We have 485 units.

We have two live-in superintendents (senior and assistant).

We have a maintenance staff: 8 AM to 8 PM, M-T-W-T-F, and 8 AM to 4 PM, S-S

We have a porter staff: 8 AM to 11 PM, M-T-W-T-F, and 8 AM to 8 PM, S-S

We have doormen: 24 x 7, at least two 7 AM to 9 PM, M-T-W-T-F, and two 7 AM to 7 PM S-S

We have a contracted security staff: 24 x 7 for our upper and lower garage, and our rear (delivery) door. Most often there are five on duty during the hours 7 AM to 7 PM and three overnight.

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Yes we have a bleak economy and the near term is bleak. Our panache is that we are a luxury building and we are not considering any retrenchment in services, amenities or staff.

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Our residents expect and receive a high level services and quality of life that we feel would be diminished by staff reductions. As our building ages, additional “fix-it” projects emerge on a daily basis, thus staff resources continue unabated. Plus, our maintenance staff will perform such repairs as a new trap under a sink, a new flush valve for the toilet, snaking a drain line, new hose from the water supply to the toilet, repair windows and window mechanisms, replace standard faucet washers, repair apartment door bells (mechanical), bedroom door lock, bathroom door lock, etc. The first thirty minutes of a “repair” call is free except that the resident pays for any parts. After thirty minutes, we assess a nominal fee per half hour.

Of note is that some residents are chary of climbing a stepstool or ladder and will ask a member of the house staff to replace a defective light bulb.

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Yes, we have expended millions for capital improvements: pool overhaul, façade maintenance, terrace maintenance, window and terrace door replacement, recreation deck upgrade, garage parking deck overhaul, much larger emergency generator, elevator system total overhaul, driveway repaving, roof fan replacement, new air handlers for public spaces, new mailroom with larger mailboxes and parcel lockers, lobby redecoration, automated digital controls for central HVAC and heating, as well as control of new fresh water pumps and tanks, etc.

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And, we retired the original mortgage without ever refinancing, extending or taking a second mortgage.


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And by comparison with nearby co-ops (in our neighborhood) we are one of the lowest cost co-op residences, with substantially more amenities than other buildings with a lesser number of "perks".

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But you need to do what you need to do. So, let me not be seen to be chastising your building and the decisions that are being faced. Rather, just offering a view.