Blackstone, ST Management, Beam Living, Public Safety, and the Tenants Association have all failed law-abiding residents of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. We could add a few more names, like our local politicians, newspapers/TV stations, the city's own DOB, but residents of ST and PCV are being duped or ignored by the above. Yes, there are certain things that are right here. It is not all bad for sure. But outright lies or misrepresentations are frequently said or adhered to by the very people and organizations that should help us.
I have lived here for over 30 years, and I challenge anyone of the above to prove otherwise. I have photos (lots) and my own "seeing is believing" experiences. The important attitude of these organizations is to have a happy face--and lie. Every person or organization listed above has lied to residents and to me. Many residents now realize that they are being lied to and refuse the Kool Aid being offered.
Sure, if there is some serious trouble, Public Safety will help, but not in the "small" laws that build up and up and create indifference in residents or even hatred. I cannot go to or call the above organizations or people without preparing myself for the standard BS that all of them give.
Basically, Blackstone and Management are a law unto itself. They do not enforce several city laws and their own. Laws to them are just for talk and promotion. The reality is that a lot of things are just accepted, regardless of Blackstone's own law, regardless of what New York City/State mandates.
This coming year more pressure is going to be put on the above individuals and organizations. From my part, it will be done very legally. As we know, "legal" is ignored here. The fight is to get things that are legal actually legal.
573 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 573 Newer› Newest»@January 7 at 1:01 PM: I believe that Blackstone/Hayduk is in violation of the law by removing the directories and the names from the intercoms. How do they get away with this? Does anybody know which City agency we could file a complaint with if BS and BSArtist are not in compliance with the law?
I've never encountered a place as badly run as this one! I've lived in LA, London and Chicago before moving here and this is, without a doubt, the most chaotic and mismanaged residential complex I've ever come across. The stupidity and audacity of Management is mind-boggling. They advertise all kinds of events that most people probably don't have time for unless they are stay-at-homes who don't get out much, but they fail in the most of basic of areas such as cleanliness, compliance with quality of life regulations and they sometimes don't provide as much heat as would be desirable! We wake up freezing some mornings! This latest outrage with the intercoms and directories is totally bizarre. Nowhere in any major city is this kind of practice acceptable (or even legal). If Mr. Hayduk can't run this place the way it should be run - which means having tenants' names on the intercoms and directories - then he should find another job. It's not the grown-ups fault that there is an astounding number of students living here and Management can't keep track of them as they are here for a semester or two and then are gone. In fact, the quality of life would be a lot better if they didn't use so many apartments as dorms, but I guess it's hard to find people willing to live here these days.
In case anybody has any doubts about the moral character of our landlord:
https://theintercept.com/2019/08/27/amazon-rainforest-fire-blackstone/
Our two buildings were without heat or hot water yesterday from 3 to 9 PM.There was no notification by e-mail or sign downstairs. Some people were notified by text, but not all. Came back on but is down from last month. Definite cut. Am sure that a lot of morons complained about overheated apartments.
I see that one of them is still waiting for an answer after three days. How lame can they be. “Peter” has not been heeded from in months. Like he really has anything to say.
I hope our politicians and wannabe future political candidates read this blog. We are totally, thoroughly disgusted and angry with the way we are being treated by this clown of a "manager" and this despicable owner/landlord and if any of the incumbents want to be re-elected or ever elected to any future office, they should know that they will get a resounding FUCK OFF from a great many of the tenants of PCVST. That also goes for the so-called "Tenants Association," a bunch of do-nothings who exist only to kiss the asses of politicians and this despicable "management."
I've noticed that we don't get any support from the local rag, "Town & Village." That is not surprising because Charles Hagedorn was known to be very anti-tenant and a fringe lunatic and nothing much has changed. Management controls that rag and we can never expect any honest reporting from that "newspaper."
This place has sunk to a very low level and it won't get better so long as we have a useless TA (not that it actually functions as a TA) and a total moron running the property in the employ of a sleazy and notoriously abusive landlord.
I just don't understand the thinking behind this removing tenants' names from intercoms and removing directories of names and apartment numbers. On the scale of landlord atrocities, it probably scores pretty low, but it is something that is guaranteed to annoy tenants and create bad will. It's like a slap in the face of the people who pay rent (in many cases very high rent) to live here. It's like saying "You are not worth the trouble of us listing you in the intercoms and directories because who the hell are you? Just pay your rent and shut-up."
I don't know whether or not it's illegal, but I do know that it is insulting and annoying. This Manager seems to be not very clued-in when it comes to what pleases or displeases the people who pay to live here. It's as if he's saying "You have concerts and movies and all kinds of things you didn't know you couldn't live without, so why are you bitching about being treated like an anonymous, no-count, no-matter nobody who is lucky enough to have the privilege of paying to live here?"
Don't know where this guy learned his managerial and people skills, but he got the job and we are stuck with him!
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
"People on this site and their insults are ridiculous. And Yet you have the nerve to complain about people on other sites who insult you. Talk about hypocrites.
I said that the legal leaseholders names should be labeled in each mailbox, which would mean that the mailman should not have a problem delivering mail that goes in the box. Nowhere did I say that is actually happening, and that all the actual leaseholders names are actually there. For 70 years this was never a problem, until they completely lost track of who actually lives here.
Seriously 2:17 you need to tone it down a notch. We are on the same side, and I agree things are screwed up beyond belief, but we get nowhere when you bring insults into the equation."
I agree. That nasty response was uncalled for. There are some total assholes who post on this site and they ruin it for others who want to express an opinion and not be insulted."
Both of you need to get a life. JFC. that means jesus fucking christ, in case you aren't up on the millenial-speak. if you're so bothered by "insults," you're too thin skinned for new york.
I'm sure we'll now have another diversion while you go on for 20 posts about finding an anti defamation league to complain to
What is EXACTLY status of return of Tenant Directory in our buildings?
So far lots of talk but no action.
Is there any LEGAL recourse to remedy this?
Tenants Association, our pols, someone??
Mailman says it is a nightmare.
Visitors can not find apartments.
Elderly woman told me her meds delivery was misdirected.
HELP!
Partying bros, yelling, screaming, music blaring, pot smoke wafting through the halls, door propped open....
WAY TO GO, RICK!
THANKS, SUSAN!
Jan 7 8:12 PM: Of course there were no notifications. They are too busy thinking up new events and thrills to entertain us. The Resort Manager doesn't consider heat and hot water and notifications to be of a high priority.
I wonder how many plumbers and security personnel they could hire if they got rid of Vasquez (Life Style Director) and his pathetic crew? Prolly quite a few!
They have to have the students fill apartments, because they were greedy and raised the rents to luxury levels. They cannot get renters to lease 4000 and more apartments with no doorman, in a crummy neighborhood, and no amenities. They had their plan when they bought the property. They knew they could easily raise the rents, advertise as a luxury complex, and fill the apartments with NYU students, tourists, roomies, and city subsidized. There is an endless pool. Many deals were struck.
Unfortunately he has a following here who love and attend the crap events.
Obviously no recourse. TA is a joke and no response from Powers and other local pols. In case you haven’t noticed, we are on our own here.
Vasquez is a court jester. A high salaried waste.
Tweedledumb cheerleader actually got on the TA site praising Hayduk. Unbelievable. What a piece of obnoxious work she is.
Obnoxious cheerleader defending Rick on TA site. I think she just loves to be adversarial no matter the issue!
The most adversarial commenter on the TA Facebook is accusing one of the very few posters who calls it like it is of being adversarial and demonizing Rick Hayduk. Can't make this stuff up!
Tweedledumb cheerleader says that Hayduk doesn’t always give her what she wants but always gives a good explanation. Yes, a BS explanation like he gives everybody . She is full of BS too.
The Property has become like a third (or even fourth) rate badly-run resort and a totalitarian autocracy.
Also on the TA fb page "Peter Stuyvesant" is gloating that the site has become more civil. I think that means they have banished the troublemakers and those who criticize the TA. Criticizing Management is still allowed (so it seems), but I'm expecting Rick to order that to be stamped-out in the near future. Jackass.
She is completely aligned with management in always.A real Hayduk groupie.
That rag T&V has finally printed articles on the heat issue here. Finally. It is pro management but a bit less so in recent weeks.
This guy has excellent PR skills. The crap events are designed and publicized to entice people into thinking that they are building community here and offering”amenities “. Some fools fall for it. The ads look good on paper. Most of us know it is a crock but not all.
More people need to answer her back. One only did. If I wasn’t banned from the site, I certainly would.
