Friday, August 1, 2014

A New Message from Gerald Guterman and an Offer

To the ST/PCV Tenants:

Having been in the real estate business for about forty-four years and directly involved in New York's Rent Stabilized Housing Program for about thirty-six years, my partners and I can well understand your frustrations as well as your desires, to protect your identity from unscrupulous landlords.

We have given all of the problems at ST/PCV a lot of thought during the last several years and intensely so, during the last several months. We have all been feeling a certain frustration, as we read about the "cartoon" world of property management and now owner at ST/PCV.

There is a genuine need to organize a tenant group that can act in a cohesive manner.

We recognize the necessity for a common, crystal clear identity and a laser focused message, supported by a massive number of "tenants in possession". The tenants in turn, are supported by in-depth knowledge and "real time" Rent Stabilization expertise and experience in landlord-tenant relations.

I mentioned in a previous comment, that it appeared to be difficult to gain the attention of these Managers, who believe that enjoying a reasonable "quality of life", is restricted only to them and their families.

We have previously had "inattention" experiences with other management companies. Once we notice this lack of attention, we usually follow our "Mallet Between the Eyes" theory of attention deficit. I am afraid that you will have to listen to a number of our theories, as we walk together through the gardens.

The Mallet Theory is simple, direct and almost always gets the desired results.

The Theory is.... When you are trying to make a point but the other person is not paying adequate attention to what is being said, it sometimes may become necessary to take a rubber mallet and hit the other person (figuratively) right between the eyes.

This procedure generally gets the other party's absolute and undivided attention as well as a clear, definitive focus, even if it's just for a short period of time. However, that short period is generally just long enough, to achieve the desired results.

Once we have their attention, making our point is usually not quite as stressful.

To get their attention, it will be necessary for us to represent a large constituency of ST/PCV tenants. I mean as many tenants as possible, no matter what their legal status.To translate "as many as possible", think about five thousand or six thousand or more families.  

Our company is not licensed to practice law. We can't represent you in a legal capacity. We can however, represent you as your business consultant.

If enough of the tenants at ST/PCV decide to join us, I can promise you that no private owner, mortgage lender or property manager in New York, will with-stand the full force of a monetary, legal and political attack by the organized and combined, economic might, of the ST/PCV community.

During the next ten days, we will have a Consulting Agreement drawn to memorialize our agreement with each tenant. An individual tenant will request an Agreement and each Agreement will be separate and specific between our company and the individual tenant. Only the individual tenant will know whether he or she has a consulting agreement with us. 

Of course representing the tenants as a group, will only count if enough tenants sign up with Guterman Partners, LLC's consulting subsidiary.
            
While we are not sure of the combined will of the ST/PCV tenants to band together and achieve one single, cohesive force, we are sure that if you will combine your efforts and allow us to represent your interests, we will produce the desired results for "quality of life" in the ST/PCV rental community as well as a serious financial benefit to all tenants in possession, if the property is converted.

This process of gaining the attention of management and thereafter changing their management operating program, will be slightly difficult and a little "bloody" for management.
   
To our knowledge, this will be management's the first real experience with this level of in-depth "rent stabilization" operating expertise and "rent stabilization" litigating expertise.

As I previously mentioned, my partners and I have accumulated this knowledge and experience, during our thirty-six years of managing rental apartments that are governed by New York City's Rent Stabilization Housing Program and thirty-six years of managing more than sixty thousand New York City apartments.

Gerald Guterman

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Gerald: How would joining you help the middle class here, families and individuals who love life here but are @ MR and are being 'forced' out. HOW? and please be specific.

Anonymous said...

What EXACTLY is in this for you, Mr. Gutterman? Please spell it out clearly. Oh, and who is going to pay the legal costs for whatever actions need to be taken?

Anonymous said...

The Trojan horse finally reveals itself. First Guterman presented himself as someone who wanted to insert himself in our situation (even though he stated he wouldn't be buying), almost as a way to amuse himself in his golden retirement years. Now he's talking about mallets and foreheads. And what exactly is he offering? All his not very specific talk reminds me of the fable of the crow (CW) and the fox (Guterman), and we're the cheese. We should have a better idea of what we're dealing with. Tishman Speyer, CWCapital, even MetLife in its last days--they were all pretty scummy. Why should we think he's any different?

