From Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village's Own Policy

"Carpet your apartment in accordance with the terms of your Lease. Your lease requires that rugs or carpeting must cover 80% of all floors at all times. Floor covering is not required in the kitchen or bathroom."

Actual examples at ST/PCV's own website (click on photo to make it bigger):

No Comment Is Necessary

This is what I see every day. Would it hurt a representative of Blackstone to make the same 15 minute tour of the Oval and its environs? Or...is everything okay and fine??? Is that the spin?

These are actual photos, as you can see, and made today, in the afternoon.

I would not be proud of the quality of life on display.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Just perfect, 3 hours of by-now traditional songs!

We will see if this works. One per day. First up, something you won't eat anymore at Neptune--

Let's not forget our Vets, past and present. Happy Christmas, Holidays, and a Happy New Year!...

We have a lot of residents who are of the Hebraic background, so--

They live above me and walk in their high heels (without carpeting) all the time, but what I want to know is what are those two men doing there? I see you! At least the hijab girls are without high heels.

 A shout out to our police--men and women--and firefighters, too. Thank you!

The French have too eat, too!....

They get a certain amount of flak from the blogs, including this one, but when real trouble or difficulty rears its head, they are there for us. So this is for our team of Public Safety. Stay warm, too! It is cold out there!

What are you waiting for? An invitation? There are some holiday sights that are still New York....

Unless I get inspired, this will be it of the holiday photos, as this week will be plenty busy. I'm wishing everyone here a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!

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12/14/16. My Christmas/Holiday greetings continue, but there is other material eager to get the front page. To wit:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/muslim-woman-reported-trump-supporter-attack-made-story-article-1.2910944

Part of the article:

" A Muslim student who said she was harassed on the subway by drunken, hate-spewing white men shouting 'Donald Trump!' found herself behind bars Wednesday after telling cops she made the whole story up.

"Yasmin Seweid, 18, joined a growing list of local and national alleged hate crime victims when she told cops that she was taunted Dec. 1 on the No. 6 train by three men who called her a terrorist and tried to snatch her hijab off her head while straphangers did nothing but watch.

"But Seweid finally broke down and admitted to detectives that it was all a big lie."

More at the link. Meanwhile, guess who has become Our Man Dan's biggest advocate: the PCVST Tenants Association. We knew this, but the TA should be embarrassed, especially considering the holes that are starting to come through.

Here's part of their special email to all tenants ("Your Tenants Association" header):

So the TA is connected to Dan in this way, too. They are not connect to tenants via many of the problems that exist here, but to Dan--yes, sir. Oh, how is that lease office protest working? And composting? Can't forget that.

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12/16/16. Yeah, I know it's algorithm stuff, but I want to get back to the "swing" of things...

A Case of Mistaken Identity?

This is the blog post by Sabina Mollot:

https://town-village.com/2016/12/06/jew-man-graffiti-seen-across-from-stuy-town/

Garodnick tweeted on December 5th a not-too good photo of the graffiti. He didn't get much of response, but TA Facebook has been full of pronouncements about the graffiti, and now the "discussion" is shut down.

Today, during lunch break, I went near Papaya, the store over which is this graffiti, and took photos.

Let me state that the graffiti cannot be seen by anyone in Stuyvesant Town. To call it, as Garodnick does, "in the community"--well, maybe. (T&V: "Garodnick later said he had never before seen anti-Semitic graffiti in the community.")

Now I realize that Garodnick is trying to promote "New York Values" to the country, and he and his friends can certainly do that, but the truth is that the graffiti is NOT seen by anyone in Stuy Town and definitely not from where Garodnick lives in Peter Cooper Village. At first I was quizzical about the actual photo, as I know it can't be seen in PCV. This would not be an issue if the graffiti was anti-Semitic, but actually seeing it, I'm not sure. At all. The graffiti doesn't seen to be racist and could very well be someone just "tagging" the sign with an amusing, to him, caption.

All this noise about how hateful it is, is just that--noise. Unless we know different. Right now it appears not to be racist, and just a use by Garodnick to have the high moral ground and promote his petition. There may be some justification if Garodnick may feel threatened, of course. But at this point the graffiti may be completely innocent.

Meanwhile, an incident involving a NYC police person, who happens to be Muslim, has been confirmed. This is where our anger should be focused right now.

On Anti-Americanism

Our councilman, Dan Garodnick, posted the other day a photo of an anti-Semitic sign over Papaya on 14th St and Ist Ave. State Senator Hoylman addressed anti-gay and anti-Semitic swastikas written in his building....

I consider these signs and activities as anti-American. They do not hold the values that I and others hold, namely that everyone, regardless of race or creed should be treated with dignity, unless that person is a proven son-of-a-bitch that deserves to be treated otherwise.