Just visited Trader Joe’s today for the first time. Lovely shopping experience. Wide aisles, friendly cashiers, and fresh looking produce. There were a couple of things, mainly paper goods, that I couldn’t get there, but I can easily go to Target for them. No wait time in the morning. Adios Associated. I miss you not. Oh and the cost was lower than Associated. The one on the upper West Side is bigger and has a larger baked goods section, but this will be fine for us.
I went there a couple of times already. Not a neighborhood grocery store and you mostly have to buy their own products. I still miss Associated on a few items that Target or Trader Joe's does not have. Very busy late in the day, but the line moves quickly. If the crowds keep up, I sense that Target will lose some customers.
And you can forget about a local grocery store where Associated used to be.
The only thing that I miss from Associated is the deli. Otherwise I miss nothing. It was a dirty, poorly stocked, dismal, and crowded with boxes store.
I wonder when our illegally removed directories are going up? Who in City government gets a kick back from Management to ignore this outrage? Powers? Epstein?
My lobby was full of paperback books today. Nobody wants your crap to whoever is doing this. Later in the morning they were gone, probably by our porter who has extra work cleaning up their junk. This is not a lending library or a flea market. This is something Hayduk should announce in his stupid event booklets, but clean buildings without fire hazards does not interest him.
Why do these posters on the TA site have to post articles on current events! We can read them ourselves from other sources. Duh.
I miss Associated. For all its shortcomings, it was very handy and convenient. Open till midnight on weekdays and always had pleasant cashiers. The prices were not as good as I thought they were - having shopped elsewhere since then - but they were not too bad. I don't like TJ at all and would rather run to Target or one of the chains - Walgreens or CVS - for milk and bread, but I've discovered that D'Agastinos has some things that are comparable in price (or even lower) than Associated. Not many, but there are some. I stock up on Stouffers frozen entries because I have very little time (or inclination) to cook and I found that D'Ags offering of those things are the same as or a bit lower in price than Associated and there is much, much more variety. I'm sure that if I had to feed and cook for a family I would not shop at D'Ags!
"Why do these posters on the TA site have to post articles on current events! We can read them ourselves from other sources. Duh."
It makes them feel important.
Did anybody see the latest RickGram? All about Princesses at the ice rink and other blathering shit that I couldn't be bothered to read. Meantime, we have open doors that don't work, wobbly, erratic elevators that are death boxes, no elevator inspection certificates, no names in intercoms or directories of who lives here and in which apartment. BUT, Highlight of our Lives: Trader Joe and MLK Day Camps. Who could ask for anything more?
Where the HELL did they get this pathetic, poor apology of a "Manager?" My daughter thinks he's "creepy," but at her age (15) she considers most people over 45 as creepy. I think he's just a total asshole who doesn't have a clue about what it takes to run a property like this the way it should be run.
Both elevators at 626 E 20th not working this morning. Been here for 30 years and never had a situation with both elevators out. That's dangerous if someone had a medical emergency. Blackstone is running Stuytown into the ground with poor maintenance and overuse. Won't be long now before some serious accident occurs.
Tweedledumb cheerleader gets dumber and dumber. Today she posted in response to a complaint about laundry left in the laundry room. She stayed that she left laundry for a week, no big deal. Some of her comments indicate that besides being a cheerleader, she fits in with the unsanitary demo here. Unreal what she comes up with.
STR,
So far all I've heard is a lot of talk...blah, blah, blah....about Tenant Directory removal issue.
I have called 311 twice, sent emails to our local pols and, of course, to the useless Tenants Association.
NOTHING!
Where do we go from here or will Management simply wear us down?
You know, legally, they are REQUIRED to have Directory.
Management still hasn't put the names back into the intercoms and the postal workers still have no idea who lives where if there is no apartment number on any pieces of mail. BUT, according to the latest e-blast Management has plenty of money for stupid, gimmicky events and plenty of money to design and print up thousands of advertising leaflets to put in rent bills and fill hotel-style pamphlet holders in every lobby.
Those Blackstone clowns have replaced the events sign in the elevator with a sign about seasonal noise. Idiots.
Why does the bathtub drain go down so slowly or not at all?
I call Maintenance at least once a month to snake out tub.
Many of my neighbors have same issue.
"Why does the bathtub drain go down so slowly or not at all?
I call Maintenance at least once a month to snake out tub.
Many of my neighbors have same issue."
I've been here for decades and it's always been a problem, but has got worse since they converted so many apartments to make them hold more people than they were originally built for. Add to this the fact that so many tenants here now are students in late teens/early twenties who were raised in the burbs where they probably lived in modern homes that had decent plumbing. I have found that using a lot of baking soda and white vinegar on a regular (weekly) basis helps a great deal, but the problem will always be there.
The buildings were put up just after the end of WWII and building material was in short supply. They had to use low standard make-do materials and do the best they could. The reason we hear so much noise from neighbors without carpets is because the ceilings/floors aren't "floated" - no cushioned gap between layers to add strength and muffle sound. Your ceiling is the upstairs' floor.
I don't know if Blackstone did due diligence before purchasing this place. Tishman Speyer certainly didn't. Now we've got a cruise director-cum-resort manager running the show and the guy is really not interested in anything that doesn't fall into the commercially-driven HOSPITALITY as opposed to RESIDENTIAL milieu, things will just continue to get worse.
8:56 AM, I am totally convinced that our local pols are given "monetary inducements" to ignore these violations. As for the TA - We have a TA? Who knew!
No, 11:35 PM Thursday, your teen daughter is quite perceptive, and smarter than many other, older folks, who should know better.
Lots of hair down the drain. Or your neighbors drain. Old plumbing.
What we need on here is an actual attorney to confirm that the city codes regarding the directories is being read correctly. I’m not an attorney, but I’ve read enough contracts in my career to know that the legal language regarding the directories is vague, at best. What we non-legal folks construe as one thing may be the total opposite of what is legally required.
Maybe one of the TA’s high powered attorney’s could answer that for us, but their legal team appears to have gone by the wayside like the organization as a whole.
Any other attorneys on here that can help us? I’m not looking for non lawyer opinions on the matter.
the legal language regarding the directories is vague, at best
THERE’S NOTHING VAGUE ABOUT IT. See page 41 of the HOUSING MAINTENANCE CODE pdf.
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES AND FACILITIES
§27–2047 Mail service. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall either:
(1) Arrange for mail to be delivered to himself or herself, his or her agents, or employees for
prompt distribution to the occupants; or
(2) Provide and maintain approved mail receptacles and directories of persons living in the
dwelling, as provided by federal law and by the regulations of the post office department.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/HousingMaintenanceCode.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1_t7r42XBJxXwyMNH_O47yPE1wmJ8KVaswkZICmNCAX1pZ5hAsq9biHy8
I think the Manager of this dump thinks he's DJT - a law unto himself and a pathological liar.
"Maybe one of the TA’s high powered attorney’s could answer that for us, but their legal team appears to have gone by the wayside like the organization as a whole."
I rather doubt that the TA has any high-powered attorneys working for them and, if they do, those attorneys will be working against us, not for us. The TA is an arm of Management.
I know that several people (including myself) have called 311 to complain about the removal of the directories, but I'm not sure that does any good in the long term.
Yeah, and unfortunately that is vague. Where does the directory have to be? Do the names in the mailbox qualify as a directory?
I’ve learned that unless these things are super specific, there is usually a legal way around them. Especially when it comes to federal law.
Unbelievable amount of misdelivered or simply left in the lobby mail because of the lack of directories. This is the stupidest thing that could have been done in a complex this size. I frequently saw the letter carriers scanning (not electronically, but with the eyeballs) the directory to connect a name with an apartment number.
I don't this this Hayduk guy is too bright.
There was a letter to the editor in T&V today that infuriated me. Some dude is saying that his formerly overheated apartment was now comfortable in the 70s. He cannot believe that people are freezing on lower floors and tells them that they can put a sweater on. His nasty self is lucky. My apartment is now OK but in the past was freezing . It is terrible to be cold. What a loser. It is people like him who complain and they cut the heat. For his information, he can put an AC on. He also said that the sensor was in his apartment.
Speaking of a law unto itself, where does D'Agastino get off charging $5.99 for a can of Progresso Clam Chowder while Target sells the same thing for $1.99? One good thing about D'ag is they give good senior discounts if you have their loyalty card. On the whole though, they don't have much variety. OMG I miss Associated. Can't get so many of my favorite brands in Target, TJ, or D'Ag. Sob:-(
He is a hypocrite but crafty. PR man who pulls the wool over a lot of eyes. Fulfills his role for his company. Manages the way they want him too. He has a clue but purposefully does these crappy events and PR.