Anonymous said...

You got my attention, Mr. Guterman. I am eager to learn more.

Gerald Guterman said...

Gerald Guterman said....

To Anomymous x3, August1, 2014,

I refer you back to my comments made on July, 19,2014, in The Stuyvesant Town Report. That specific list, is what we will achieve.

I admit that my partners and I are excited about becomming involved and so what, if we are excited

It's whether we can "produce" the bottom line that counts.

How have you been doing so far?

Gerald Guterman

Anonymous said...

We need a rubber-mallet-to-the-balls-err-i-mean-head-of-CW-CR sign of good faith from Mr Guterman and we will be on board with Mr Guterman. Just one, one that gets national attention would be convincing to the many who want to join up.

Anonymous said...

What a scam (IMHO).

Mr. Guterman, would you mind stating exactly how much you will be charging individual tenants for your "consulting" services?

Anonymous said...

Since we're all anonymous, my main concern is that the dialogue be civil. I have as much reason to be suspicious of some of the 'tenant' comments here as I might be concerned about what Mr Guterman intends. But yes, I think we're all entitled to know what we'd be signing on to. Also, sooner or later any of us involved would be hard pressed to stay anonymous. I mean...either you're standing up for yourself or you aren't.

Anonymous said...

It sounds to me as if Mr Guterman is offering the following.
1. Advice about what to do.
2. A Central hub that would allow him/us to find out how many people are interested in discussing and perhaps acting on his advice,
3. A means of distributing his advice.
4. A means to discuss his advice.
5. A means to determine any actions.

If no more than this is implied, I'm in. Would like to see Mr Guterman's take.

Anonymous said...

I'll thank Mr Guterman for his offer and respectfully decline.

For me, Mr Guterman was only relevant as a prospective purchaser offering an alternative plan that (1) retained a significant amount of apartments as affordable rentals and (2) provided those who wish an opportunity to buy their units at a reasonable price.

I don't think I need a 3rd party to organize us and act as our voice (while it seems he's asking us to spend our money while he does that).

I'd say the TA, with the politicos, is repping the 'save x,000 units'. So my thinking is long-term RSers are covered by the TA.

I think the MRers need to form their own group. And I don't think they need to pay anyone to represent them. Simply being 3,000+ units interested in ownership will have numerous prospective buyers begging for an audience. It would also mobilize the TA and politicos to listen very closely to the MRers needs.

Anonymous said...

If Mr. Guterman could do anything about the shit stains they call laundry facilities around here, I would be all for him. I am only interested in living in a safe, clean environment with decent laundry facilities. They can keep all the fucking cruise ship crap and "amenities." I do miss the beautiful trees in the Oval, though. Nowadays, I just don't go anywhere near it. That's ok, though, because that was a perk, not a necessity.

Anonymous said...

NYC & Company’s Global Communications division is responsible for publicizing New York City's five boroughs as a travel destination.

http://www.nycgo.com/venues/stuyvesant-town-oval

Our Oval is marketed and advertised as a tourist destination open to the public.

Anonymous said...

How did they get the permits for the concerts? Anyone know?

http://pinpointconcerts.com/events/23774-soul-asylum-at-stuyvesant-town-oval



Soul Asylum

Stuyvesant Town Oval 276 1st AvenueNew York, NY United States www.madisonsquarepark.org/music

Anonymous said...

I will happily patiently await Mr. G's proposal in the mail. Prefer not to have it posted here. Too many naysayers.

Anonymous said...

And to 1:29 - I know about 200 MR alone that would be on board by next week. Sick of the BullSHIT here.

Anonymous said...

This community is owed honest answers directly from the Mayor and not statements through his Buyers Association.

Deals with Verizon, NYU, and NYC have been made that resulted in thousands of our neighbors evictions and the commercialization and public tourism of the once safe, private property where our kids played outside safely.

We are owed honest answers on ALL the deals, those who brokered them, who is profiting, and who has lost big.

