I admit that a part of this is self-serving: I go to Associated almost daily. I go to buy the things I need to exist. I also go to Gracefully, and aside from their lunch (high-priced but still good), I don't buy their other food stuffs, which I find particularly high-priced. Nor do I have the credit card to take out and have this food stuff part of a bill I don't see until next month. And I see a lot of credit cards in Gracefully. A lot.
People in Stuy Town and vicinity are, generally, like me regarding Associated. It is not perfect, and the aisles can get very tight, and some of their fruits are high-priced, but you can't keep away the people who buy at the store. (See the threat of a winter storm and witness the stacks on the shelves quickly disappear.)
Associated is heading to be closed because the store can't afford the higher rent that is asked of it by Blackstone. The store is willing to pay more, but too much they can't afford. And, on purpose it seems, Blackstone is asking too much. Blackstone wants a higher priced store in there, one that will cater to their new demographic: young, wealthy, upscale. Associated doesn't fit that picture.
The loss of Associated is just one more step in the disappearance of the "mom-and-pop" store in Manhattan. Just in the past months I have seen these mom-and-pop stores close near me, even more than they did before. It is at a point where desperation seems to set in. Perhaps desperation is part of the plan. If you can't afford New York, what are you doing here?
But you're chosen the wrong person to play with. Something like this makes me more committed, not less.
I will not be banished. I will buy at a higher price what I had paid less for, but my money supply for other items is dwindling, as I'm sure yours is, too, unless you are wealthy.
The loss of Associated is one more step in the loss of New York.
Read this please:
http://thevillager.com/2017/03/30/do-something-meaningful-for-supermarkets/
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Saturday Morning, March 25, 2017
I'm very tired of hearing how wonderful this place is and how the grounds are well-kept and how we, as tenants, should be thankful to Blackstone and Company. Being pissed off right now, I won't mention names. But I will show some photos I took this morning.
This is just a small sample, and covers just the walk I take in the morning/lunch time. The Oval Fountain area is a mess, with non-removable graffiti on the bench and beyond it, though the rest should come off with the rain. I saw a bicyclist riding around the Oval, too, and took a photo. There actually was a PS officer in the small booth this time, but did he say anything? No.The dog shit and reside dog shit stains are there to seen. And the urine streams. Remember, this is what I witness almost every day. Now you see it, too.
This is just a small sample, and covers just the walk I take in the morning/lunch time. The Oval Fountain area is a mess, with non-removable graffiti on the bench and beyond it, though the rest should come off with the rain. I saw a bicyclist riding around the Oval, too, and took a photo. There actually was a PS officer in the small booth this time, but did he say anything? No.The dog shit and reside dog shit stains are there to seen. And the urine streams. Remember, this is what I witness almost every day. Now you see it, too.
Friday, March 24, 2017
"Ruled Out" About A Year Ago
If you are like me, you have greeted another set of rules, called "courtesies," just like I have. I read the first rule, and then my eyes glazed and I went about my own business.
Once again, Blackstone and our dear Rick have decided to add more rules to Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. It would be laughable if it weren't so tragic by now. Of course, the rules that are posted already are basically ignored. Just in the last day or two, I have seen the bicycle rule of no riding around the Oval continually broken, the lanyard rule never enforced, and non-PCV dog owners walking past the occupied large booth in PCV while the PS officer inside ignores the dog owner, who goes out and past 1st Avenue to his home. Well, at least there is a PS officer in that booth, because in the small one at the Oval a PS officer is generally not around at all. And if he is, he is looking at his cellphone.
Aside from malcontents on the TA Facebook, the organization itself has done nothing.
And so it goes on and on.
I am ruled out. And not just now.
Once again, Blackstone and our dear Rick have decided to add more rules to Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. It would be laughable if it weren't so tragic by now. Of course, the rules that are posted already are basically ignored. Just in the last day or two, I have seen the bicycle rule of no riding around the Oval continually broken, the lanyard rule never enforced, and non-PCV dog owners walking past the occupied large booth in PCV while the PS officer inside ignores the dog owner, who goes out and past 1st Avenue to his home. Well, at least there is a PS officer in that booth, because in the small one at the Oval a PS officer is generally not around at all. And if he is, he is looking at his cellphone.
