesting thing about these zoning law changes is that the Dept of Buildings has no idea that the law was changed. I called their office to see whose responsibility it was to check to see that all users of these resident only retail entities are in fact residents only. They claimed no knowledge of any changes, so I told them about Dan Garodnick's deal with Amanda Burden (who is in city planning not DOB) and the TA to allow this in PCVST. They asked me to send a copy of Amanda Burden's letter because they are not aware and arent even sure it is legal. I didn't send it because I don't have it but it would be interesting to see what the DOB has to say about this since they at least claim to have no knowledge of the change. However, earlier in the conversation the lawyer whom I had been transferred to (because I mentioned if this whole thing was illegal that I would consider filing a class action lawsuit against the owners and the City of NY) stated that the cost should be borne by the landlord and that there are massive fines if the landlord fails to comply. Too bad the TA sold out to Brookfield and no longer care about the very residents they are supposed to be looking out for, because this stinks of a major cover up and a good class action suit seeking rent refunds for all residents, something the TA at one time was very good at. Now they are mostly useless.
"TA sold out to Brookfield and no longer care about the very residents they are supposed to be looking out for, because this stinks of a major cover up and a good class action suit seeking rent refunds for all residents, something the TA at one time was very good at. Now they are mostly useless."
The TA is under the spell of Garodnick and all he is doing is using them to further his own political ambitions and feather his own nest.
Can you imagine if the tenants owned STPCV when Sandy hit? We would still be debating who would begin the process of drying out and fixing the basements since many tenants would not want to pay a penny more than the absolute minimum to do the work while others would see the necessity of doing the work correctly and properly rather than cheaply .
53 comments:
I like that they're using a live tree now. It'll be nice for kids who grew up here to come back and see the same tree each year, plus it's less wasteful. Maybe get a shot of the tree lit up at night, I think you'll find it looks nicer. Of course, it could use a trim.
That live tree is awful and looks sickly and depressing. I don't think it's going to outlast the kids growing up in Stuy Town.
Wasn’t it stated (by Rose?) that the plan was to plant a permanent large tree in the center of the Oval? Oh, but then came all of the crappy Oval Events. This is a Charlie Brown tree without the happy ending.
The mighty Oak was once a little nut! Give it a chance and try being positive for once. The tree lighting ceremony was sweet and cheered everyone up.
Give it a chance? You can't be serious. How long? Twenty years? Thirty years? Fifty? A hundred? By the time, the Oval lawn will be leveled for whatever is going to arise here in the future. The tree is also too close to others if it's going to grow considerably. Something will have to be chopped down.
Again, no one can say this tree is even reasonably attractive. The trees they are selling in the basketball playground look considerably better.
This is another example of inane "green" philosophy (and, truthfully and more importantly for CWCapital a buck saved) that gives us crap instead of the better things people are used to and appreciate.
And if you think most of Stuy Town and Stuy Town kids would rather have this abomination than the magnificent trees Stuy Town used to have, well--brother (or sister), you must have some motive for saying so that you're not letting out.
Bottom line: This tree is a joke. And will be a joke for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, we do have the Ice Rink, of course, which I'm sure you consider money well spent.
Maybe they will build the Oval Walmart around the tree! Residents only of course, right Dan?
I'm all for a live tree since I feel that killing a tree for decoration is wrong. That's not to say that they couldn't have planted one that is more in keeping with the stature of the Oval.
Thank god we still have the ice rink! Not.
Why does it have a glowing spine?
WTG HAL, STR and Anon 5:34pm
CW is pathetic.
Anony 5:34 PM-You forgot the other part of the corporate CWC spin/lie "residents and their guests” (I refuse to say CompassRock, its CWC who runs this place). BTW, I finally went inside the ice rink the other day. I did not buy a rink ticket but nobody asked me for my ID. Nobody asked the people on the ticket line for an ID. Are nonresidents using the rink? Who the F knows? Since they are not asking for ID, this a plainly a commercial enterprise, in violation of the zoning law, not a “resident accessory”. But the stroller mafia and their spawn love the place. They do not care about laws or regulations. They only care about themselves. But the funny thing, they do have leases subject to the RS law. Boy, what a stink they would make if CWC refuse to renew their leases and book the usual 4 per dorm transient types. Like Yah!
What a sad bush.
Nobody asked the people on the ticket line for an ID
is a fact in the ice rink.
It is opened to the public!
Old Saint Nick must have parked his reinndeer in the stairwell of 7Stuyvesant Oval this morning while decorating the anorexic looking CW Capital Christmas "tree". How do I Know? Because there was a mound of shit on the 4th floor landing. Couldn't have been dogshit from one of our more considerate neighbors could it?? And a Merry X-mas to you all!
Is it quarantined because it will make us sick? It looks sick.
Re: Ice Rink. They are supposed to ask for ID if you rent skates or at least did so last year. Otherwise, no ID is required.