What is the deal with his NYC & Co Marketing Company to list Stuyvesant Oval and its commercial concerts and events as a public tourist destination. He didn't mention any of this while campaigning on our corners.

http://skift.com/2014/03/14/new-york-city-mayor-names-new-head-of-citys-powerful-nyc-company-tourism-board/

http://www.nycgo.com/venues/stuyvesant-town-oval

Anonymous said...

Upset about WashingMachine person - Enough already. They're NOT FIXING THEM OR ANYTHING ELSE. Don't pay your rent if you're this upset.

Anonymous said...

"I'd say the TA, with the politicos, is repping the 'save x,000 units'. So my thinking is long-term RSers are covered by the TA."

Name one thing the politicos or the TA has done regarding quality of life issues that has had positive results. The politicos and the TA ARE THE PROBLEM NOT THE SOLUTION! Yes, I am one of those supposedly protected tenants you speak of.

I am in with Guterman since the others you mention have failed miserably in protecting us. Where do I sign up?

Anonymous said...

We're living in a society that is so wrapped up in the free market that individuals no longer exercise their power to organize and take on those with more money. That's an important part of living in a Democracy. If Guterman proposes a fight against CW and other potential buyers who plan to continue CW's trajectory of treating tenants like sheep, then I say it's time to fight!

Anonymous said...

If I recall, the Guterman plan would allow tenants to purchase apartments at roughly half market value, with no selling restrictions after a year or two.

How does that preserve affordability in PCVST? That loud whooshing sound you'd hear is thousands of residents taking the money and running, leaving nothing but high-priced condos behind.

Tenants could choose to remain RS renters, but there'd be a powerful financial incentive to simply borrow, buy and flip.

I'd prefer to see a limited equity scenario, a la Penn South, that would let us remain as owners, thus relieving us of the RGB's compounding annual increases and the worry of RS laws being further awakened or sunsetting, while still preserving affordability for future residents.

Anonymous said...

to 1:29. So you're out. Fine. No more need be said. Many others will want to know more.

Anonymous said...

I hope everyone interested bears in mind that TA-leaning folks and other troll-types can consider Mr Guterman's offer an easy target. People should be considering what's in their interests.

Anonymous said...

5;28 I disagree. Most will not take money & run. City is @ a vacancy of less than 1% now, people want to live here. Stop spreading lies.

Anonymous said...

I'll sign and my father in law in PCV says he would too.

Anonymous said...

Good luck getting Marsh The Knife doing ANYTHING cohesive. It's time to abolish this incarnation of the TA and start from scratch.

Anonymous said...

"Upset about WashingMachine person - Enough already. They're NOT FIXING THEM OR ANYTHING ELSE. Don't pay your rent if you're this upset."

I have to pay my rent or I will be evicted. I want the services I am paying through the nose for, including decent and functional laundry equipment. I don't give a fuck about buying into this shit hole, but I do want what my rent is supposed to be paying for, and as I'm paying a very high rent until my lease is up I want decent and sanitary laundry facilities. If this tenth-rate slumlord can't provide that for the pound of flesh they are gouging, then they should just get out of the fucking landlord business.

Anonymous said...

In two posts, G. Guterman has outlined a potential path forward that is hopeful. Contrast this with the secretive approach of the TA board who refuse to update the community on this matter.

Anonymous said...

WRITE TO THE TA. I have.

Dear TA: WHY THE SILENCE? Why aren't you supportive of the hell we're being put through?

Call them, bombard them. Demand they step down so we can form a better, new TA.

Anonymous said...

Wonder how much Guterman is going to want to be paid for his "expert" advice.

Anonymous said...

11:08 Good point. Exactly right. The only plan, leadership and good advice for tenants we have seen in years has been from Mr Guterman. We have not heard any good advice from the Buyers Association and we have seen their plan in action these past years. Mr Guterman we will await your letter in the mail or in a download file online.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Guterman, stand on 1st and 23 and other corners in Pcv and literally get emails. No names, just emails. We'll be in touch with you with our contact info and current situation. Just my opinion -

Anonymous said...