Aside from malcontents on the TA Facebook, the organization itself has done nothing.
And so it goes on and on.
I am ruled out. And not just now.
Friday, March 10, 2017
New Afforable Housing in Stuvesant Town
In case you didn't know it, we have a Lottery for "affordable" housing in this community that is ending March 10th, that's today!
Like our local paper, Town & Village, I am just reporting the news. Let the facts speak for themselves.
The promo is all over the internet, but also here at:
www.stuytownlottery.com
Now if you and/or your family make a minimum of $84,150, you may be in luck! Your "affordable" Stuy Town apartment may be a reality, just check the details. And it helps if you have more money and maybe more occupants, but that's another story. (Quotes are not meant for editorial purposes, but just to highlight the advantages.)
Some of the work, I will do for you, being a nice guy.
First look at the promo. Then examine the promo:
Again, it's at: www.stuytownlottery.com
Anyway, hurry, hurry! You may have an affordable apartment in Stuy Town soon!
Like our local paper, Town & Village, I am just reporting the news. Let the facts speak for themselves.
The promo is all over the internet, but also here at:
www.stuytownlottery.com
Now if you and/or your family make a minimum of $84,150, you may be in luck! Your "affordable" Stuy Town apartment may be a reality, just check the details. And it helps if you have more money and maybe more occupants, but that's another story. (Quotes are not meant for editorial purposes, but just to highlight the advantages.)
Some of the work, I will do for you, being a nice guy.
First look at the promo. Then examine the promo:
Again, it's at: www.stuytownlottery.com
Now what is interesting is that your lease demands 80% floor covering with a carpet. Don't forget, I am just reporting the facts:
The Five Stuy Cafe is lovely, but just be aware of the dog piss on the stone barrier, seen here, and the piss and refuse in the walkway.
Yes, it appears you can have wallpapering, just be sure to okay it with the landlord! Remember, when you move out, you have to take down this wallpaper and revert your apartment to its original state. There is cost involved, but, hey, you've got the money as someone who can afford an affordable apartment in Stuy Town.
Now a lot of what we see is taken by a drone. Oh, oh... This is what I read:
Remember the attention our community (troublemakers) has with a drone? Well, Stuy Town must have gotten a special dispensation because they are advertising, quite openly, "Stuy Town Drone Video" on their website. Way to go, Blackstone!
Anyway, hurry, hurry! You may have an affordable apartment in Stuy Town soon!
Friday, March 3, 2017
About that Message to Tenants....
I'm still annoyed, but two weeks has gone by and it's time for a new post, the last one getting over 200 responses. While I understand Rick and Blackstone, my take on his message is still negative. I understand that Rick is trying to put the best face forward and, at the same time, promote this property, which is now Blackstone's, as a place that is safe and full of amenities that should impress. Personally, I have nothing against Rick, and I'm glad that at least he is living in the community. He appears to be a "nice guy," but I'm sure there is a hardcore element to him which ultimately insists "my way or the highway." I also understand the workings of Blackstone. Having been in situations that duplicate the company spirit and intentions, I am more than familiar with the public versus the private face. It is not, however, my job to present the public face of Blackstone or of Rick or of PS, the latter of which I am thankful for if something serious happens in this community--and they see it!
That said, I am far from impressed by Rick's message to tenants after the "incident." Let me remind people that there was a beating and an attempted rape and an attempted murder happening in this community. Obviously I am aware that the murder accusations could be overcharging, but the perpetrator has admitted to rape and murder in front of police. The courts and evidence will now take over.
Again, for fairness, let me repost Rick's message:
>>Dear Resident,
In the aftermath of the sexual assault that occurred on Sunday, StuyTown Property Services has been following social media posts whereas comments are being made concerning resident safety.
