Author: Matthew Pilkington

Heating System Update

We know it is cold, and that it is extremely frustrating.  Building management, Jose, plumbers, our boiler service company, and the Board are all working on the problem.  We still believe that the entire heating system will need to be emptied and refilled (still being discussed by plumbers) but in order to do that safely and so that pipes don’t burst we need to wait until it is well above freezing.  We are anticipating warmer temperatures at the end of the week.

If you have individual bleed valves on the radiators in your apartment please contact Jose to have them bled in the mean time, which could help.

Thank you all for your ongoing patience.  As residents ourselves (and volunteer representatives for Skytrack), we share your frustrations.  We will continue to communicate updates as we receive them.

Heating System Update

Dear all:  Though the boiler itself continues to operate normally, we believe the cold temperatures in many of our units may relate to an issue with when the circulating water was drained and re-filled this fall, so that renovations could be performed on one of the units.  The plumber visited yesterday, and some units are a bit warmer now, thankfully.  However, we remain unsatisfied, and the plumber is coming back to try to further improve things.

It is possible that the only way to fully resolve the issues we’re experiencing is to drain and properly re-fill the system again, but we obviously will not be doing this until it is warmer outside.  As of now, we have at least SOME heat (and hot water is fine), so of course we do not want to make things worse.

If the temperature in your unit is particularly cold, please contact Jose through the website.  He will see if there is anything that he can do to adjust your radiators, and will measure the air and radiator temperatures in your unit so problem areas can be tracked and reported to the plumbers.

Thank you for your patience as we all work to get through this together.

Update: Broken Sprinkler Pipe

The broken pipe in the sprinkler system at 120 Boerum Pl. has been fixed, the system has been turned back on, and it is no longer leaking.  However, residual water in the stairs, walls, and hallways likely will continue to drip.  A professional cleaning/drying crew will be on site this evening.  We will keep everyone posted with additional information as we have it.  Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Board Meeting Minutes – Nov. 28, 2017

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: November 28th, 2017

Board Members Present: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington; Terra Chalberg, Cameron Martin; Michael Tedesco; Levi McConnell

Also in Attendance: Elia Malara, Managing Agent; José Perez, Superintendent.

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 9:25 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Ceiling tiles were replaced on the first floor of 120 Boerum Place due to the plumbing leak.
  • The parking garage roof is to be inspected for leaks.
  • The Dean Street entry floor will be completed after the holidays.
  • All metalwork painting has been completed.

New Business:

  • Solar proposal is being reviewed. This is a long-range project, and the Board will update as we go.
  • Floor sinking and wall separation in 1E and 1C are to be evaluated by Rand Engineering. The Board is planning to have Leon on hand to open up the floor if necessary.
  • The Board is continuing to select candidates for the soon-to-be-vacated Super position. Our management company is interviewing candidate as they are identified.
  • The Board is obtaining more bids for the 120 Boerum Place lobby rehabilitation/r The project is still slated to commence Spring, 2018.
  • Brown Bins are for food waste recycling. New bags are in, so please leave your food scraps, soiled napkins/paper towels, etc in the small brown bin, which is put out for collection on Sundays at 3pm.

Financials:

  • The financial statement was reviewed. Everything appears to be in good standing.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • The Board would like to wish you happy and healthy holidays. Please remember that this is the time of year to reward José and Patrick for their excellent work.
  • NOTE: Please remember, also, that this is the last holiday season Jose will be employed here before his retirement, and that this moment affords us all an opportunity to show gratitude to him for his sixteen years of service.
  • PLEASE clean up any dropped Christmas tree pine needles in the hallway and lobby. When you are ready to remove your tree, José will have oversize plastic bags available for tree transportation.
  • Please be careful if using open flames/candles. Let’s keep Skytrack safe

 EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

Elia Malara (718) 625-4671 / José Perez (646) 239-8762 / Patrick Knights (347) 338-7762

Notice Re Propane Tank Removal

REMINDER — all 20 lb. propane tanks must be permanently removed from the property by this Friday, November 10, 2017.

 

During a recent inspection, the NYC Fire Department has found Skytrack to be in violation of a provision of the New York City Fire Code as a result of the presence of propane tanks on the property.  Specifically, Section 3805.3 of the Fire Code prohibits the storage or use of propane tanks larger than 16.4 ounces on decks, terraces, patios or inside the premises.  This means that any “standard size” grill tanks (which are 20 lb. tanks) are prohibited.  Accordingly, all 20 lb. propane tanks must be permanently removed from the property by Friday, November 10, 2017.

The Super will do a visual inspection of all decks and terraces to check compliance with this directive by this time, and Unit Owners who have not complied will be fined and the tanks will be removed by the Super.  Additionally, any future penalties Skytrack is assessed as a result of illegal propane will be borne solely by offending Unit Owner(s).  We understand the fines will be significant (in the thousands of dollars).

 

 

 

 

The good news is propane grills are allowed under NYC law, as long as they are fueled by small “camping size” (16.4 ounce) propane tanks.  Such tanks are available at many stores, including Lowes and Target, and can be attached to any standard size grill by using an adapter, which can be purchased online.  Reminder that NYC Code requires that, when in use, grills must be placed at least 10 feet away from any combustible materials, and a fire extinguisher must be readily available.  Electric grills are also allowed, though charcoal grills are prohibited.

For more information see:
NYC Fire Code §§ 307.5; 3805.3
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/homeowner/barbecues.page