I believe that the City gives the figures to the management company in November - so that would be Nov 2009 for this year - so that the abatement can be distributed from Jan-June

I enjoy reading, posting, and responding on Board Talk. It's a valuable resource. I recently posted a situation in my co-op and someone responded that I should email him/her directly. Though I recognize some of the folks posting on "Board Talk" as "regulars", and didn't recognize this person's name, I emailed any way. I took the chance, did it of my own free will, but never heard back.

It was probably coincidental, but 2 days later, amazon.com sent an alert to me that my account had been compromised; I've had to cancel my banking card and change banking information.

All I can say is, caveat emptor.

Rest assured, I'm not phishing, just had a question (also known as Mr. Manager in the blog section)

Good tip though.

Mark, a/k/a Mr. Manager, It was not you at all. The person didn't use a name, as you do, but initials. I should have known better, and am just fortunate that the vendor caught it before more damage was done. I appreciate your helpfulness on Board Talk.

I believe that this was only coincidential as if someone gave/posts you their e-mail to respond to are they not jeopardising their information etc,? by trying to help a fellow subscriber out. I believe you have over reacted here. I would hate to see others not use this site because of your experience with your credit information.

Bob

Thank you for your input. My experience was, as I wrote, probably a coincidence. I also started my post by saying that this Board is a valuable resource.

One poster asked me to send a private email, I did, & never heard back. It was my mistake.

I hope no one stops posting to this Board because of my mistake. This Board is much bigger and more valuable than that, but it's not perfect because none of us knows who is writing in. It's not composed of private emails -- all the posts are out in the open, and most posters don't show their email addresses (though it's an option).

Over-reacting? I'm sure that at least 99% of the posters here are on the level. But I take it seriously when my email address is used for purchases I didn't make and a vendor alerts me that my account has compromised. I don't know how identity theft is accomplished, but it starts somewhere. I didn't say that it started with a post to this Board. I suggested that it could have started with a private email that I sent.

Thanks for the head's up. I for one appreciate anecdotal evidence. : )

I am curious when you state the managing agent and sponsor are the same. How many units are there in your apartment block. We are looking for new managing agent and our sponsor has a managing company. We at this present time turned them down due to the fear of a conflict of interest.

There are 61 units in our building, the sponsor that converted the co-op back in 1982 also set its self up as our managing agent. They don’t charge much; in fact the rate has not changed since 1982 which does not make much sense to me, but ahh the service leaves a lot to be desired.
I agree there is a conflict of interest (and the co-op suffers, lack of policies, lack of contacts for repairs, lack of active involvment) the board since my joining has taken on many of these functions, or so many accomplishments would never have occurred. Despite purchasing shareholders controlling the board, there is no appetite to remove them as managing agent (or having a major battle with the sponsor over it) – even though most agree it’s not in the co-ops best interest. It makes my life much harder because the sponsor still controls 51% of the shares, and has ties to several other resident owners giving them approx 65% voting power (via proxy) these people are all original purchasers and are close friends of the sponsor. I give them credit that they pay on time, never late, but still frustrated. The good news – they are renovating apartments for sale… Let’s see what happens.
This leads to the conflict of interest and reason for my posting: As a new owner in this building and board member, I recognize that major work is required. The building has never had an assessment, but the time has come to move forward, and one suggested way is to assess a similar amount to the abatement, while shareholders would not pay out of pocket the sponsor would. So we don’t miss the boat, I requested in writing when the managing agent had the information, they should provide it to the board, but was greeted with silence. My thinking was if common practice was to have the letter sent during a certain month I would follow up.
Sorry for the long winded email, my apartment is wonderful, the building location and apartments are really great, and it could be so much. I hope as new shareholders purchase in, the will of all becomes stronger and allows us to drive forward.

Thank you so much for your response, it was exactly what I was thinking would happen.Sponsors always do everything on the cheap. It is the rents that is their only concern. Get as much as possible and give nothing back. Thank yo.

MAS, can you e-mail me? mblevine@ebmg.com.

Thanks.