I hope that Dicky Dumbass realizes that we are a very litigious breed in NYC and if anybody should suffer any harm, in any way whatsoever, as a result of his arbitrary and stupid decisions and cost-cutting measures, he can expect to have his lame assed sued from here to West Hell.
We know our rights and many of us have more than a passing knowledge of the law, especially landlord/tenant law, and we will exercise those rights if they are violated.
Malfunctioning elevators, toxic mold, sleepless nights caused by Dicky Dumbass's favorite demo and lost mail and misdirected EMT when the elderly and sick are at their most vulnerable. We won't just shrug it off as "Well, it's New York," which is what these rubes like to say. You don't hear too many New Yorkers say that or have that attitude. It's assholes like Dicky Dumbass and his kind who say that.
I noticed that the notifications posted where the Elevator Inspection Certificate SHOULD be now is a notice reminding us to not make too much noise. Where else would you find such a notice except in a shitty fucking unsupervised dorm? No other apartment building I've ever been in has such "reminders" posted because adults know (or should know) how to behave. We have to be insulted by these hotel-style ads for the stupid, asinine Heyduk events or we have to be insulted by posters reminding us to hold down the noise. SMFH.
Why don't they hire dorm monitors or den mothers or whatever it is they have for college kids? In fact, why don't they house these kids elsewhere and rent to grown-ups who know how to behave without having to be told?
I don't know about PCV, but ST is most definitely an off-campus dorm. The place is crawling with students. I have nothing against students, but I did not elect to live in a dorm. I elected to live in what I was led to believe is an apartment complex for adults, families, etc., but not unsupervised, immature students. Just listen to them screeching and braying their way through the complex tonight. This place totally SUCKS. A liar of a "manager" and buildings packed with immature young adults who are just about being weaned off of mother's milk.
Not vague would be this:
“Owner must provide directory in lobby on 8.5”x11” laminated paper with a font of Arial 12. The directory must be No more than 10 feet from the main entrance and must be visible for all visitors to the building.”
That actual code doesn’t say where the directories need to be and how they need to maintain them. It could very well be that the directory can be maintained at the management office for all we know.
These people skirt the rules, but I can guarantee that the Blackstone legal team checked this out for legality before removing.
So, I went outside again for a small breakfast and once again saw how this place is run abysmally. No outside dogs being checked, the laundry room a mess (a lot of left-over clothes and water on the floor), a taxi going the opposite way on a one-way street, side barricades on the loop down and haphazard.... A few care, but they are not in Management.
Not vague would be this:
“Owner must provide directory in lobby on 8.5”x11” laminated paper with a font of Arial 12. The directory must be No more than 10 feet from the main entrance and must be visible for all visitors to the building.”
That actual code doesn’t say where the directories need to be and how they need to maintain them. It could very well be that the directory can be maintained at the management office for all we know.
These people skirt the rules, but I can guarantee that the Blackstone legal team checked this out for legality before removing.
C’mon. If challenged on this, even Blackstone couldn’t argue that NOT having directories NEAR the mailboxes makes any sense. They would be laughed out of a courtroom, if they tried.
Yeah, and unfortunately that is vague. Where does the directory have to be? Do the names in the mailbox qualify as a directory?
I’ve learned that unless these things are super specific, there is usually a legal way around them. Especially when it comes to federal law.
C’mon. If challenged on this, even Blackstone couldn’t argue that NOT having directories NEAR the mailboxes makes any sense. They would be laughed out of a courtroom, if they tried. As for any names inside mailboxes, they are put there by the post office or individual tenants, not Blackstone, so that would not qualify as a directory posted by an “OWNER of a multiple dwelling”.
Did Hayduk run the resorts he managed the same way he runs this place? Where there filthy mattresses littering the landscape and dog shit and all kinds of detritus all over the place? If so, then what kind of resorts did he run? Maybe they were of the very lowest quality (trailer park style) or maybe he was let go from decent resorts and somehow connived his way into the job he has now. I really don't think he knows or cares about managing where we live. It's not really his home (his family don't live here) and it's just a pay check to him. I wish he would go get a pay check somewhere else, though Blackstone would probably replace him with someone of similar caliber or worse.
Actually Dags has better stock than Associated ever did. Do not miss that dirty store. Liked Trader Joe’s. Pleasant shopping experience. Just have to get paper goods elsewhere.
We do nothing as we cannot without lawyers and a real TA. You bravado is misguided though you are right in criticizing this company.
I agree. This is a dorm now. Everybody knows it. They can deny it all they want. They have to make it a dorm development in order to fill the apartments. Getting worse and worse.
So far I haven’t seen our rights exercised. Blackstone has the best lawyer team.
He is very bright and knows exactly what he can get away with and could care less.Do not think for a minute that he doesn’t know the consequences of his actions or care.
"A few care, but they are not in Management."
You can say that again, STR. Management doesn't give a rat's ass about anything besides squeezing every penny out of this property and putting NOTHING back into it. They're too indolent and half-assed to even tidy the dump up to look less like a slum. Considering how low their standards are, I can't understand why anybody would risk purchasing anything for human consumption from the Five Stuy Cafe. What a stupid name that is! I wonder who thought that one up!
Water Club is gone, 21 story building going up in its place. Our politicians (Powers, looking at you) fight for this east side resiliency project that takes away our waterfront for years because the next big storm is “imminent,” but you have absolutely no problem giving the ok for another waterfront real estate deal. This guy stinks of real estate money to the high heavens.
Who is going to challenge them? People have already called 311 and local pols.
Again, it says the mail receptacle and directory needs to be provided and maintained. Nowhere does it say that the directory needs to be posted in lobby of building. And something making sense has no bearing whatsoever on the legality of the matter. Of course having the directories in the lobbies makes sense, but that doesn’t mean they have to do it.
I am merely questioning what, if any, legal fight we would have to have the directories reinstated in the lobby. You’re statement that they would be laughed out of the courtroom tells me you have no idea to the actual legality of this and are posting based on how you feel about this, and I feel the same way. Something like this would never see the inside of a courtroom, because if they were legally mandated to post the directories as we knew them, an attorney would already be involved and fighting this.
The 5 Turd eColi Cafe is overpriced and the sanitary conditions are despicable.
They were once shuttered by the Department of Health and it is only a matter of time before we have a repeat.
"Artisanal", overpriced, undercooked, overcooked "fare"....hahaha...ya' gotta be kidding.
Something like this would never see the inside of a courtroom, because if they were legally mandated to post the directories as we knew them, an attorney would already be involved and fighting this.
For all you know, a lawyer(s) might be involved in fighting this. No one is going to spill the beans about what’s going on with this until it’s been resolved. I’d be willing to bet that lawyers are, in fact, working on this.
The Water Club closing? When?
The horse's mouth, horse and others in the shrouded Associated, stated they are looking to put in a grocery store.
https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/01/permits-filed-for-500-east-30th-street-in-kips-bay-manhattan.html
Are those same lawyers working on the commercialization of the property as well? Maybe the 100 other violations that we see popping up monthly? I’m not holding my breath for anything anymore.
The only lawyers working on this are Blackstone lawyers.
I will believe it when I see it. Where did you get your info from? Hayduk?
Don’t really care. People on that TA site are so bent out of shape over it. They need to get more upset over QOL issues, not the water club. Our congressman did chime in about the wrong building being pictured. Now you all can rest.
Why are these dodos in the TA site sharing Blackstone renting ads? Are they crazy or being paid?
There are 106 apartments for rent, according to the PCVST website. Strange thing is, some of them are photographs of the same apartment, but with different addresses. The rents are absolutely ludicrous. This place is now a filthy slum with very few real amenities. They are so stupid that they post photographs of the same apartment with different details. Clearly, there is no intelligence running this place. Stupid is as stupid does and we all see what this outfit does!
The link I shared has since changed. It had originally read that the Water Club was being demolished to make way for the building. Now the story attached to the link makes it seem like the building is going up in the empty lot on the west side of the FDR and 29th.
Oh heavens. Rest easy. It is not closing. Big deal.
Yesterday, had no heat after the morning. In early evening, I phoned management stating i had no heat and all the pipes were ice cold. The reply was: "just because the pipes are cold, doesn't mean you don't have heat". I held my tongue, which was difficult. She stated she would have the engineer check it out. No heat ever came up until this morning. Wonder if the $9,000 a month apartment will have this problem!
3:09 - Exactly! Unless something drastic happens, like someone getting killed, there are not going to be any attorneys stepping up to battle Blackstone. Especially not on the removal of directories.
