Author: Skytrack

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: April 22nd, 2014

Board Members Present: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas.; Terra Chalberg; Rose Firestein; Madeleine Milan; Levi McConnell, Sec. Also Present: José Perez, Superintendent.

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

• The hot tub room above the old elevator bulkhead on the roof of 120 Boerum Place has been cleaned out and stabilized. ** The board is asking owners and residents to suggest possible uses for this common-area space. Please bring your suggestions to the Block Party (see below) or make them via the email on the website BEFORE the Annual Meeting. Thank you. **

• A window at 120 Boerum Pl. near the sky bridge has been sealed.

• Radiant heat will cease once the temperature levels off above 55 degrees for a few consecutive days.

• The next board meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, 2014.

• The Skytrack Annual Owners Meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th, 2014 at the Montessori School.

Financials:

• The financial statement was reviewed and aside from a few units with small arrears, everything appears to be in good standing.

PLEASE NOTE:

• No items other than motor vehicles may be stored in the garage.

• No grills are permitted in common areas.

• No items may be left in hallways or common areas, including umbrellas and boots.

• Please, NO plastic bags in the recycling.

• PLEASE bundle your cardboard and tie or tape it together for removal.

• Please TIE garbage bags before depositing into trash chute.

• Residents must not place furniture, shelves, construction or other trash items outside our building, except on the eve of appropriate pickup days. When in doubt about this calendar, consult with Jose.

• Materials disposal guides: www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/faq/dispose.shtml and www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/collection/bulk.shtml

If any residents notice an issue or problem with any of the common elements, please alert the management company, Superintendent, and board members via the links provided on the Skytrack Condo website.

Skytrack Potluck Block Party: SUNDAY, JUNE 8th from 3pm – 6pm 

Please join us on the rooftop common area at 120 Boerum Pl., near the Hot Tub Room. (6/14 rain date)

The Board would like owners and residents to suggest potential uses for the old hot tub room. We will discuss any feasible options at the upcoming Annual Meeting, taking place at the Montessori School on Tuesday, June 10th, 2014. If you can’t attend the owner’s meeting, send suggestions for the hot tub room to the board using the form at: www.skytrackcondo.com/contact-board-of-managers

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes, February 25th, 2014

Board Members Present: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Terra Chalberg, Madeleine Milan; Levi McConnell, Sec. Also Present: José Perez, Superintendent.

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

• A few 120 Boerum Place bulkheads with leak issues were repaired over the weekend of 2/22.

• A new snow blower was purchased for Skytrack after the old one failed during the last large snow storm.

• A new buzzer installed on the recently refurbished basement door at 120 Boerum Place.

• Jose to investigate a few small water leaks affecting the window of a 3rd floor unit at 120 Boerum Place.

• The next board meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th, 2014.

Financials:

· The financial statement was reviewed and appears to be in good standing.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• NO plastic bags in the recycling.

• PLEASE bundle your cardboard and tie or tape it together for removal.

Hoyt Street Garden

Dear Neighbors,
 
You are invited to come to a meeting on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM at our house at 124 Hoyt Street to help create a new Hoyt Street Garden Committee, (group of volunteers) to help keep the Hoyt Street Garden, located at Hoyt St. and Atlantic Avenue, alive and healthy for the future.


Boerum Hill Association President, Howard Kolins will attend and there will be light refreshments. 
 
Some background information: I am 68 years old and as you probably know, in 2013, after many years, I retired from being president of the Hoyt Street Association. However, as one of the last of the founders of the Hoyt Street Garden, I’d like to help organize a neighborhood group, whose members would take charge of the activities and the care of the Garden. Years ago, we had many activities and events (puppet shows, dance performances, small concerts, school group visits, etc.) at the Garden. It would be great to re-establish this concept with new energy and more neighborhood participants.
 
Some background:
Since 1974, we cleared out truckloads of garbage, ailanthus trees and broken cyclone fences…in order to create the Hoyt Street Garden. We have maintained it ALL these years. But we do not own the Garden. As you know, in Boerum Hill, there are NO parks. So, that makes the Garden a special oasis of green that we truly have to protect. The Garden is very important to our neighborhood. Over the years, we have given away a free garden key to anyone who requests it (available at GRDN at 103 Hoyt Street).  
 However, these days, many neighbors do not even know about the Garden. It’s important to keep the it active and beautiful, so that it will continue to have relevance for our neighborhood. Your new energy and volunteerism will help deter any plans to eliminate the Garden. 
Currently, we have a part-time gardener, James Stefanik (who trims the bushes and trees, establishes new plantings , etc.) We also have a paid worker, Rosanna Appleton, who regularly sweeps the Garden and shovels the snow. She also waters the Garden each day, as needed and also waters the nearby street trees. As you can imagine, the Garden needs regular attention. That’s why there is a need for neighborhood volunteers who can help maintain the Garden and create more events and activities there. 


It is important to arrange for the committee to create a system of doing minor repairs, sending out notices and posting signs on the bulletin boards, planning events (like planting bulbs, decorating the Garden for the Holidays, etc.) I have tools and holiday decorations, etc. and would be glad to either hand them over to the committee or store them here at our house. 
 
The Iglesia is part of a parcel of land (owned by the Presbytery of New York since 1964) that includes the Garden and we have a fragile contract with them —  that though we don’t own the Garden, we are allowed to maintain it–which we have for all these years at our own expense (even paying to repair the broken water system at the Iglesia on several occasions). Luckily, we have a good relationship with the Iglesia. However, you can imagine the financial value of the 25′ x 50′ piece of land that is the Garden. My hope is that at some point, the Garden’s future could be totally secured. (Calling Bette Midler….! …who financially helped save the David Foulke Garden on Bergen Street).


