What do you do if you're management when services decline in PCVST? You push residents to sign up for Oval Amenities to take care of their needs!
As posted on the TA Facebook page, United Parcel Service will not be leaving packages in certain buildings based on the amount of thefts that have been occurring in these buildings. Now, one would think that the high-tech, award-winning security system we have, with thousands of HD cameras all over the complex and inside, and for which we are paying a MCI, could help to solve these thefts, but no, that's not going to happen. So the solution? Have your packages delivered to Oval Concierge! (Don't even ask: Of course, there is a charge.)
Almost immediately following this news came other news, this time on the STPC Tenants' Facebook, that Oval Cafe will be temporarily closing to reopen with an expanded menu and... new seating. Yes, that means the cafe's Kids Korner will be gone. Now, you Stuy Town moms may be upset about this (I don't know why because "Team PCVST" says they got feedback from you and others on how to make Oval Cafe better), but the solution is obvious: Hasten yourselves and your little ones over to Oval Kids! (Don't even ask: Of course, there is a charge.)
Regarding Oval Cafe, it's obvious that the place is not making money: The seating is usually taken over by students, who just sit there with one cup of coffee and do their hours of studying, and moms with their children, who use the place as a chill-out center. It's not that, as "Team PCVST" states, feedback was solicited of the "community" on how to make Oval Cafe better, but that, to survive financially, the cafe has to make room for more bodies and a higher turn-over rate. (I wouldn't be surprised to see a time-limit in place eventually for studying at the cafe unless more items are bought.) Oval Cafe also has to push high-priced items and, yes, the sale of alcohol, which I'm sure is still being planned. Make way, kids, for the booze!
The current sign outside the Oval Café does not even mention, even in the smallest font available, that the Oval Cafe is only for “residents and their guests”. There are no signs inside as well that stipulate that restriction. It’s a full-fledged commercial enterprise in violation of the residential only designation of the interior of PCVST. Jim Roth, former TA Board member, was spot on this issue for the greenmarket, it was the slippery slope (the rink, the Café, the selling of Christmas trees in playground 9, etc. ) that has destroyed the tranquility of the Oval. But most of the new tenants enjoy the suburbization of PCVST. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteIf packages that are delivered to apartment doors are taken, there's no video footage of the theft because there are no cameras on the floors, just in the public areas, including the elevators. It's a mystery why anyone would think it's better to dump them in the lobby.
ReplyDeleteLet me ask you, then: Do you think Public Safety has made any serious attempt, or just plain old attempt, at finding out just who is lifting these packages?
ReplyDeleteWe know that there are certain high-risk buildings in PCVST for theft. I'm assuming that the UPS packages are bigger than a bread box or about that size, so someone walking out with a package (sans packaging material) who is not recognized as a tenant (delivery person, cleaning lady, etc) and who is now carrying something "extra" could be, one assumes, spotted by cameras in an elevator or out in the entrance foyer. Attention should also be focused on PCVST workers.
What about a sting operation?
Has Public Safety done any of this?
Does anyone have access to the UPS list of buildings that are on the "no delivery" list.
ReplyDeleteI remember back in the late 80's that UPS would not deliver to the city of Newark, oh my how we have fallen.
Related topic, maybe not, but yes, it's spring and the little kids soccer is out there and the MAN with the WOOOOOOO voice is out there so that from 10-12 every weekend morning I hear the foghorn of his WOOOOOO going in my 12th floor apartment. I really don't mind the kids, or the parents applauding, but this guy (no doubt the coach, encouraging those 4 year olds) WOOOOOOing for 2 hours. UP 12 F'ing floors. IT's like those fluvules (spelling?) from the soccer games. WOOOOOO WOOOOOO WOOOOOO. Buddy, if you make it fun they'll have fun. You don't have to scream it into them.
ReplyDeleteStuy Town Reporter said...
ReplyDeleteLet me ask you, then: Do you think Public Safety has made any serious attempt, or just plain old attempt, at finding out just who is lifting these packages?
We know that there are certain high-risk buildings in PCVST for theft. I'm assuming that the UPS packages are bigger than a bread box or about that size, so someone walking out with a package (sans packaging material) who is not recognized as a tenant (delivery person, cleaning lady, etc) and who is now carrying something "extra" could be, one assumes, spotted by cameras in an elevator or out in the entrance foyer. Attention should also be focused on PCVST workers.
If the package is stolen by someone on the same floor--no video. If the package is stolen by someone using the stairs--no video. If someone steals the package, throws the wrapping down the chute, and then leaves with the contents (often easily hidden)--no video.
This is no doubt a low priority for PS (not sure what a high priority is) since it would involve watching hours of footage from multiple cameras. But it shouldn't be too hard to focus on problem buildings. And while PS is at it, they could ID problem tenants who should be evicted.
Believe me, it could be a lot worse. Be grateful we have a vociferous TA looking out for our interests. Imagine how much worse it all would be without them.
ReplyDeleteOval cafe or the new restaurant they install will never turn a profit. It was a losing concept from the onset. These dim real estate people couldn't turn a profit without nefarious activity. Their resumes are long with failures and bankrupting their ventures.
ReplyDeleteIn NYC there are plenty of restaurants within arms reach. We don't need nor want one in our backyard. No one puts a restaurant in their back yard.
521....... Being sarcastic? Can't be sure.
ReplyDeleteJust a question, does anyone here belong to the Oval Library? Or study?
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, it could be a lot worse. Be grateful we have a vociferous TA looking out for our interests. Imagine how much worse it all would be without them.
ReplyDeleteYou're kidding, right????
They are as much a part of the problem as is CWC. They allowed all this to occur in hopes of getting preferential treatment for their "partner" Brookfield.
Hey Readers,
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