The Water Club has not been open for dinner, etc., for some time now. The Water Club is for private parties only and has been for years. So I'm not sure that it closing would be such a huge loss.
About Blackstone seeking a grocery to replace Associated:
Yes - who do you think is the horse here?
If the Water Club Restaurant closes (and I have never eaten there, and never intend to eat there), and a skyscraper is put up there, it is more degradation too close to us. I used to frequently walk next to the East River, sit there, read, meditate, achieve serenity, gaze at the many birds, even enjoy the negligible human traffic on the water (barges, boats - not many).
Not for a couple of years now. Water "taxis," "docks" swarming with the plague that is humans; selfish and self-absorbed cyclists on the walkway beside the River; lately the homeless multiplying.
I used to look out over the River to see not a whole helluva lot across the way in Queens. And I'd fantasize what both shores were like before invaders came to colonize the land and other lives - when all was forest and no buildings existed.
Now? In 10 years, there must have been built near the Queens side of the East River, at least 40 monstrosities of structures scraping/bruising the sky. This certainly was never Montana's Big Sky Country. It wasn't, though, disfigured and truncated by dozens of towers of Babel - signifying nothing except human arrogance, hubris, and lack of care about anything except its petty, puny, pathetic self.
So . . . short answer - yeah! If another grotesquely high announcement of human disaffection from the land itself raises its ugly head against the River - it is something some of us will be adversely affected by, and will cause more anguish.
FWIW, three cheers for Trader Joe's! Their prices are definitely on point for a number of items, and they even have a "try before you buy" policy. Who knew? See here: https://www.popsugar.com/food/Trader-Joe-Secrets-Revealed-40729360
Management still hasn't put the directories back up or put any names back into the intercom system. What does it take to make these fucking assholes do what they are supposed to do? They have plenty of time and money for the ridiculous faux "amenities," yet they can't take care of what they are legally bound to do. Where are our elected political reps? Next time one of them asks for my vote I will have two words to say and they are not "Happy Birthday."
For those who follow this blog but are not on Face Book, this was posted at the TA page. It has been shared at other related PCVST Face Book pages:
"Posting on behalf of the family:
John “Butch” Purcell
Memorial Service
Friday, January 17, 2020
10:30am-11:30am
Immaculate Conception Church
414 East 14th Street
New York City
*note: other the memorial service, there is no public visitation or wake"
John passed away on January 13. He will be missed.
But I will ask again, are they legally bound to provide a physical directory in the lobby??? I am all for the directories, but people throwing around that they are legally bound to provide them in the lobby as they were is just not correct in my non-legal opinion. For all we know management provides USPS with a building directory monthly by email, and that suffices.
Give me actual legal expertise regarding the directories, otherwise blog legal opinions mean nothing.
It just gets to me when Keith Powers responds to issues like building on the waterfront immediately on the TA site and never responds to QOL issues. He never chimes in on lack of heat or no directories. What a waste he is. By the way , I forgot my key card yesterday and buzzed security. No answer. Great.
I hate Trader Joe's. I like certain brands and not others. Trader Joe's may have some of its products made by regular brands, but there's no knowing which ones. The stuff is too pre-cooked, pre-packaged, frozen and tasteless. I go down to Key Food or C-Market, even the Associated in the EV, though it is very small. Target is abysmal when it comes to groceries. Worse than a bodega.
An elderly lady in my building had her medication delivery misdirected due to lack of Tenant Directory.
The fed Ex guy was wandering around trying to figure out what apartment to go to.
Fortunately, a neighbor directed the delivery guy to the correct apartment.
This is a DISASTER waiting to happen.
No heat this chilly morning. I know better than to call RS because I'll be given the script. Just purchased two really good oil-filled electric radiators. Place is warming up nicely.
There is NO way I could go into the voting booth and pull the lever for Keith Powers. He is a wholly owned subsidiary of the real estate cabal. If he runs unopposed I will write in my own name. I will not disrespect myself like that and voting for that POS is disrespecting ones self.
Just watching the news on NY1. NYCHA tenants are chanting, demanding continuous working elevators, continuous hot water and heat. Hey, at least they have tenant directories in their intercoms and lobbies. That's one more thing they have that we don't!
They also have real security guards!
For those who follow this blog but are not on Face Book, this was posted at the TA page. It has been shared at other related PCVST Face Book pages:
"Posting on behalf of the family:
John “Butch” Purcell
>>Memorial Service
Friday, January 17, 2020
10:30am-11:30am
Immaculate Conception Church
414 East 14th Street
New York City
*note: other the memorial service, there is no public visitation or wake"
John passed away on January 13. He will be missed.<<
I believe I may have seen him just a week ago. Shocking to learn this the other day. My only guess is that death was caused by a heart attack. Far too quick, otherwise.
>>I hate Trader Joe's. I like certain brands and not others. Trader Joe's may have some of its products made by regular brands, but there's no knowing which ones. The stuff is too pre-cooked, pre-packaged, frozen and tasteless. I go down to Key Food or C-Market, even the Associated in the EV, though it is very small. Target is abysmal when it comes to groceries. Worse than a bodega.<<
I've been to the store several times by now and am not the super fan that some people are. Yeah, things there can be cheaper, but it's Trader Joe's own brand mostly, and it can be wanting. It is not a neighborhood grocery store. Right now, on that side, there is no grocery store.
Also, as predicted, Target is losing costumers to Trader Joe's.
I found Trader Joe’s adequate for my grocery needs. Just have to use Target for paper and housekeeping goods. Target is terrible for food groceries. As for a bodega, friends visiting me from upstate thought that Associated was like a bodega. I actually had to go to the bodega for a couple of things they didn’t have.The only thing I miss is their deli.
@8:26 AM: I believe they are legally bound to post directories or at least have them in the intercom. Copies of the legal requirements have been posted on both the TA and non-TA facebook pages and at least one of those posters is a lawyer who is very familiar with City law. Blackstone doesn't care about laws. It violates several laws pertaining to commercial enterprises in zones where they should not be, overcrowding in apartments (including putting in three or more unrelated persons in units). The FDNY laws are flouted and they have gone below the legal minimum of heat in any cases. People have posted photographs of their management-issued thermometers attesting to this.
Keith Powers does nothing for us because he is "owned" by REBNY and I'm sure Blackstone has him by the short and curly. Voting for him would be a vote for Blackstone and its kind. Powers doesn't take Blackstone to task about its legal violations because he would not dare!
The Leasing Office must think people are as stupid as they are sleazy because they show photographs of what are clearly the same units, but with different descriptions and addresses. The furniture and carpets (or lack thereof) are absolutely identical and it is clear that they use the same photographs for different addresses. The prices are totally NOT reflective of any of the unrenovated apartments that have become vacant since the recent changes to the rent laws. They are probably warehousing those units in the hopes that they can overturn the laws. Such sleazy bastards!
"Also, as predicted, Target is losing costumers to Trader Joe's."
Target should fill the shelves in the grocery department with some decent stuff. I bought some frozen salmon fillets there a week or so ago. It was sockeye wild-caught salmon and was delicious. They sold out and refilled the slot with crappy frozen chicken, like the shit they have in TJ. The salad offerings are pathetic. Am off to Key Food today to stock up. It's a schlep, but worth it.
Just saw the Destroyer of The Rain Forest being interviewed on Bloomberg News. I almost puked. He has something going on on his forehead. Either plugs that went wrong or melanoma.
Just watched that video of the squalor. It's clear that there is no point in recycling here. What a mess!
My building (445) share a laundry room with the building next door (435). Since early January money machine that we use to top up the cards or buy a new card has been out of order. There is an Out of Order sign on it with instructions to call PS to be escorted to another building to top up the card. That is a Pain In The Ass and I'm sure PS can be more usefully deployed. I called the company (CSC I think it's called) and asked them when they were going to fix this machine. They said it had been fixed. Duh! It most certainly has not!
If I've got to go out to another building to fill up my fucking card, I might as well go to one of the many nearby commercial laundries which are probably less expensive and more efficient. I only use our laundry room because I don't feel like going out to a commercial laundry and like to do my own laundry.
Can't they do ANYTHING right in this dump? Can't they get a Manager who knows how to MANAGE instead of useless has-been cruise director? I realize that things break down and things go wrong, but there seems to be no efficiency and/or coordination in taking care of things when issues arise. Fortunately, my husband is a licensed plumber, so don't have to worry about using the ones who work here.
Like to say one more thing about John. Blackstone throws all the word “Community” a lot these days. Well John “Butch” Purcell was the real community thing, not some phony contrived Carnival Cruise event.