That said, I must state a warning: Do not automatically assume these anti-Americans as Trump supporters, or Pence or the Republican Party supporters. They could very well be or they could also be people who are using the election results against Trump by instigating false hoaxes. There have been a slew of these false hoaxes, though recent NYC police reports are pretty damning.

This is the game that is being played now: set up the "other guy" as a bad fellow because of whom he or she voted for. This is where I part company with Garodnick and others of his type ("New York Values"), who insist on highlighting for political purposes "us vs. them," the them being Trump and the Republican Party. I am not willing to play the game or be used by politicians for the game. And I am aware of the game.

If possible, I want all these anti-Americans caught and shamed and judged legally. I trust that is what all of us want.

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Update 12/7/16: I may have been wrong about my assumption that the Papaya graffiti was anti-Semitic.  More at the newest blog post.

Garodnick's Play

I'm glad that our departing councilman Dan Garodnick is placing a spotlight on the president elect's expenditure via his office and Trump Tower, but once again, I think good old Dan is stressing politics over reasoning. Is he also willing not to listen to and not be a lap dog for business high rises in his district? Is he also going to give back the donations made by his rich buddy SL Green for One Vanderbilt? Is he willing to not go and smile at the REBNY awards dinner? Is he willing to go after "the boys" who give money to the NYC Democratic Party, and probably the Republican Party if in power? Is he willing to say, "I'm sorry for accepting a third term as councilperson when I voted against third terms"? Is he willing to fight for the middle class and say f.u. to affluent concerns and reestablish Stuy Town and Peter Cooper Village so that "families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and that a pattern might be set of private enterprise productively devoted to public service...."  I don't think he is on any of these things, so I just want him to go away and leave us in peace.

He won't.

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12/12/16 Just a placement so as not to mar our Christmas and Holiday cheers.  Current AirBnb hosting. Do you think Management knows? Oh, how is your composting going?

 

Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More Whipping?

Dear Residents, please enjoy!

(I didn't know that Saturday would also be the day that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would shut Five Stuy Cafe for infractions. So this blog posting is very appropriate as it marks one of the first times that the city has decided to close a commercial property in Stuyvesant Town. In, like in "inside," and unless I'm mistaken there was no sign which told that the drinks and food were for "residents and their guests." Much like the adjacent Green Market. This sign is something mandated by the DoB and our good councilman Dan Garodnick. It was not shown anywhere as far as I know. No matter, the closure by the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene was not because of the lack of this sign. As soon as the city tells us, we will inform residents why the place was closed, which had to be closed for a number of violations. This blog posting will address this issue specifically.)

Morning, 11/28/16:

It's worse than I thought. A photo to explain, partially:

Update, 11/28/16..Why it was closed (not counting the above, which is against the law): 

Violations recorded in the following area (s), a Notice of Violation issued and establishment ordered closed by the Department of Health at the initial operational cycle inspection conducted on 11/26/2016.

"Critical" violations are displayed in red.

Violation points: 50

Sanitary Violations

1) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.
2) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
3) Food from unapproved or unknown source or home canned. Reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) fish not frozen before processing; or ROP foods prepared on premises transported to another site.
4) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
5) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
6) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
7) Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
8) Proper sanitization not provided for utensil ware washing operation.

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Let's revisist Rick Hayduk's message to tenants:

Dear Residents of PCVST,

This afternoon at approximately 4:15pm the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene closed Five Stuy Café for infractions that were predominantly administrative in nature.

StuyTown Property Services is working closely with the third party operator of the café to resolve the infractions and subsequently schedule the necessary return visit by the inspector.

The infractions and a description of the infractions will be made public on the City’s website at www1.nyc.gov. Once posted, you’ll note most were administrative; there were also general food infractions that were immediately resolved.

The operators of Five Stuy are greatly disappointed, especially after receiving an “A” rating from their last inspection. They are committed to resolving the outstanding issues while implementing procedures such that the infractions are never revisited.

StuyTown Property Services shares their disappointment but remains confident in their ability to serve the residents of PCVST safe and delicious food, as they have since opening this past summer.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the GM feedback line at 212.598.5288 or feedback@stuytown.com.

Rick Hayduk
CEO | General Manager

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"Safe and delicious"? "Predominantly administrative"? You be the judge.

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This is the "A" grade given to Five Stuy Cafe on 7/28/16, "current" violations in red. Notice that this one critical violation is back again at number 6 in the new rating, of which only two restaurants in this zip code have been closed, the other being "The Vacancy Project":

1) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
2) Plumbing not properly installed or maintained; anti-siphonage or backflow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly.

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The city "rules": http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/rii/blue-book.pdf

Take a look at the critical vs. general violations. There were six critical violations in Five Stuy Cafe. Also closing and re-opening.

