Fire at the ST Rental Office?

 

Five firetrucks in front of the Stuy Town rental office on 1st Ave, the doors wide open, firemen inside. Doesn't look like much, as no fire or smoke is seen.

The End of the Ice Skating Rink?

 

This week's Town & Village carries a front page article that will cheer some and depress others. Stuy Town's "Winter Wonderland" may be seeing its final days--forever.  According to the article, written by T&V babe Sabina Mollot, the "hugely popular" rink has seen its novelty dying down, with CW Capital uncertain whether the rink will return next year.  Apparently this year has seen a loss of revenue from the rink, not helped by the forced time-out from Hurricane Sandy and the raising of entry prices. Of course, the rink was never "hugely popular" with all or most of our thousands of residents, otherwise there'd be no consideration given of not continuing on, but it did get a lot of attention and a regular stream of skaters, mainly kids.  The possible failure of the rink is another instance of large sums of money being thrown away by the powers that be on things that are not necessities, but are just lures to acquire new tenants to pay high rental prices for living in what amounts to upscale projects.

Naturally, "Stuy Town moms" (as they are identified in the article) are trying to convince CWCapital to bring the ice rink back next year.

I have no dog in the fight, as I don't live around the rink and am not subjected to the noise coming from it, but I have noted on weekend mornings when I do pass by, that it can be noisy and a certain cause of frustration to residents who live nearby and may be wanting to get some extra shut-eye or simple peace and quiet on Saturday or Sunday.

Things seem not to be going well for the "Oval Essentials," either.  Because of the devastation along the FDR side of Stuy Town from Sandy, all "Essentials" have been converted to serve as offices for management and security.  Even Oval Cafe has been closed for months. (No great loss.)

There has been an obvious strain on resources here, as evidenced by the symbol of the Oval Christmas tree still hanging with Christmas lighting as we enter the last week of February.

Another promise gone with the wind

Well, what else is new?  The VA Medical Center, which is right above Peter Cooper Village and which PCVST veterans, like myself, can use, was supposed to open in March, but now that timeline has being extended, despite supposed federal aid of $228 million, according to the latest Town & Village:

"VA New York Harbor Healthcare System Director Martina Parauda recently said that she expects the Manhattan VA Medical Center to be open for some outpatient services in March and for inpatients no later than July 1."  But it may take at least two years before full restoration!!!

T & V also reported that the closing of the hospital "has had a ripple effect on the local economy in recent months."  One deli has lost about 50 percent of business.

New York can build high-rises in two months (except Freedom Tower!), but fixing up a VA hospital takes an eternity.

Excellent way to treat veterans and the business community in this neighborhood. Calling Mayor Bloomberg.

From Management/CWCapital

STORM ADVISORY NOTICE     2.8.13

In anticipation of the potential storm which is expected to impact the New York City area, we have made extensive preparations. We have procured the necessary supplies, equipment, internal labor and third party contractors to minimize the impact of the storm to the best of our ability, and to deal with any subsequent effects from the storm, including preparations for expedient snow removal.

We are asking all residents to take precautions and make necessary preparations. Due to the extreme weather over the last several months and the forecasted blizzard conditions, there is a higher risk of fallen branches and trees. Residents are advised to remain indoors for their own safety. All PCVST playgrounds will be closed until after the storm.

Please stay indoors and stock up on supplies in your apartment:

-          Water (bottled, jugs)

-          Non-perishable food

-          Battery-operated radio

-          Working flashlights and extra supply of batteries

-           Warm blankets

-          Please DO NOT RELY ON CANDLES. They may cause fire.

Additional precautions:

-          Check on emergency supply kit

-          Charge cell phone(s)

-          Check on friends and neighbors especially those who are elderly or have disabilities or special needs and require assistance with their preparation.

For additional information call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/oem and stay tuned to local radio and TV broadcasts for the latest information.

Call Public Safety at (212) 420-5000 if you require assistance or to report an emergency on property.

Call Resident Services at (212) 420-5000 to report a maintenance emergency and to receive property storm updates. Updates will also be posted on our website at www.pcvst.com and www.facebook.com/pcvst  

As you may know, Management has implemented an emergency phone notification system. To add or update your phone or email, please go to www.pcvst.com. ;

Just posting....

Sometimes you read something and you begin wondering.  Actually, I've been wondering this for a long time.....

 http://www.cnycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=750010#.URQSkPK-mJQ

...local union leaders called CNY Central to publicize what they see as a growing problem with illegal aliens taking local jobs away from local workers, union and non-union alike. Tony Castrello of the Sheetmetal Workers Union says some of the biggest construction projects are hiring sub-contractors from as far away as Arizona and Texas. "They get hired through a general contractor that's local, and they bring in companies and what we're finding is that they're bringing illegals in to do these projects which is taking away work from local labor."

....
 
Ron Haney of the Roofers Union said, "it seems like these contractors will break all the rules in the game to be the successful bidder and to make money. It's not about the community. It's not about people. It's about filling their pockets."

In regards to Stuy Town, I don't have the resources to investigate anything local and I doubt that even Town & Village does.  But, surely, any Stuy Town landlord would not hire contractors who skirt the law.

Rent Reduction for Lack of Services on the Horizon?

From the TA website:

Residents to File for Rent Reduction for Lack of Services

On Friday February 1, the Stuyvesant Town Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association served notice upon CWCapital and CompassRock LLC that it would seek a rent reduction for the loss of trunk storage service, security systems, bicycle and carriage room storage, laundry room services, elevator service and building intercom services.

The Tenants Association is filing a rent reduction claim before New York State’s Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) agency for a diminution of services under the Rent Stabilization Law.  If approved, all tenants who sign on could see their rents rolled back considerably.  Those who do not will not be eligible for a rent reduction.

More at the Tenants Association website.

A NY Mayor Who Was Not a Bum (Unlike the Current Holder of the Office)

1924-2012