I still can’t believe he's gone. This was a big loss to this hood. Here's some background on John's history here from "Other People’s Money". Sorry about the long text link, do a full copy and paste to see it.
https://books.google.com/books?id=0uVvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA66&lpg=PA66&dq=butch%20purcell%20stuy%20town%20death&source=bl&ots=d4fZ1KuHPE&sig=ACfU3U0VXvu_7tosOGNPr-z7uYPFCHDk2Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwitqIe444HnAhWFneAKHa9QD7EQ6AEwAnoECAoQAQ&fbclid=IwAR0Hm5PT2Z_FUW2YKvVYhNTS-U9kcqkflQrxt27941AwLlfFoqGlllyQ0iM#v=onepage&q=butch%20purcell%20stuy%20town%20death&f=false
Went up to Food Emporium. Very nice store and gives 10% senior discount every day is you grab their flyer.
I wonder when they are going to restore the names of tenants back into the intercoms. I'm pretty sure that more people opted in that would have ever opted out (even though they made sure to hide the little white cards that the seniors and those without computers would need to opt in). Dimwit Hayduk is going to find it much more labor-intensive putting them back than it was to take them all out. They need to hire someone with a brain to run this place. It would make a world of difference to the quality of life of those of us who call it home.
And we will remember you at the voting station, Powers. Not with fondness, but we will remember you!
It is a lovely store. Too bad it is not closer.
Yes, we will forget you had the voting booth Keith Powers and vote for the other candidate. You have done nothing for us.
I am tired of posts saying that they can get a better manager. Get real folks. Hayduk is their man. He has fulfilled his responsibilities to run this place to the ground while PRing it to death. You know not what you are talking about. Blackstone wants him.
Take look at STPCV Classifieds..if you dare. Every in situ photo of some beat up ikea sofa, or other use crap, is always on a completely uncarpeted stretch of STPCV flooring.
>>I am tired of posts saying that they can get a better manager. Get real folks. Hayduk is their man. He has fulfilled his responsibilities to run this place to the ground while PRing it to death. You know not what you are talking about. Blackstone wants him.<<
Hayduk is perfect...for Blackstone.
I find it incredibly amusing how many people are outraged about our City Councilman and forswear ever voting for him. If you go back in the annals of this blog to when the election was being held you will see a comment from me warning against voting for him. How many of you did. After the next election I will look into getting the results from the various precincts to prove that your own warnings were ignored.
Edmund -
Thank you from someone you know about someone you knew. The excerpt about John Purcell, who left us last week, was eye-opening. I knew him only to say hello; we had only one real conversation here and it briefly changed my mind about some of the "events" they stage regularly.
We never know who people really are. I wish his family, whom I'm sure are struggling with his death and other woes, some peace themselves, for surely "Butch" is enjoying perfect peace.
You're always informative and helpful.
- from the lady who joined you at Powers' office almost two years ago this coming summer, the lady who arranged that useless confab!
Barely 40 degrees outside and a frigid high wind and uncomfortably chilly indoors. I wish these BASTARDS would give us a little heat. So long as it's 68 degrees indoors they think we shouldn't complain. Well, 68 may be the legal minimum during the daytime, but it is NOT comfortable, especially for the elderly, people who are sick and for the very young. I HATE the assholes who run this place. I shudder at the thought that their kind also work in nursing homes and homes for the handicapped and children's homes. At least we can voice our complaints. Many people whose comfort is controlled by their kind cannot and have nobody to speak for them.
I am sorry that I voted for him and surely will not when he runs again.
"I find it incredibly amusing how many people are outraged about our City Councilman and forswear ever voting for him. If you go back in the annals of this blog to when the election was being held you will see a comment from me warning against voting for him. How many of you did. After the next election I will look into getting the results from the various precincts to prove that your own warnings were ignored."
I TOLD HIM TO HIS FACE THAT I WOULDN'T VOTE FOR HIM BECAUSE HE WAS A REBNY SHILL, AND I DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM AND NEVER WILL.
In response to a posting on the TA site that a homeless person was in a stairwell, nothing surprises me here anymore. Sounds like he was homeless, but it is hard to tell these days. The demo is so disgusting. I have seen people in my building who look like they are homeless. There is no security here and the neighborhood is getting worse and worse.
"In response to a posting on the TA site that a homeless person was in a stairwell, nothing surprises me here anymore. Sounds like he was homeless, but it is hard to tell these days. The demo is so disgusting. I have seen people in my building who look like they are homeless. There is no security here and the neighborhood is getting worse and worse."
I agree. I don't know why it is, but this place is getting dumpier and dumpier. The porters work hard, but we have such filthy slobs living here and it doesn't help that this so-called Management doesn't seem to give a damn about anything except silly "events." It's a revolving door community (not that I think the word "community" applies here) and there is nothing stable about it anymore. There used to be a lot of families here, but now it's mostly students and an awful lot of BnB customers. I suppose they took the directories down from the halls and out of the intercoms because they just cannot keep track of who lives here and who is just passing through! I liked it better when it was a nice residential community and not what it has deteriorated to now. I don't understand why people pay high rents to live here (I've been here a long time, so my rent is not that high) because it is certainly not worth what they ask. Maybe that's why they have to rent it out en bloc to students from NYU and (I think) some other schools. It's really more of a dorm/hotel these days than a residential property.
It's easy for the homeless to get in because the doors often don't lock and those security cameras are not manned. I think they own have a half-dozen or so "security" guards and they can't be everywhere or watch all those cameras. It really is a nasty, dirty, unsafe dorm/crash these days.
Shack burgers, s’mores, jazz and skating. All in one day as advertised by Slick Rick. What a crock of crap. We would rather have heat, directories and clean grounds without students. I am so sick of this PR event spin.
I deleted a comment I made about the supposedly homeless person sleeping in the stairwell, as the response post on another blog may have been changed. The tenant who saw this did the right thing: calling PS. Homeless people may have mental challenges and it is not up to a tenant to somehow deal with them.
I just got the latest HaydukBlast and I see it contains a link to putting in details to go back into the lobby intercom directory. Says it's for privacy concerns that he took it out. What a FUCKING LIAR!!!!!! I taught my kids not to lie, but I guess his parents didn't. I've never felt so much contempt for management in the 30+ years I've been here. This guy is worse than Tishman Speyer because at least they didn't put on a false front of caring and sanctimony. They were honestly callous bastards and didn't try to appear nice and caring.
I went into Trader Joe's tonight for the first time and I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven (a place I'm pretty sure I won't go to). So much stuff! Unbelievable! I came out with two bags full of groceries (one bag was a free vinyl bag because of a coupon that came in the mail). I had meat, pizza, salad, vegetables, and even a six pack of their lager (which tastes very good). Great value! My total, including the six pack of lager and bottle deposit) was $34.97. Enough food for me, a senior, for several days.
I didn't have to wait on line and the people who work there are absolutely charming and friendly. I noticed that they do the same thing all stores do ... place tempting goodies all along the check-out line. Just had to treat myself to a bar of dark chocolate, didn't I. I always used to resist that stuff in Associated! Maybe there's subliminal messages in TJ. Or maybe I was just feeling good about my shopping experience. Btw, they wanted my date of birth because I was buying lager. Haven't been carded in a good few decades!
Don't be put off by the line, folks, it moves very fast. Much faster than you expect it to.
>>Says it's for privacy concerns that he took it out.<<
LOL. Sure, Rick, sure. Whose privacy? The excuse is so ridiculous. Pure BS.
Tonight is the REBNY Gala. I bet Powers has a very nice seat at that $1400 a plate event. Do as I say, not as I do for this self proclaimed “Progressive.”
>>I went into Trader Joe's tonight for the first time and I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven<<
Again, it's not a grocery. Sells mostly their own brand. Mostly.
I went there this morning again. I needed to buy milk and they are the cheapest: $1.29. I also bought three other items. The raspberries I bought were not good, and I wound up throwing out about 1/4. I didn't buy their bread, as they seem to sell their own stuff that doesn't interest me. The cheeses were higher priced, but I bought one (the cheapest) to test it out.
The other day Target was out of my brand of cheese, so I tried something else there, and it sucked. So, yeah, things can be cheaper. But we lost a grocery store.
Almost everything I have bought in Trader Joe’s has been fine, except the apples which are better in Gracefully. Fruit bought in Associated was terrible. Yes, we lost a grocery store but a dirty, crowded with boxes, poorly stocked one. Now I have to do two or three stop shopping but at least the main stop in Trader Joe’s is comfortable, inexpensive, and clean.