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Update 11/30/16: Since it has been raining yesterday and lousy today, chances are I won't be able to present more photos of the Five Stuy Cafe. The torn notice from the city is still there, of course. 

I should say that Monday I took some more photos, some of which didn't come out as I wanted and one of which I didn't really want to show. It was a splayed out and very dead black squirrel not far from Oval Study. It was lying near the pedestrian walkway, but thankfully picked up before I got back. (Today, a Zamboni is going around and around the walkway smelling up the place, while it tries to gather all the fallen leaves.) Starting yesterday, from what I see, there are some people (one, two?) in the cafe trying to fix the place for the new inspection. The many spots outside where dogs piss are not part of the violations. I took photos of the darkened areas, though. How you can eat or drink, while a dog pisses nearby...well, it's up to you. Bon appetit!

Update 11/30/16:

Gone! The notice of closure of Five Stuy Cafe has been torn some more and wiped clean. It was there (the torn one) in the morning hours, but pre-lunch it has been completely erased/deep-sixed. There is an explanation which is not suspect. Let me repeat in case this is a "trap"--there is an explanation which is not suspect. But if you go to Five Stuy Cafe, you will find no sign.

I've taken photos, btw, but I must leave for a while.

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Rick's new message to our community below. Note there is nothing to indicate that another voice, an employee, wrote the previous message. Rick doesn't distance himself from that first message, so it stands as coming from him.

Dear Residents of PCVST,

As stated in my note this past Saturday, Five Stuy Café, located on the Oval, was regrettably required to cease operation by the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) after a routine inspection. The operator of the Café has been working diligently to rectify the violations in cooperation with the DHMH and was re-inspected today.

As such, StuyTown Property Services (SPS) is pleased to inform residents that the DHMH has authorized the re-opening of the Café tomorrow, Thursday, December 1st, at 6am.

SPS can assure residents, consistent with the DHMH’s re-inspection, that there are no further concerns with food preparation or food transportation processes. In accordance with standard DHMH protocol, the Café will have a “Pending” grade until a follow-up inspection is performed. At the conclusion of that inspection, the DHMH will re-issue a letter grade. Five Stuy Café’s operator has taken responsibility for the deficiencies, quickly corrected them, and asks the valued residents of PCVST to return to the Café to experience what has made them so successful since opening this summer. As a further expression of the operator’s sincere desire to welcome you back, enjoy a free Dough doughnut with the purchase of any item tomorrow (Thursday, December 1st) from 7 – 10am and 6 – 8pm.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the GM feedback line at 212.598.5288 or feedback@stuytown.com or stop by to speak with the Café's operations manager.

Rick Hayduk
CEO | General Manager

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Right now the cafe has a "Grade Pending" rating. Once the new rating by the city will be given, it should appear in front of the window.

I asked whether the Tripp and Cooper restaurant, in Brooklyn, is owned by the same LLC--Cooper Cafe--as is Five Stuy Cafe. Interestingly, all the available references of Five Stuy Cafe are in the name of Stuyvesant Town, so this is a more difficult nut to crack. It appears that Tripp and Cooper is owned by the same people, though the specialty at Tripp and Cooper is crepes. The food/drink signs are similar and it is near Brooklyn Tech, so it has a college clientele. I am not, however, assuming that it is the same. If it is the same, the grading history is of interest. A summary is here. While currently the grade is A, it wasn't that way in the past. It doesn't surprise one that some constant problems exist: their Food Protection Certificate is frequently unavailable and the current letter grade is not posted all the time. The current letter grade is not "critical," so the establishment can piss off this requirement and still get an A grade. Again, I am not certain that the two establishments are owned by the same people, but I have my suspicions. 

Also it should be noted that initially the "ungraded" grade of Five Stuy Cafe was B. This is never mentioned by anyone. All one hears about is A.

Incidentally this is the news item on this closure by TOWN & VILLAGE.  Note the doggie urine stains on the side low wall.

Well, tomorrow, December 1st, Five Stuy Cafe opens again. Good luck!

Unbelievable but believable

So Blackstone is introducing a new "rule"--composting. Yes, downstairs in the recycle area will be a special bin waiting for your discarded chicken wings and other edible refuse.

Now you would think that someone with a brain would first enforce the rules already in place, but I see no reduction in speeding bicycles, skateboards, etc., around the Oval, I see no reduction in the amount of dog piss and crap that's all over the place (see photos in another post), but yes you expect me and the thousands of residents to contribute discarded chicken wings to your compost. You must be crazy. Of course you are not and will promote composting on your website for the plebs to see.

But you are a FAILURE. Unless you enforce the rules already in place. Do something, damn it, and stop with the smelly, diesel-spewing and noisy zambonis! There is a reason all operators wear a mask while the pedestrians don't.