Before addressing, SPS would like all to know that our thoughts continue to be with the victim; in all the dialogue over the past few days, I trust no one forgets there was an innocent person involved.
That said, this incident occurred on our watch. This is not lost on anyone on our team.
Hence, SPS is taking steps aimed at preventing such acts or similar acts from occurring. One of these steps is an awareness campaign highlighting the tools available to residents should one feel threatened:
Emergency Phone/Video Stations: 36 stanchions illuminated with blue lights on top and connected to Public Safety, located throughout the PCVST neighborhood.
“SECURITY” buttons on building intercoms located in vestibules and on the exterior walls of the Terrace (Stuyvesant Town) and Lower Level (Peter Cooper Village) entrances.
Officers (wearing fluorescent vests) patrolling on foot and in cars 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Officer escorts from the Peter Cooper Village security booth on 1st Avenue and 22nd Street. Give this address to cab drivers, Uber drivers, etc. and an officer will escort you to your building. If in Stuyvesant Town, the Command Center located at 2 Stuyvesant Oval is available 24/7.
Put the Public Safety telephone number into your contacts: 212.598.5233.
Another step is an expedited review of the lighting around the PCVST neighborhood. New lights were just installed along the 14th Street corridor but a review of the remaining perimeter lighting (Avenue C in particular) and the interior lighting will be advanced; areas needing improvement will be addressed.
The third step will be SPS working with its security consultants to map out a plan to identify where new and additional equipment can be placed to enhance coverage. A considerable number of cameras and related equipment have been introduced into the PCVST Public Safety department over the past 10 years, but even with today’s surveillance configuration, coverage can still be increased. Sunday morning’s assault was not fully visible by the cameras.
Lastly, SPS will offer complimentary self-defense courses to any resident interested in learning how to ward off an attack. Even as we work to make our neighborhood safer, such skills can benefit someone anywhere one goes. Information on these courses will be distributed next week along with details on location, class size, and sign-ups.
The safety and well-being of PCVST’s residents remains our top priority. We will work tirelessly to keep every resident safe.
Rick Hayduk
CEO | General Manager<<
Almost from the start Rick berates the community. This is the way I read it; others can read it differently. "I trust no one forgets there was an innocent person involved" does not read to me innocent of implications. Who is forgetting this? Certainly not I nor the people in this community for whom this incident is serious. For someone, who has been a member of this community recently, to come along and say "I hope you don't forget..." is kinda insulting. Sorry, Rick, we are not forgetting.
"...this incident occurred on our watch. This is not lost on anyone on our team." Thank you for this. Seriously.
Next: The rest of the proposals are not serious or even laughable. A self-defense course??? I don't know about you, but a limited self-defense course can just infuriate a potential perpetrator instead of disarming him. You take your chances with self-defense unless you know what you are doing and know it fairly well or are Chuck Norris. As someone commented, jokingly maybe, it would be best to arm people to protect people. Is Rick willing to go this far? Is PS?
Lights not working? Why?
And enough with the cameras! This community has plenty of them, and they were not able to stop the incident which was "not fully visible".... What? Were they partly visible? The addition of even more cameras would have helped--how, if the people watching the cameras are not increased also?
And that is the point. Read my last post about the problems in this community happening years ago, problems which we now know have not been alleviated AT ALL.
This is what I'm waiting for. I see many rules and many signs. But I see little enforcement. Even now. And I am not the only one. Other residents see this and are aware of this. And many have given up hope.
Perhaps it costs too much to have professionals working at the "lower" positions. It is up to Blackstone to decide.
I have always reported accurately on what I see. Sometimes I am forced to take photos. Let this community thrive, but it will not thrive with blinders on or proposals that are not to the point.
That said, I am far from impressed by Rick's message to tenants after the "incident." Let me remind people that there was a beating and an attempted rape and an attempted murder happening in this community. Obviously I am aware that the murder accusations could be overcharging, but the perpetrator has admitted to rape and murder in front of police. The courts and evidence will now take over.