Sure I would love a Morton Williams, Fairway or Food Emporium on 14th St, but I am not going to mourn Associated. They had a goldmine monopoly for twenty years and ran a seedy store. Do not tell me they didn’t have a long term lease. They were there twenty years or more. No comparison to other supermarkets.
"Shack burgers, s’mores, jazz and skating. All in one day as advertised by Slick Rick. What a crock of crap. We would rather have heat, directories and clean grounds without students. I am so sick of this PR event spin."
I could not agree with you more! I am past caring at this point. We are looking hard for a safe residential community where we can enjoy life with our two young kids without being patronized by this idiot "manager" and his ridiculous - even desperate - attempts to turn this into a "fun" place! It is truly sickening. We would rather go someplace where we may have to pay a little more (though based on our research, that may not be the case) and live in a clean and safe environment that is not plagued with students and noise and pot and virtually no security.
We're outta here asap. Professional couple with two young kids. We did college! We lived in dorms! Why should we pay through the nose to live in another dorm? Add insult to injury, it is not even a well-run dorm! The "Manager" is a cretin.
"The other day Target was out of my brand of cheese, so I tried something else there, and it sucked. So, yeah, things can be cheaper. But we lost a grocery store."
STR, try Food Emporium at Union Square. It is really worth a looksee.
Trader Joe's has a no-questions-asked return policy AND a try-before-you-buy policy on on EVERYTHING THEY SELL. A cashier told me I can ask any associate to open a package of anything (except frozen stuff and alcohol) to taste before I buy. And they will accept returns on even half-eaten stuff--with or without a receipt.
This morning I bought my first "food" item at Gracefully. It was Arnold's sliced bread and the new stores on 14th don't carry it, as far as I know. I use the bread for my cheese. The price doesn't change, no matter at which store you go to, unless there is a special sale (which Associated had). So, for my food comfort, I had to buy at Gracefully.
To me, Food Emporium at Union Square is too far to walk unless I'm there already, so I will check it out. Yeah, Associated was dirty and some of the cashiers were "rough." But I didn't go there for nice cashiers or pristine floors that were wide. In and out, and I bought my food of their sale items, including their deli.
Fact is that a neighbor grocery store is gone, and it is doubtful any grocery store will return there.
I think I recently read that Fairway filed for bankruptcy protection, so I wouldn't wait for one to open here.
"Tonight is the REBNY Gala. I bet Powers has a very nice seat at that $1400 a plate event. Do as I say, not as I do for this self proclaimed “Progressive.”"
He'll be sitting on Rob Speyer's lap like Garodnick used to.
Politicians are whores. We all know that.
STR, I know TJ's bread is their own brand, but it is worth a try. I buy their soft wholewheat and love it. I used to like Arnolds, too. Hate Pepperidge Farm - too dry and tasteless.
According to the Building Inspection Certificate posted in my lobby, the building was last inspected in 2016. Aren't they supposed to inspect at least annually?
I really don't think that anything is on the "up-and-up" here. I think the City agencies get paid off to turn a blind eye. Taking out the directories was a violation of City law. People get paid off and we suffer.
From the latest Haydukgram:
"ShackBurgers, jazz, s'mores, and skating, all in one day. It's an embarrassment of riches."
It's an embarrassment, but not of riches!
>>According to the Building Inspection Certificate posted in my lobby, the building was last inspected in 2016. Aren't they supposed to inspect at least annually?<<
Once a year, but may be twice a year. Definitely once a year.
>>STR, I know TJ's bread is their own brand, but it is worth a try.<<
What I have seen is not for me, except maybe the sourdough. Will give it a try...
What is the best way to go about reporting violations, such as out of date inspection certificates, removal of the directories, no elevator inspection certificate? This place is becoming a very scary place to live. Management really and truly is a law unto itself and the guy running the show is either very, very sleazy or very stupid. Maybe both. They say he used to run a resort somewhere, but I doubt he could run a bodega. He doesn't seem to be interested in any way, shape or form with the nuts and bolts of running a residential property. It's all about the events, side shows, dog and pony tricks, special events and selling the "amenities." It is really worrying to know that such an uninterested incompetent is responsible for our safety.
I would never, ever recommend to anyone that they look for an apartment here. It is a disgusting and dangerous place to live at this point. To add insult to injury, we get very inadequate heat! Our radiators have not been on all day and my husband thinks we should get space heaters. I don't feel comfortable about using them because I think they are a fire hazard, but it's one of the risks you have to take when you live here. I really think that at some point "it will all come out" and will be a major scandal story about how this place gets away with breaking almost every City law. Maybe when the sleazy DeBlasio Administration has gone away. The TA takes no interest in the terrible quality of life here and I suspect they are on the take themselves.
"I think I recently read that Fairway filed for bankruptcy protection, so I wouldn't wait for one to open here."
Fairway was doing well until Blackstone acquired it. Maybe they hired someone like Rick Hayduk to run it.
Clearly the Tenants Association is on the take.
Not a peep from Shifty Shameless Sleazy Susan about ANY of our concerns.
What a useless phony!
14th Street between Avenue A and 1st Avenue is a disgrace.
A true eyesore!
Remember the reason Associated is no longer there is because our benevolent landlord gouged them out of business.
They DOUBLED the rent from $60,000 to $120,0000 per month.
True bloodsuckers!
While walking home in the snow, I noticed ST putting down salt, but only in front of Oval Concierge and the cafe. I thought that was rather bizarre and made clear what they think is important here. They were plowing the snow which was good, but I did not like the fact that salt was spread only in front of their crap amenities.
Blackstone seems to be a company of destruction. A very life-negating organization. It is involved in the destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest; it destroys human lives with its greedy, callous acquisition of properties; it is an organization that has no respect for human or animal life or for the planet that we all share. It's too bad we have to share the planet with the likes of Schwartzman and when he's dead he'll be as dead as the rest of us. It's not like he can take it all with him!
How people like Hayduk can work for and carry out the plans and business models for the likes of Schwarzman is beyond me, but I guess it doesn't bother them. Hayduk is destroying lives here with his total contempt for tenants which translates into his denying us adequate heat, ripping out the legally-mandated directories, ignoring noise complaints and allowing the filth and dumping of refuse on the property. It's just a pay check to him. His feeble attempts to appear as a Mr. Nice Guy and the stupid, smarmy emails announcing the "events" just show what an utter schmuck he really is.
"14th Street between Avenue A and 1st Avenue is a disgrace.
A true eyesore!
Remember the reason Associated is no longer there is because our benevolent landlord gouged them out of business.
They DOUBLED the rent from $60,000 to $120,0000 per month.
True bloodsuckers!"
It's all part of the Blackstone trademark slumification and degradation of everything they buy, whether it's property, land or stores. They suck all the blood out of it and leave the rotting carcass. The living beings whose lives they destroy are just collateral damage. It is the most despicable company in the world.
"They DOUBLED the rent from $60,000 to $120,0000 per month."
They were asking $350,000 per month. Associated countered with $175,000. The end.
As the STR has noted, there is no way an affordable supermarket will take over that space.
We have been going to the US TJs for some time way before the EV one opened. Some of their stuff is great, some sucks. All of their greens are bagged.
Hayduk is putting the names back in the intercom (in his own sweet time), but I've been told by a lawyer who works for the City that it is actually the directories that were in the lobbies near the mail boxes that are mandated by law. Where the hell did they get this idiot? Working at a fair or amusement park? He has not got the faintest idea of how to run this property and he hasn't got what it takes to learn. He's only fit for organizing s'mores and campfire crap. I hope that everybody (who cares) calls 311 over and over until something is done to make him obey the law for the sake of our safety and our RIGHTS. We have the RIGHT to have our names on a directory, just as we have the RIGHT to not be paying residential rent to live in a dorm/hotel/rent by the night (or hour) property. We are TENANTS, not guests or customers.
Unless our so-called Councilman gets his act together and starts caring about the tenants who live here and pay (some through the nose) rent to live here and making sure that we are being treated right by this IDIOT RUBE, some of us are going to campaign loudly against any re-election he thinks of having. As for the TA, they have done NOTHING. Absolutely fucking NOTHING! Putting the names back in the intercoms is not good enough. Having a building inspection certificate that is 4 years out of date is not good enough.
We are being treated with the utmost contempt by this total asshole and I don't care if he is handpicked by Blackstone to be a total asshole (like the Mob using an Enforcer), we should not have to put up with it. We need to get our complaints on paper and submitted to the Legal Department at HPD or DOB. Not sure where, but I'll find out.
Guess Management is cutting back heat again.