I prefer to keep my tree in the closet with the baby.
They MUST ask for ID otherwise the rink doesn't count as "accessory use" therefor making it a violation of the zoning laws. THANKS DAN!!!! THANKS TENANTS ASSOCIATION! ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE CLOWNS!!!
Why is the trunk of the tree wrapped in white lights? Lady Maya hitting the nog again?
And come March 2013 it'll take management 3 months to rip out the destroyed AstroTurf and replace it. Just like this year.
Remember when MetLife used to put up the little Christmas-themed houses by the fountains, with a Santa and reindeer above the old security booth? Something like that would be inexpensive compared to the rink and would look much nicer than that excuse for a Christmas tree.
How sad is it to be "pining" for the good ol' days of TS!
Looks awful, but honestlly, more important things to worry and comment about.
just saying. thanks STR and happiest of holidays you are still great.
I suspect the older tree is prettier, but your 2012 photo is shot during the daytime so it's hard to tell how it looks lit up. A nighttime shot would be a better comparison.
The tree is so beautiful I'd let my baby sleep in it.
Off topic, maybe, but here goes: Since Compass Rock took over the recycling areas have been somewhat better because the porters have been made to clear them several times a day. The oinks who put dirty recycling stuff out continue to do what they do and the idiots who don't know what the chutes are for also continue to do what they do. The porters are working much harder than ever and their numbers have been cut to the bone. It would be nice if each of us adults (the newbies and students don't fall into this category) each gave the porter in the building a little tip at Christmas/Holidays. Just a $20 from each of us could make a difference and show our appreciation for these guys and girls. Just a suggestion.
>>Remember when MetLife used to put up the little Christmas-themed houses by the fountains, with a Santa and reindeer above the old security booth?<<
I sure do.
>>I suspect the older tree is prettier, but your 2012 photo is shot during the daytime so it's hard to tell how it looks lit up. A nighttime shot would be a better comparison.<<
You must be new around here. There's no "suspect" about it, and you don't need a nighttime comparison shot.
>>Looks awful, but honestlly, more important things to worry and comment about.
just saying. thanks STR and happiest of holidays you are still great.<<
Thanks, and happy holidays to you, too.
I'm very limited on time these days, and this one was easy to deal with, and still needs to be pointed out, however trivial it may seem in the large scheme of things.
STR, the tree does count. It's another thoughtless act by CW. But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect.
If the tree had more lights in more colors it would be fine. But solid blue is so dull and not festive. Hey Sean Sullivan - how about tossing 3 strands of 300 multicolor twinkle lights on that tree... You can get them at Brickmans for about $7.99 per strand. It's not too late! Merry Christmas! :-)
>>But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect.<<
Hmm, I was wondering about that. I believe the proper flag tradition is that a flag can be up all night as long as it has a light on it. Of course, PCVST used to take down the flag at sunset and raise it in the morning. And if the flag wasn't at half-mast for the Newtown massacre--well, that's lame. Surprising, because as a former Marine, Sean Sullivan should be particularly sensitive to these issues.
"STR, the tree does count. It's another thoughtless act by CW. But what's really wrong is no one takes down the flag anymore. The flag is up all day, all night, in the rain and hasn't even been at half staff when the rest of the country displayed the flag that way. There are rules for displaying the flag. CW doesn't have any respect."
I've noticed their blatant disrespect for the flag and their total refusal to fly it at half staff, contrary to the President's order. This is particularly despicable in a complex that was built for returning veterans. But I believe that CW is a Canadian company, so what the hell do they care about respecting our flag? They just respect US money and nothing and no one else.
OK... And it's Saturday morning and I'm in my 11th floor apartment being seranaded by the lovely slap shots and screams of the hockey practice downstairs. Isn't this the pits? Why aren't folks walking a picket line out there to protest that piece of crap that perpetually invades the quiet enjoyment of our homes. Soon the industrial equipment will be out to clear the ice. I might as well live on 2nd Ave. Good job clueless landlord. Poison the 1 thing that made this place special.. our own private quiet park.
Are you talking about hockey on the ice rink or in a playground?
Oh boy, I sure wish I had some spare time to play ice hockey. I'm converting the deep sink into a play pen.
9:50--I live right near there also, and I love it. It sounds like community to me and such a long-standing tradition. Doesn't bother me in the least and sometimes I stop and watch. It's why we have playgrounds, to use and enjoy. Pick up hockey is part of our city.
" Good job clueless landlord. Poison the 1 thing that made this place special.. our own private quiet park."
Hey, the only thing this substandard "landlord" knows how to do is make this into a substandard theme park, thereby creating substandard living conditions for its tenants. What more would you expect from a bunch of half-assed ignuds who can't even respect the American Flag?