5:34...some strange comment. You think Gerry Guterman is looking to make money from his advice to us? Truly ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Whether Mr G wants to be paid or not is fine by us, either way. Have to stop the madness of CWC here & now. They are bullies who will stop @ nothing to charge tenants left and right while simultaneously pushing you out.

Anonymous said...

From Dan Garodnick’s most recent “Dear Neighbor” letter slipped under our doors:

“There is evidence our voices are being heard. After our call to do so, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac publicly signaled that they will not lend money to any deal that does not have the blessing of the City and the tenants. And, with the help of Mayor de Blasio, CWCapital agreed to a 60 day period of negotiations with the City and with us. We want this to be the biggest victory in the Mayor’s affordable housing plan, and we stand ready to make another bid if that is our best path.”

--- “… and we stand ready to make another bid if that is our best path.” ---

It seems Mayor de Blasio, and possibly Fannie-Freddie, already rejected the Garodnick-TA-Brookfield partnership’s condo scam. Apparently they asked some questions Garodnick and the TA have dodged for years and did not like the answers.

Anonymous said...

I don't care who takes over this place so long as CW and Compass Rock are made to leave. Al Quaida could take over and do a better job.

Anonymous said...

I'm in with anyone except Garodnick and the Buyers Association. Send me a contract. I will sign with GG today!!!

Anonymous said...

Notice NOT SLIPPED UNDER MY DOOR. Where and what?

Anonymous said...

A few people told me that things would get worse after TSpeyer. I doubted it = I was very wrong.

Anonymous said...

What notices???????

Anonymous said...

"It seems Mayor de Blasio, and possibly Fannie-Freddie, already rejected the Garodnick-TA-Brookfield partnership’s condo scam. Apparently they asked some questions Garodnick and the TA have dodged for years and did not like the answers."

Mind telling us where this "information" came from, or do we just assume that anonymous assertions made on internet blogs must always be true?

Anonymous said...

- Scan of undated "Dear Neighbor" letter recently slipped under my PCV door. The letter is printed under Garodnick's masthead and electronically signed "Dan" (PDF copy emailed to STR) -

THE COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
DANIEL R. GARODNICK
COUNCIL MEMBER, 4th DISTRICT

Dear Neighbor:

It has been a tumultuous few weeks for all of us in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village.

First, CWCapital announced a foreclosure auction on June 13. As the date approached, there was speculation that Fortress Investment Group, CWCapital’s parent company, might try to buy the property for $4.7 billion outside any formal process. Then, because of a concern that another lender might disrupt the foreclosure, CW decided to cancel it.

The result was much simpler, though only slightly less perilous for our future. CW transferred the title to the senior lenders in the Tishman Speyer deal, and they became the new owners. These holders of mortgage-backed securities are mostly unknown, but importantly, they are represented by CWCapital, which is still in the driver’s seat for determining the next steps for our community.

We cannot allow a repeat of the disastrous 2006 deal. I joined over 300 of our neighbors and our extraordinary Tenants Association on the steps of City Hall in the rain to loudly make that point. We need to deliver a more affordable future for current and future residents — and will strongly oppose any proposal that is designed to push people out, or to develop on our open spaces. An auction to the highest bidder will not protect anyone, and we will be vocal and fight back against such predatory practices.

There is evidence that our voices are being heard. After our call to do so, Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac publicly signaled that they will not lend money to any deal that does not have the blessing of the City and the tenants. And, with the help of Mayor de Blasio, CWCapital agreed to a 60 day period of negotiations with the City and with us. We want this to be the biggest victory in the Mayor’s affordable housing plan, and we stand ready to make another bid if that is our best path.

We are not going to let this be the last chapter for Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village as an affordable community for middle class New Yorkers. I will keep you updated as this process unfolds.

Anonymous said...

Gerry Gutterman knows about a MILLION times more about rent-stabilization than the folks at the TA. That being said, I predict that about 150 people will sign up with him, and then he will finally go away.

Anonymous said...

August 6, letter to tenants.

WE NEVER GET THESE. Our building never gets these - have now asked 5 tenants in our building. Who is getting this and why not all of us?

Anonymous said...

Wrong on 150 people signing up with Gutterman. Much much more. Not signing but all those we know will.