Guess Management is cutting back heat again. >>>>>
YES! Woke up freezing this morning! May apartment was as cold as Hayduk's heart! It's a bit better now, but I had to put the oven on earlier.
Re: The Tenant Directories in the lobbies: By removing them and refusing to replace them (even though he is in violation of NYC Law), Hayduk is overtly demonstrating just what he thinks of us. We are NOTHING. We are NOBODIES. We do not merit the right to have our names and apartment numbers listed, even though they are our permanent HOMES. He only cares about the transients, students and the various and sundry sublets (mostly illegal) and the AirbnB operators. To Hayduk, this is just a large hotel (and not a very well run one) and permanent residents ("TENANTS") are a nuisance, regardless of length of tenure or level of rent, because we want and expect and are entitled to certain rights that he is not willing to grant us. Not that it is within his purview to deny us these rights, but he is unwilling or incapable of managing the property the way a residential rental property should be managed. He's a resort hack and doesn't have it in his DNA to do the job he has in a competent and legally-compliant manner.
Enjoy the s'mores and sing-alongs, campers. You'd get better bang for your buck at a real resort, but to each his own.
Heat barely sporadic today. Am recuperating from a viral infection and don't appreciate this as this may have been the cause to begin with! Karma is a bitch!
My heat, which was highly inadequate last year and in November is now very comfortable as is that of some of my friends. I guess that we are lucky.
Concerning the heat: they need to get rid of the sensor system and go back to the old fashioned way: If it's cold, send up heat; if it's warm, don't. Too complicated for these grifters to wrap their brains around.
This afternoon, I went to Food Emporium. Hadn't been there in years because I was totally unimpressed the last time I went there. Possibly, it was under some other management/brand then. Well, was I ever pleasantly surprised! That store has EVERYTHING (except my favorite flavor of Progresso soup, but they had probably sold out). There is a 10% discount EVERY DAY for seniors and, as I recently qualified as a senior, I really like that! I know it's not as handy as Associated, but if you are not suffering from mobility issues (and Thank God I am not) it's not that far to walk and if the bags are heavy, it's a short bus ride back. It's a short bus ride there if you don't feel like, or are not up to, the walk. $1.35 each way on the bus is more than paid for by what you get with the senior discount, and I didn't find the prices of the merchandise to be too expensive, anyway. They have just about everything a person needs in the way of groceries. I will be going there a lot from now on!
PS, the cashiers are fast and pleasant. I don't do the self-checkout thing because it's a pain in the neck and a jobs killer, but they have self-checkout for those who like it. I tend to avoid stores that push the self-checkout thing, e.g., CVS. Fuck 'em. Give people jobs and don't make the customer work for you!
@1:34 PM: Totally agree with you! This guy belongs at a Senior/Retirement property, NOT a New York City apartment complex. We don't live here to be entertained! We just want to live here because it is conveniently located and (before Blackstone) clean and safe.
one thing regarding the supermarkets--D'agostinos or Gristedes or whatever on 1st ave is clearly trying. kinda heartbreaking. anyone who shops at Gracefully, I encourage you to give Gristedes a try--they have a seating area much larger than Gracefully's, I think their prices are better than Gracefully's, the window area is nicer, they probably have better sandwiches/bread as well.
for me this grocery store is just too expensive on a daily basis, but I hope they can make a go of it. anyone who can afford to, please shop there. they have better bread than Trader joes, and frozen items that are different brands. looks much cleaner since the renovation
my apartment (with a so-called sensor) is freezing, has been for the past two months.
I'm not sure people are taking into account the wild fluctuations in temp outside. Sure, my apartment is absolutely fine, when it's 45-50 degrees at night.
Then, when it's in the 30s and 20s, at sundown, they don't increase the heat. it's exactly the same, at every temperature.
anyone who thinks this is not deliberate--I have a bridge to sell you. don't be a naive ass--of course this is blackstone's way of saving money. no one to hold them accountable.
>>anyone who shops at Gracefully, I encourage you to give Gristedes a try--they have a seating area much larger than Gracefully's, I think their prices are better than Gracefully's, the window area is nicer, they probably have better sandwiches/bread as well.<<
Yes, but do they have delectable female cashiers from the Far East?
Seriously, I have been at Gristedes and have found it too expensive on most items. But I will ask: Does one have to pay a "tip" at that seating area? Is it expected that someone will bring the food or coffee over? Granted, it is a nice store and airy....
Freezing in my apartment this morning.
"Seriously, I have been at Gristedes and have found it too expensive on most items. But I will ask: Does one have to pay a "tip" at that seating area? Is it expected that someone will bring the food or coffee over? Granted, it is a nice store and airy...."
The store name is now D'agostino supermarket, the name has been updated at their webpage. No, the hot and cold food table area is self-service; no "tipping". Also, the price per pound and the soup container prices is around $1.50 cheaper than Gracefully. The price is competitive with Morton Williams and other Manhattan supermarkets, unlike the prices of most of their stock which borders on price gouging. I have tried their soups, they are pretty good IMO.
Regarding the use of the term “Far East”:
““Far East” is simply antiquated, rather than offensive, when it comes to its usage. The term implies a very Eurocentric mentality, and the truth is that most of Asia is actually west of continental North America, which means that the term is geographically inaccurate. Similarly, the accurate term for the regions of Asia should be West Asia, Central Asia, Northern Asia, and Southeast Asia.
In many academic circles, the term “Middle East” has fallen out of favor, but definitely not at the same rate as “Far East” or “Oriental” did in the past. “Oriental” has been known to be more offensive because of previously negative anthropological tendencies. Additionally, the term “Middle East” often includes countries of North Africa, so in some literature, the term “West Asia North Africa” or WANA is used instead.”
As someone who has an extensive HR background, I’d say this copy and paste is reasonable correct. And STR, "delectable female cashiers"?. Sigh. You really have to move onto the 21st Century. If this blog is to be a legit counterpoint to the relentless Blackstone PR machine, we can do better than that.
I've been reading the Yelp reviews. That Peter W is really a piece of work!
The Goodwill bin , prominently placed at the entrance to PCV , was overflowing with donations !!!! Bags all over the ground. It looks so beautiful as you enter our community. Happens often. Good way to greet ppl. Whose idea was this to have a donation bin at that location??? Classy - right!!!
““Far East” is simply antiquated, rather than offensive, when it comes to its usage. The term implies a very Eurocentric mentality, and the truth is that most of Asia is actually west of continental North America, which means that the term is geographically inaccurate. Similarly, the accurate term for the regions of Asia should be West Asia, Central Asia, Northern Asia, and Southeast Asia.
>>In many academic circles, the term “Middle East” has fallen out of favor, but definitely not at the same rate as “Far East” or “Oriental” did in the past. “Oriental” has been known to be more offensive because of previously negative anthropological tendencies. Additionally, the term “Middle East” often includes countries of North Africa, so in some literature, the term “West Asia North Africa” or WANA is used instead.”
As someone who has an extensive HR background, I’d say this copy and paste is reasonable correct. And STR, "delectable female cashiers"?. Sigh. You really have to move onto the 21st Century. If this blog is to be a legit counterpoint to the relentless Blackstone PR machine, we can do better than that.<<
LOL. Sorry, I was born in the last century, and I will continue to use Far East, particularly when Asia is used in Europe to indicate Muslims in the Near East and confusing everyone. And did you know that "China" is the center of the world?
I know all about the politically terms and how people are threatened on Social Media, etc. Sorry, again. I will fight that, as well as Blackstone. In other words, a lot is BS, and I'm not buying it.
And those reviews are cookie cutter. The positive ones are phony.
Got home around 2 pm and thankfully heat was on in all rooms. In less than an hour, heat was off in all rooms! How heat is back on but who knows for now long. I live on a low floor and heat is off more than on. This, plus the fact that every day someone is buzzing the intercom trying to get in, is getting more frustrating since I chose to opt back in when landlord first posted this option. This landlord operates just like the idiot in the Whie House. Hopefully, there will be justice for both sooner rather than later!
Somebody posted this on the TA fb:
https://www.greedystephenschwarzman.org/facts/
I think Schwarzman should go to jail. He must be one of the slimiest and most evil men on the Planet. Include what he's done to the Amazon Rain Forest, along with his political chicanery and treatment of tenants throughout the world, I think he is guilty of crimes against humanity.
"In other words, a lot is BS, and I'm not buying it."
