Author: Skytrack

Notice re Tropical Storm Isaias

As you may be aware, lower levels of the Skytrack Condo have experienced sewer backups in the past during periods of extremely heavy precipitation. In light of the forecasted tropical storm expected to affect NYC on Tuesday August 4, 2020, please be considerate of your neighbors and avoid using any large quantities of water (e.g., washing clothes, showering or taking a bath, etc.) during any periods of torrential rain. We of course hope no backups occur, but in the event any do, affected units should promptly call 311 to report the issue so the City can address any issues with the sewer main that services our building. Thank you.

Updates on E-waste

From the

Updates on E-waste
Unfortunately, our E-waste program did not get any city funding restored.  We are still exploring options how to resume this important city wide program. In the meantime, you can read our blog post about alternative resources for recycling E-waste.
 https://www.lesecologycenter.org/how-to-cut-e-waste-and-remain-sustainable/?utm_source=Lower+East+Side+Ecology+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=4e4a5d6271-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_10_24_05_10_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_eb9350fdda-4e4a5d6271-198236254

The Lower East Side Ecology Center ran the E-Waste recycling center in Gowanus.

Covid-19 House Rules

With the New York State phase three reopening in place, Skytrack is providing a set of rules connected to COVID related safety measures:

  • Residents, visitors and workers must wear a face mask and practice “social distancing” in all of the interior public spaces and on the roof tracks.
  • Congregating in common areas is strongly discouraged.
  • Gatherings of more than ten people on common roof decks is not permitted.  Masks must be worn where a six foot distance from non-household members may not be consistently achieved.
  • Please limit visitors to the building as much as possible.
  • Movers and construction crews are expected to wear masks in all common areas.
  • Whenever possible, please wash or sanitize hands before and after touching handrails and building and hall door knobs, or use gloves.
  • Sales: “Open Houses” are not permitted
    • Showing of any unit must be scheduled with the Super at least 24 hours in advance
    • Any showing may not include more than four people, including the showing agent
  • These rules will be re-evaluated every 30 days

Annual Meeting – June 16, 2020

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Lori Littlejohn; Terra Chalberg; Malik Ashiru; Michael Tedesco; Cameron Martin

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings; Mark Levitch, independent CPA

  • Due to the COVID pandemic, the meeting took place via Zoom video/tele conference. 
  • The meeting commenced at 8:05 PM, once a quorum of Unit owners was achieved.  We had record attendance this year, with 78.05% of the ownership present by videoconference or proxy.
  • Notice of Meeting was presented, and reading of the minutes of last year’s annual meeting was waived by majority vote.

Reports of Board/Officers/Management

Mark Levitch, independent CPA

  • Mark Levitch presented the 2019 financial statement, which was distributed electronically and is available on the Condo’s website.  The Condo’s cash position increased in 2019, primarily due to the increase in common charges that took place last year.  This has placed the Condo in a strong financial position and prepared well to tackle necessary maintenance projects, as well as capital improvements.
  • Certain funds have been placed in a capital reserve account to reduce tax liability.
  • There were no questions raised concerning the 2019 financials or Mark Levitch’s report.
  • The budget for 2020 will be posted on the website and circulated with the meeting minutes.

Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

  • Building in good repair in general.  Major projects included extensive structural work on a unit’s terrace, the initial phase of the roof replacement at 120 Boerum, and various repairs to the heating system.
  • There were no questions for EM Holdings.
  • Val was also present to answer questions, and inform residents that he continues to oversee extra regular cleaning and sanitizing of high traffic areas in light of the Covid pandemic.

Peter Levy, President of Board

  • We once again successfully petitioned to have our real estate taxes lowered.
  • On behalf of all residents, the Board thanks Val Boleviq and Matthew Pilkington for their landscaping work.