I heard they are developing a big piece of East 14th Street between Avenues A and B. I hope they keep Rite Aid and 14th Street Wash and Clean in the neighborhood. Would be nice if they put a decent supermarket there. Associated is so crowded, cramped and scuzzy. The meat always looks like it is waaaaaay beyond its real sell-by date. Dangerously so. A nice Gristedes or Food Emporium would be very welcome as far as I'm concerned.
Where are the "The no dogs signs" around the oval ?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, STR. Thank you for all you do for us. You do a lot for us - more than the TA, DG or anybody else! We love you!
Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you, too!
@December 23, 2012 9:31 PM
I think Wash N Clean is moving in where La Isla was.
Merry Christmas STR. We need you more than ever!
Merry Christmas everyone!
STR, let me wish you Happy Holidays and a Healthy 2013! You do a GREAT job and truly perform a wonderful service for the ST-PCV community! Your time and effort in providing this blog is appreciated and respected by me and many others! Nice work!!
Hockey in the playgrounds has been here for eons and it is a good way for youngsters to burn off energy and it is enjoyable to watch too. However, that stinky ice rink is something altogether different. It is out of place here because it is a commercial enterprise and attracts outsiders and causes a lot of disturbance to those who live close to it. Same goes for those awful summer "concerts" which are execrable. OK, I know the guys playing hockey in the playgrounds make a noise, and some guys from outside the complex come over to join in the pick up games, but they don't cause trouble and are pals of the guys who live here. Lets draw a distinction between something that has been a long-standing part of our community and something that has been foisted onto us by a numbskulled dope (Andy Mac) from the boonies.
As a life time resident here, I totally agree with Anony 11:24 AM . Playground activity, unless used by nonresidents or non-guests or taken over for “private” events, is fine and good, that’s what the 15 playgrounds are here for. Oops, I meant 14 playgrounds, one free playground has been taken out of service. The ice rink, the green market , the Kubrick Café, etc., these are ALL commercial enterprises that violate the zoning law because the “residents and their guests” caveat is NEVER enforced and is not enforceable in any case. But in Bloomberg’s world, the RE industry and corporate interest trumps all so this law, like many other is left out to rot and die while others are selectively enforced such as people walking 4 abreast so that for OWS, unless you have a parade permit, you’re under arrest while for the children of privilege, the notorious drunk pub crawl Bro Woo herds like SantaCon, the laws are ignored by law enforcement.
The skating rink is a violation of the zoning laws because they are not checking resident IDs at the door. GO DAN! GO TA! Schmucks!
Re: the dumbassed ice rink and summer noisefests, has management ever done a cost to profit analysis of this garbage? I should think that the bondholders are entitled to see a breakdown of what the garbage theme park crap costs and what it brings in so they can decide whether or not it is worthwhile. I wonder if CW/Campus Rock are held accountable for how they spend money and whether or not what they spend on it is worthwhile, i.e., profitable.
Has anyone noticed that the TT Facebook page (the only forum it provides) has been turned into a Craigslist meets Angie's List? Pretty pathetic considering the important issues we would like the TA to address.
They used to have a Nativity Scene in the Oval every year, but I guess that is considered waaaay too politically incorrect these days. Only a Pagan tree and a Menorah are acceptable.
The interesting thing about these zoning law changes is that the Dept of Buildings has no idea that the law was changed. I called their office to see whose responsibility it was to check to see that all users of these resident only retail entities are in fact residents only. They claimed no knowledge of any changes, so I told them about Dan Garodnick's deal with Amanda Burden (who is in city planning not DOB) and the TA to allow this in PCVST. They asked me to send a copy of Amanda Burden's letter because they are not aware and arent even sure it is legal. I didn't send it because I don't have it but it would be interesting to see what the DOB has to say about this since they at least claim to have no knowledge of the change. However, earlier in the conversation the lawyer whom I had been transferred to (because I mentioned if this whole thing was illegal that I would consider filing a class action lawsuit against the owners and the City of NY) stated that the cost should be borne by the landlord and that there are massive fines if the landlord fails to comply. Too bad the TA sold out to Brookfield and no longer care about the very residents they are supposed to be looking out for, because this stinks of a major cover up and a good class action suit seeking rent refunds for all residents, something the TA at one time was very good at. Now they are mostly useless.
"TA sold out to Brookfield and no longer care about the very residents they are supposed to be looking out for, because this stinks of a major cover up and a good class action suit seeking rent refunds for all residents, something the TA at one time was very good at. Now they are mostly useless."
The TA is under the spell of Garodnick and all he is doing is using them to further his own political ambitions and feather his own nest.
Can you imagine if the tenants owned STPCV when Sandy hit?
We would still be debating who would begin the process of drying out and fixing the basements since many tenants would not want to pay a penny more than the absolute minimum to do the work while others would see the necessity of doing the work correctly and properly rather than cheaply .
"Can you imagine if the tenants owned STPCV when Sandy hit?"
NO! They can't even handle their Facebook page!
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