What can I say. Keep on "owning the libs" as they say and see how effective that is by using sexist by lines. You have already let through stuff to your blog that had to be deleted later upon further review. Again, I thought the whole point of this blog was to be an effective counter point to Blackstone, especially their so called progressive agenda (solar, LEED certification, gay rights, etc) where the reality is their CEO is a major Trump supporter who destroys the environment and shreds gay rights. So let’s just keep preaching to the choir here where the standard anonymous line is the TA sucks, the TA is one with management, Blackstone sucks, all politicians suck and we are all helpless, etc. Over and over again. There has been useful info bought to the attention of this blog some examples being photos, videos, detailed regulations that Blackstone is in violations of, etc. But the vast majority is what I just outlined. Hey remember that alternative to the TA? You still have a link to it on your banner page. Whatever happened to that? By doing this blog, you have done a tremendous service but what are we going to do next? The poster who wants to fight back gets no responses. Again, the TA sucks. So what do we do now?
“Yes, but do they have delectable female cashiers from the Far East?“
Those girls are mainly from Nepal and Tibet. Is that Far East? They are very cute and sweet. Nothing like the mean people at the ASSOCIATED or hipsters at TRADERBLOWS.
"And did you know that "China" is the center of the world?"
and according to our President, China is nowhere near India. He should know because he's the President of the United States of America and was elected on the strength of his intellect and universal knowledge of just about everything.
Meet our landlord:
https://www.housinghumanright.org/housing-is-a-human-right-exposes-billionaire-landlord-stephen-schwarzman/?fbclid=IwAR0Z899hTbLbX-6pO37u-vRmKGph5dJuLsJfJnn8HMbs4s1PwasKFncw5oU
peter w is a condescending nasty guy. They need to move him into a different job. Post office? DMV. Done.
Those ladies at cashier on east 23rd Gracefully are really nasty nasty assholes to customers. I 've seen in several times now. What the Fuck?
>>Those girls are mainly from Nepal and Tibet. Is that Far East?<<
Yes.
The help at Trader Joe is extremely good FYI
When do we get the Tenants Directory back??
All I hear is talk, talk, talk.
Mail and deliveries are misdirected.
I have called 311, our pols and, of course, the Tenants Association.
NOTHING!
Not even the courtesy of a reply!
STR, can you suggest further actions we can take?
I think that by now the noise made about this Directory has been heard. It's now up to Rick and Blackstone, and, maybe, whatever legal process is already in the works.
>>using sexist by lines<<
I do and I don't know what you mean. That a heterosexual male likes and appreciates an attractive female?
My answer is a big nothing like everything else wrong here. We are captive to Blackstone. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. All the hype about action is just that, hype. Photos, calls, complaints do nothing here. Without a viable TA with lawyers we are sunk.
I assure you that no legal process in the works that will benefit tenants.
They are pestering us about the window guards form and emphasizing that it is a legally required by NYC blah blah blah. Why don't they take care of other legally required issues here? Anyway, what's the worse that could happen if you don't return the window guards form? Why should we bother to comply when management doesn't? This is a lawless property, run by a scofflaw who doesn't give a shit about how lack of enforcement of laws and rules hurt tenants.
"Delectable?" As a description of a young woman? When I was 17, when I was 23, even into my 30's with a truly beautiful body and much too much attention (physically-based), I don't think I would have appreciated being objectified like that.
On this blog? I know that life is becoming more difficult for many of us. But hurting or denigrating each other ain't a good idea, nohow, no way. And just for the record: I ain't no "Me Too" supporter. The women of today betrayed everything I fought for as a young and youngish woman years ago.
Just some respect here.
Please.
>>"Delectable?" As a description of a young woman? When I was 17, when I was 23, even into my 30's with a truly beautiful body and much too much attention (physically-based), I don't think I would have appreciated being objectified like that.<<
You're speaking in code. "Objectified"? Seriously, there is nothing wrong with a man thinking a woman is delectable. Thinking. Is that wrong?
Well, no heat since the early afternoon, and probably before, too. It's getting very tiring with this lack of heat sometimes and heat at other times. Usually it is the same time, which tells you something.... So I called 311. Had to. The call and info could take 5 minutes, but it has to be done.
STR, the heat is so inconsistent, it is just crazy. It goes on and off and usually stays off for a long period of time. When it's on the apartment is fine, but when it's off the apartment cools down rapidly. These apartments are drafty. The outside walls are very cold because they are thin. Cold air comes through the radiator! No amount of window tightening really helps because the windows are just two thin panes of glass with nothing between them. I don't know if you lived here before the current windows were installed, but the old windows were just terrible and the rain used come through the cracks in the frames, but these windows are not much better. We are paying an MCI forever for them. I do remember that at the time when they were prepping us to get these windows (about 30 years ago, I think) we were requested to attend certain meetings with Management to be given all the info and one of the "selling points" that they pushed was that these were the same windows that Donald Trump was putting in his new apartment building. Well, considering that The Donald is known to have done business with the mob and did NOT use the best of materials for his buildings, I think that pretty much explains why we were palmed off with garbage and are stuck with it.
Management should just rip out the sensors and send up heat according to the outside temperatures. Never mind insulting us with their rinky-dink thermometers and making us have "engineers" traipse through our apartments and say everything is fine (when it clearly isn't). There is no intelligence, decency or integrity in this Management crew. They are just incapable of competency or even empathy. I wish we had been taken over by NYCHA because we might get more of a public hearing then and the quality of life might even be better. Nobody in the media or in the political domains gives a shit about what we go through. They assume that because it is owned by a mega corporation that everything must be fine. The truth is that we are among some of the most abused tenants in the City and some of the tenants (not myself because I'm here a long time) pay through the nose to be treated like shit. One more thing: I know people who live in apartments that have sensors and they are freezing cold, so if that doesn't prove that the sensors don't work, what does?
"Well, no heat since the early afternoon, and probably before, too. It's getting very tiring with this lack of heat sometimes and heat at other times. Usually it is the same time, which tells you something.... So I called 311. Had to. The call and info could take 5 minutes, but it has to be done."
STR, did you also call 311 about the illegal removal of the Directories?
I haven't done that yet.
Bravo5:08! Ironically, I,too, called 311 today regarding lack of heat!
"I haven't done that yet."
THEN DO IT!!!!!
As soon as I do my 1000 and 1 things that I need to do.
"As soon as I do my 1000 and 1 things that I need to do."
JUST DO IT!!!!!! Never mind the delectables at Gracefully, just focus on what's important! Sheesh! You Men!
ps. I don't care how politically incorrect or uncorrect your are! You are our only voice here and you speak truth to power. Some of us (and I am a lady, very attuned to "Me Too") and don't give a flying fig about the nonsense some people pick on you for. Hey! I like a little delectable sausage myself, IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
Keep on keeping on, STR, and ignore the PC Police!
Okay, okay...
So now Fairway is going under. It was a thriving store before Blackstone took it over. Does Blackstone have to be the Kiss of Death to everything it acquires? Life before Blackstone was so much better in so many ways.
Let us please get past the PC and Me Too stuff (STR is a man of a certain age and we should not waste time condemning him for certain "politically incorrect" remarks he may make). What is important is the abuse and disrespect we are subjected to by Management. This is the kind of abuse and disrespect that is going to cost us our homes, our lives and everything we have invested in living here. If we don't stand up to this vile Management and call out our so-called political representatives, then we deserve whatever shit they pile on and rub into us.
>>STR is a man of a certain age<<
LOL. Let me get my walker and go to Gracefully for a "cup of Joe" and the Milk of Human Kindness.
I think you're missing the point--this blog is currently the only source (that I'm aware of) that compiles photos, first hand accounts and records of the conditions in this place. there is no other media outlet that does this. The blog owner is STR, so it's up to him to decide what tone he wants to use--at one end of the scale being professional journalist, at the other end being 4Chan troll, with blogging reporter somewhere in the middle.
I dont care personally, however he chooses to write is his business. But, something to take note of: the closer to professional journalism you can approach, the more seriously the blog will be taken, by any outside authorities reading it. (I'm quite certain Blackstone has some reps reading this. Remember, these are the people that look through internet records to try to find dirt on tenants so they can be evicted.)
this comment, however, is really something else:
"And just for the record: I ain't no "Me Too" supporter. The women of today betrayed everything I fought for as a young and youngish woman years ago."
lady, you're disgusting. and you presume to lecture STR on his word choice??? only a moron would use such sweeping generalizations as "the women of today." get the f%#* outta here.
There is a serious discussion about PC and non-PC words. (I am using those terms as they are being used.) This place is not really it, though, personally, I welcome such discussions. The place to hold them is outside of this blog. But, as I said, outside of this blog, I would be delighted to talk on these issues.
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