Board Election

  • Three Board terms expired this year.  Two Board members – Peter Levy and Terra Chalberg – chose to run again.  Board member Lori Littlejohn chose not to.
  • No one volunteered to run for the Board before the meeting.  At the meeting, only one person volunteered – Hannah Berkin-Harper.
  • The Board encouraged owners in 15 Bergen and 134 Boerum to run, so that they can have comfort that their interests and concerns are met.  However, no owners from those buildings expressed any desire to run, except for Terra Chalberg.
  • Though the election was uncontested, we conducted a vote per our Bylaws.  The vote was held by electronic ballot on Zoom, and phone attendees’ votes were recorded after the meeting.  The results were tabulated, and Peter Levy, Terra Chalberg, and Hannah Berkin-Harper were elected to 3-year terms.

New Business

  • A resident expressed concern about the planned renovations to the space that formerly housed the hot tub so that the space could be used as a meeting space for Board meetings, since it is often difficult to find a location for the meetings to occur.  The resident believed that resources should be spent on improvements to the lobby of 134 Boerum.
  • This led to a productive discussion amongst the Board and meeting attendees about transparency and priorities for building work.  The Board committed to increasing transparency into why decisions are made.
  • The Board also made clear that all owner and resident concerns are taken seriously, and to the extent anyone desires to express any opinion, concern, or request, the best way to do so is via the Skytrack website, or by contacting our management company EM Holding Corp.
  • With no other questions or comments raised, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 PM.

Board Meeting Minutes: May 19, 2020

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Malik Ashiru; Michael Tedesco, Cameron Martin, Terra Chalberg

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.

Superintendent’s Report:

  • In light of COVID-19, the Super and Porter are continuing to regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, including doorknobs, railings, trash chute doors, recycling and garbage containers, etc.  These extra efforts will be continued until the crisis subsides.
  • Numerous roof ventilation fans that were not working properly were repaired or replaced.
  • The first phase of the 120 Boerum roof replacement project was completed.
  • All permits and approvals have been received for wall repair project at 15 Bergen; work will commence as soon as possible (likely in mid-June).

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.

New Business:

  • The Board will obtain estimates from the roofing company for the next “phase” of the 120 Boerum roof repair.
  • The heating season is ending.  Over the summer we will provide a window of time when the system will be drained so that residents can have their radiators serviced/install valves.
  • Repairs will be completed to the roof deck attached to Unit 3F.
  • We will be testing out an online bulletin board on the website for “community postings.”  Additional details will be posted on the website.

Other Important Reminders and Updates:

  • The 2020 Skytrack Annual Meeting will take place on June 16th, via webconference/teleconference in light of the COVID crisis.  ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Visit http://www.skytrackcondo.com/2020meeting to register or to fill out the proxy form if you are unable to attend.
  • Please advise EM Holding if you would like to run for one of the three available Board positions.  An election will be held at the Annual Meeting.
  • Our Super, Val, has kindly offered his assistance to those residents who are most vulnerable during this COVID-19 crisis.  Please contact him should you need assistance.
  • As set forth in our Rules, please remember to be courteous to neighbors when using the track (which closes at 11 PM) for walks, especially in the evening and early in the morning – the sounds of footsteps are transmitted and amplified to units below, so please tread lightly!

Register for Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Skytrack Condominium will take place on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM via Zoom Video or Teleconference.
Advanced Registration is REQUIRED. If you have not already done so,   Please register by clicking this link.

Note that three Board Member terms expire this year, and their seats are up for election.  All owners are invited to run for available seats.  Please inform EM Holding Corp. if you would like to run.  We will vote at the meeting.

If there is a chance you may not be able to attend the meeting, please designate a proxy so that we have the required representation at the meeting.  Please complete a proxy form by visiting this link.

The video/teleconference will open at 7:45 PM so we can start the meeting promptly at 8:00 PM.

Urgent Boiler Repair Monday 4/27 – No Hot Water

The boiler will need to be shut down this coming Monday, April 27th, so that an urgent repair to address a leak can take place. The repair is expected to take all day, and will commence in the morning at approximately 7:30 AM. During this time, there will be no heat or hot water in any of the buildings. We apologize for the inconvenience, but this necessary repair must be completed so that we have reliable heat and hot water going forward.