Report shows that assessed values are skewed in favor of white homeowners.
Written by Ann Farmer on March 09, 2021
Here are seven easy steps to facilitate a transfusion of new blood.
Written by Avi Arad on July 03, 2012
Denis Leary was with me when we had an authentic New York moment across from the Hayden Planetarium. I was doing a short segment with him that was part of an online campaign we did. We had a permit.
So I have this camera guy and Denis is dressed as [his movie character] Police Captain George Stacy. And I'm asking him questions and he's talking about how he needs help, how the public has to help him to find Spider-Man.
A guy comes out of the building: sneakers, shorts, all sweaty, athletically obnoxious Wall Street type. Very New York. He's saying to me, "Why are you filming in front of my building? I'm the chairman of the board of this building!" It was a co-op on the Upper West Side.
Written by Bill Morris on March 04, 2021
Inspectors will visit 1,100 buildings looking for safety violations.
Written by Bill Morris on March 03, 2021
New study says electrification will cut energy costs and create jobs.
Written by Frank Lovece on March 02, 2021
It’s possible for a handful of residents to take over control of the board.
March 01, 2021
Unpaid property taxes are soaring during the pandemic.
February 22, 2021
The Climate Mobilization Act has triggered a good, old-fashioned alley fight.
Written by Bill Morris on February 18, 2021
Some co-op boards are wary of possible fines and prison sentences.
December 24, 2015
You’re a pianist and a piano teacher. The co-op you’ve been living in for the past four years has a house rule that allows you to play – and teach – the piano until 10 p.m. Suddenly the board changes the cutoff time to 9 p.m. – and, for good measure, forbids shareholders from conducting business, including piano lessons, in their apartments after 5 p.m. Do you have to obey this new house rule?
Unfortunately, you do. When you buy into a co-op, you agree to abide by the proprietary lease and the house rules, and most boards have the power to amend house rules. All shareholders are bound by new rules, even if they’re more restrictive, real estate lawyer David L. Berkey tells The New York Times’ Ask Real Estate column. So even though it affects your livelihood, you have to obey the new rules.
It gets worse. Commercial noise – including the sweet music of a novice piano student – is regulated by the noise code 24 hours a day. A neighbor could call 311 at any time and file a noise complaint. If an inspector issues a violation, the fine for first offense from a commercial establishment is usually a staggering $3,200.
Berkey suggests that you try to work out an agreement with the co-op board and the neighbor. You might consider soundproofing your apartment. It’s cheaper than breaking the house rules.