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We live in a 12 unit co op that underwent a tumultuous schism involving several units and very ugly accusations of self-dealing by the former board. The new board has done a good job of dealing with the financial health of the building, but there is still very bad blood amongst those who were involved. Several on the current board still regard their neighbors as untrustworthy, even though they were not found to have done anything illegal. A few in the building have tried diplomatic forays but are still rebuffed, and almost any attempt to be included in non-proprietary business is regarded by the current board as proof of meddling, disgruntled behavior. The board is comprised of enough shareholders currently to be a permanent entity with total voting power, rendering the rest of the shareholders essentially powerless. We have no common areas other than the lobby, and informal meetings are regarded suspiciously as coup attempts. It's pretty much a no-win situation, and with property values soaring it seems tempting to sell and get away from it all. But not yet. Anyone have advice on this? It seems those in power hold all the cards- all entreaties have been scorned.
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WOW for a small building you would think there would be harmony. You have to remember you voted the board in, you can also vote the board out. Also your don't have to like each other, but you do have to respect each other. Like Frank stated your can call a special meeting and discuss the issues your feel the board is doing wrong. Then meet with the board to DISCUSS the matter. Hopefully this will help the healing process.
Good Luck
Appreciate the encouragement but definitely an uphill climb. I think the new people won't be happy until all the old ones have moved out. Big culture shift with the escalation of property values and the focus has become more on that (protecting the share value)than fostering a harmonious community. What is frustrating is that there has never been a real attempt at healing the rift. There is still a lot of suspicion on both sides and no one wants to talk about it-preferring to push on, hoping the others will just "go away." I doubt if anyone on the new board will ever allow anyone from the old board to serve again.
Hi deb,
To answer your question about whether the building completely healed. The answer is no. The conflict which was 1.a dysfunctional board that did not represent the community and did not even uphold the PL and house-rules. 2.board comprised of all sponsors was in power for 33yrs and gave out misinformation. Clearly there was a conflict of interest. 3. Objectionable tenant , 4, neglected building.. The list could go on. But, the biggest problem was that every time each problem was raised those responsible made personal attacks on those questioning them. It still happens. It's like kindergarten around here.
I just can't see myself working with people like that. They also, don't read. And, always say "they don't understand". Very frustrating.
Non board members who were on our PL committee two years ago now state they didn't know what they signed and want to revisit a vote taken two yrs ago. This happens at every meeting.
I'm a superintendent on the east side looking for a Westside building
I have 16 years experience.
joserivera124@hotmail.com
I'm a superintendent on the east side looking for a Westside building
I have 16 years experience.
joserivera124@hotmail.com
Hi Frank- in your building did you ever get the two "sides" together? Or just wait for people to move out? We have had some turnover but still enough are around for bitterness to seep in. It really seems intractable as each group feels they are the injured party, and really, all efforts to try to get groups to talk are regarded with suspicion. Some on the current board are especially bitter that they have to consider the concerns of those they feel "did them wrong," and there is mistrust all around due to this never being addressed.
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Sounds alot like my building. It's taking years and several sales to change the atmosphere. Story might vary a bit. Our old board was in power for over 30 years. It wasn't until a major tenant to tenant battle occurred and people realized board had been seeping for 30 yrs. and was quite dysfunctional. What the newer boards had to do was wrk from the inside out. We firmed up PL and house rules and communications. Then started on the buildings mechanics, facade, etc. it's taking lots of work and most people don't want to put in the time - it is all volunteer.
My advice to you is to gather as many signatures as you can and call for a special meeting to address your concerns and to voice your opinions about how things shoukd be handled.
While the majority rules they still need to hear from the minority and listen compassionately.
There is a lot of give and take in a coop but there is also a way to be respectful and thoughtful. But, that too fluctuates on any given day.
A coop is not summer camp. We don't always agree and many harbor ill feelings towards their neighbors. That's where strong backbone and house rules make life equal.
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