Again, for fairness, let me repost Rick's message:
>>Dear Resident,
In the aftermath of the sexual assault that occurred on Sunday, StuyTown Property Services has been following social media posts whereas comments are being made concerning resident safety.
Before addressing, SPS would like all to know that our thoughts continue to be with the victim; in all the dialogue over the past few days, I trust no one forgets there was an innocent person involved.
That said, this incident occurred on our watch. This is not lost on anyone on our team.
Hence, SPS is taking steps aimed at preventing such acts or similar acts from occurring. One of these steps is an awareness campaign highlighting the tools available to residents should one feel threatened:
Emergency Phone/Video Stations: 36 stanchions illuminated with blue lights on top and connected to Public Safety, located throughout the PCVST neighborhood.
“SECURITY” buttons on building intercoms located in vestibules and on the exterior walls of the Terrace (Stuyvesant Town) and Lower Level (Peter Cooper Village) entrances.
Officers (wearing fluorescent vests) patrolling on foot and in cars 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Officer escorts from the Peter Cooper Village security booth on 1st Avenue and 22nd Street. Give this address to cab drivers, Uber drivers, etc. and an officer will escort you to your building. If in Stuyvesant Town, the Command Center located at 2 Stuyvesant Oval is available 24/7.
Put the Public Safety telephone number into your contacts: 212.598.5233.
Another step is an expedited review of the lighting around the PCVST neighborhood. New lights were just installed along the 14th Street corridor but a review of the remaining perimeter lighting (Avenue C in particular) and the interior lighting will be advanced; areas needing improvement will be addressed.
The third step will be SPS working with its security consultants to map out a plan to identify where new and additional equipment can be placed to enhance coverage. A considerable number of cameras and related equipment have been introduced into the PCVST Public Safety department over the past 10 years, but even with today’s surveillance configuration, coverage can still be increased. Sunday morning’s assault was not fully visible by the cameras.
Lastly, SPS will offer complimentary self-defense courses to any resident interested in learning how to ward off an attack. Even as we work to make our neighborhood safer, such skills can benefit someone anywhere one goes. Information on these courses will be distributed next week along with details on location, class size, and sign-ups.
The safety and well-being of PCVST’s residents remains our top priority. We will work tirelessly to keep every resident safe.
Rick Hayduk
CEO | General Manager<<
Almost from the start Rick berates the community. This is the way I read it; others can read it differently. "I trust no one forgets there was an innocent person involved" does not read to me innocent of implications. Who is forgetting this? Certainly not I nor the people in this community for whom this incident is serious. For someone, who has been a member of this community recently, to come along and say "I hope you don't forget..." is kinda insulting. Sorry, Rick, we are not forgetting.
"...this incident occurred on our watch. This is not lost on anyone on our team." Thank you for this. Seriously.
Next: The rest of the proposals are not serious or even laughable. A self-defense course??? I don't know about you, but a limited self-defense course can just infuriate a potential perpetrator instead of disarming him. You take your chances with self-defense unless you know what you are doing and know it fairly well or are Chuck Norris. As someone commented, jokingly maybe, it would be best to arm people to protect people. Is Rick willing to go this far? Is PS?
Lights not working? Why?
And enough with the cameras! This community has plenty of them, and they were not able to stop the incident which was "not fully visible".... What? Were they partly visible? The addition of even more cameras would have helped--how, if the people watching the cameras are not increased also?
And that is the point. Read my last post about the problems in this community happening years ago, problems which we now know have not been alleviated AT ALL.
This is what I'm waiting for. I see many rules and many signs. But I see little enforcement. Even now. And I am not the only one. Other residents see this and are aware of this. And many have given up hope.
Perhaps it costs too much to have professionals working at the "lower" positions. It is up to Blackstone to decide.
I have always reported accurately on what I see. Sometimes I am forced to take photos. Let this community thrive, but it will not thrive with blinders on or proposals that are not to the point.