I look forward to seeing you at this important meeting. Please invite your neighbors. See the info below to RSVP. Thanks. 
 
Best wishes, Margaret
 
Margaret Cusack
124 Hoyt Street in Boerum Hill
Brooklyn, NY 11217-2215
 
phone: 718.237. 0145

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes, 11/26/13

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, Pres.; Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas.; Rose Firestein, Madeleine Milan, Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Levi McConnell, Sec.  Also Present: Elia Malara, Managing Agent.

 

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

 

Superintendent’s Report (Peter reporting from Jose’s notes):

  • The painting of the 2nd and 3rd floor hallways has been completed at 120 Boerum Place.
  • The boiler will be serviced for the winter season in the next week or two.
  • A new door and frame to be installed at 120 Boerum Place. This is the door that leads to the basement. The board is also investigating the installation of a buzzer on this door.
  • The light fixture over the entrance at 134 Boerum Pl. will be checked.

 

Financials:

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

 

PLEASE NOTE: Skytrack Condo does not have a concierge service for packages. Please collect any of your delivered parcels from the lobby within one day of their delivery, if at all possible.

Please arrange to be at home for the delivery of large items such as carpets and furniture, or to hire somebody to help you carry them to your apartment on day of delivery, if you cannot manage this yourself.

Please do not leave styrofoam by the recycling areas. It can’t be recycled, ever.

As an alternative, please consider taking styrofoam pellets to the UPS Store, next to Starbucks on Court Street. Larger pieces should be broken down and disposed of in trash bags, in the trash.

 

The Board would like to wish you happy and healthy holidays.  Please remember that this is the time of year to reward José and Alexis for their excellent work.  Remember, also, that in bringing holiday trees in and out, cleaning up the dropped needles in the hallway and lobby is the owner’s responsibility and should not be left to the employees. José will have oversize plastic bags available for tree transportation.

The next Board Meeting has been slated for January 28th, 2014.

Boerum Hill Association’s Annual Pot Luck Holiday Party

Belarusian Church

Atlantic Avenue and Bond Street

Saturday, December 7, 2013

6:00pm – 9:30pm

Continue a great Boerum Hill tradition!
(Can anyone remember what year the first party was held?)

Everyone is welcome! All ages! Tell your neighbors!

Bring a ready-to-serve dish with no heating required.

Add to the amazing buffet of appetizers, salads,

main dishes (pre-carved meats and vegetarian),

desserts and beverages.

There will be games, activities, entertainment and,

if everyone is good, a visit from Santa!

RSVP to Howard Kolins: 718-625-4073 or

hkolins@aol.com.

Tell us the number of people attending

and the dish you will be bringing.

Or let us suggest something for you to bring.

But join us!

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes, 10/22/13

Board Members Present: Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Rose Firestein, Treas.; Levi McConnell, Sec.; Madeleine Milan.    Also Present:  Elia Malara, Managing Agent; Jose Perez, Superintendent

 

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

 

Superintendent’s Report:

  • 2 rooftop fresh air vent fans were replaced at 15 Bergen.
  • Heat has been turned on, due to the recent dip in temperatures.
  • The boiler will be serviced in advance of the winter season.
  • The 2nd and 3rd floor hallways of 120 Boerum Place will be re-painted in semi-gloss, for easier cleaning.
  • Work will commence to re-align the door to the basement at 120 Boerum Place.
  • General maintenance and repairs were addressed throughout the past month.

 

Financials:

  • Financial reports and budget were reviewed and determined to be in order.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Residents are not allowed to connect their clothes dryers to the fresh air vents. Many modern dryers don’t need to vent. They are called condensation dryers, and can also be quite energy efficient. Connecting a dryer exhaust to the fresh air vent is a serious fire hazard.

PLEASE DOUBLE-BAG and TIE your discarded cat litter.

Please be conscious of your water usage, as NYC water usage rates are increasing at a fast pace. Fix leaky faucets and remember, “less is more.”

The next Board Meeting has been slated for Tuesday, November 26th, 2013.

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes, September 24th, 2013

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, Pres.; Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas.; Rose Firestein, Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Terra Chalberg, Levi McConnell, Sec.  Also Present:  Elia Malara, Managing Agent; Jose Perez, Superintendent

 

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

 

Superintendent’s Report:

  • A few ceiling leaks occurred over the summer, and there was a new leak in 3G, which damaged some ceiling tiles in the hallway on the 3rd floor at 120 Boerum. Some roof leaks will need to be will be addressed.
  • The board is looking into repainting the 2nd and 3rd floor of 120 Boerum, and the lobby at 15 Bergen lobby, in semi-gloss paint, for easier maintenance and cleaning.
  • The hedges and entry area foliage have been trimmed at 120 Boerum Place.
  • The Board will investigate better ventilation for hallways and front stairwell at 120 Boerum.
  • Sewer back-ups into lower-level units continue to be an issue.  The board has found a few potential consultants for the storm water abatement.
  • The board continues to look into FiOS availability for the buildings.

 

Financials:

  • There are a few units behind in common charges, otherwise everything is in order.
  • Garage space owners will receive a very small tax refund, based on a re-assessment.

 

NOTE: If anyone is interested in composting, there are many places near us that accept food scraps.  It’s great for the environment, and easy to do!  Look for info on the bulletin board and at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/resources/prod_serv_composting_foodwastedropoffs-BK.shtml

 

The next Board Meeting has been slated for Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013.