SUMMER 2021 VOLUME 3, Issue 6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Myrna Calderon
Real estate revival results in 25% increase in apartment sales
Vice President Michelle Centeno
By Property Manager Sherene Chensue, Prestige Management
Secretary Rachel Miller-Bradshaw
B
Treasurer Blandon Casenave
Directors Karloff Commissiong, Esq. Thomas Culhane, Esq. Esteban Garcia Tiffany Hart John Howard
y any measure, 2020 was an extraordinary year and, against that challenging backdrop, Prestige Management Inc. hope that you and your families are staying healthy and safe. While we could never have predicted the nature or extent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fordham Hill Owners Corp is on sound footing operationally and financially. There are times when numbers tell a story, and this is one of them. Management has observed a revival in the real estate market and this is validated with a 25% increase in apartment sales volume. The uptick in application submissions in most cases,
WHAT’S INSIDE Property Manager’s report
Page 1
Board President’s Address
Page 2
From the Desk of the Senior Property Manager
Page 7
Treasurer’s Update
Page 8
Construction Committee
Page 9
Security on the Oval
Page 10
Community Engagement
Page 16
have both social and investment significance. The current upward trajectory is a positive sign that Fordham Hill is returning to some form of normalcy and soaring to higher heights. Fordham Hill’s recent sales comparable average for one bedroom grew from an average of $163,300 in 2019, to a record number of $166,625.00 to close the fourth quarter of 2020. Fordham Hill also saw an upswing in 2 bedrooms values, whereas the average sales price reflected an all-time high of $252,000 in 2019 significantly increased to a historic high average of $265,545.00 in 2020. Overall, Fordham Hill’s real estate market is finally regaining its strength and heading towards recovery. We hope to continue see a flourishing real estate market in 2021 and beyond!
APARTMENT KITCHEN
FHOC COLLECTION
A
s we remain cognizant of our economic, social and financial situation, our availing measures have afforded us some breathing space in order for Fordham Hill to continue to strive, even when other businesses struggled. We are pleased to inform you that Prestige Management Inc. has successfully collected an average of 98% in maintenance payments during the fiscal year 2020. As a matter of fact I would like to take it one step further, and applaud all shareholders who have made it possible for the corporation to reach this historic feat, as we successfully collected 119% of maintenance charges from all nine buildings. This helped to reduce our account receivables quite significantly and increase or operation our cash flow.
This is great news, which demonstrates that the monthly payment reminders, in-house stipulations or payment agreements and other communicative methods are working. If you have an arrears do not ignore our notices. Please take the opportunity to call management Thomas Culhane, Esq. or send us an email at fordhamhillowners@gmail.com so that we can make arrangements to work at reducing your arrears over time. During 2020, the Board waived all late fees, which greatly helped shareholders and residents to recover during the most difficult time. We will continue our proactive approach, diligent measures, and in taking the necessary steps to insure the future financial solvency of FHOC community.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 1
life, proven and sound leaders are o the promised land.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
f our investments and corporation. MYRNA CALDERON
most projects that needed to be addressed. Ms. Centeno and the committee with much diligence made this project a reality. Current Board ofMember/ The new Director our Security Team is Mr. Clinton Robinformer Board President; son. Mr. Robinson filled the posispecialized in team tion after the retirement of former Director Tony Rauso. Many building and resultsof our longtime residents remember Mr. Robinson as a former member of our Security team, and we are happy to have him return to his he end of the year 2020 found position as Director of Security. Thomas Culhane, Esq., chairus with a delayed Board of Directors election, and a new Board. man of the Safety Committee working Board diligently with his We are happy to welcome our isCurrent Member: new members; John Howard, team to acquire the much-needsenior policyto make Esteban Garcia, Tiffany Hart ed lightinglabor and cameras, and Karloff Commissiong, Esq. our garage safer. All advisor, Office safety of prototo the FHOC Board Of Direc- cols are presently being reviewed Contracts Procurement, tors. I would also like to thank by the committee, in order to NYC DCAS to provide the safety you – the shareholders for your continue confidence in re-electing Thomas and security which we have alCulhane, Esq., Blandon Casenave, ways enjoyed. Rachel Miller-Bradshaw and Rachel Miller-Bradshaw, Michelle Tiffany Hart are working with Centeno and myself to the Board. Each Board member has stepped some of the most talented shareup to their assigned roles and applied holders Fordham Hill has to offer, themselves to the challenges ahead. on the Communications ComThe committees formed are work- mittee. They are researching and reviewing many sources and plating hard to fulfill their goals. The Construction and Main- forms, in order to give us a digital tenance Committee chaired by presence, and develop a new cutEsteban Garcia and John Howard, ting edge, professional website. is working with Management to Rachel Miller-Bradshaw, our ensure that all current construc- Board Secretary, continues to tion projects are ongoing, and in chair the Community Engagethe process of completion as sched- ment Committee, which recentuled. ly hosted a very successful City The Garage Committee Council candidates’ forum. Karloff Commissiong, Esq. has chaired by Michelle Centeno, our Vice-President, is devoting a been a great asset to our Board. His Candidate: Emerging Wall great deal of effort to make sure legal expertise has been demonStreet Civil that theto concerns of our residents strated and Engineer: experienced so far, on ney: Looking are being addressed. One major numerous occasions. He also Looking to contribute to will and advocacy update to be reported is that the be initiating some marketing stratFHOC capital improvements poration’s elevator in the garage is being egies in order to keep Fordham Hill replaced, and ramps will be se- vibrant, visible, and “on the map” Our Board Treasurer Blandon cured to ensure proper access to elevators. This is one of the fore- Casenave continues to chair the
MICHELLE CENTENO
T
ESTEBAN GARCIA
ONG, ESQ
Finance Committee, working closely with our auditors and Prestige Management, in order to keep us on sound financial footing. I thank Prestige Management, Paul Vella our Accountant, and Blandon Casenave for a successful shareholder meeting which presented the audited financial report of FHOC. I continue to chair the Special Events Committee along with Eunice Vanderhorst, a member of Fordham Hill House Council. We were able to continue Movie Nights during the summer months, while observing social distancing guidelines. We were grateful that we were able to provide some type of “normalcy” for our residents. We even had a muted Fall Festival. Thanks to the generosity of our residents and volunteers the children had a great time. We were also able to have our Annual Easter Egg Hunt… and again the children had a blast! The tentative date for our Summer Festival is Saturday August 21st. We should be able to move ahead, looking forward to this exciting annual event. The Memorial Service that took place on Saturday, June 12th, for the neighbors and friends we lost during the past year was fulfilling and necessary. We share our sympathy as neighbors, and in the memories of their loved ones. The Board has set up a Health and Fitness Committee to continue the work that Shareholder Zuleika Tavares started, in surveying the interests of our residents, and in adding a fitness area as an amenity. I currently chair this Committee, but it is the hard work of Ms. Tavares and John Howard that is the driving force, and I
thank them for it. This will be a great addition to our complex. The Committee on Elders for so many years chaired by Gloria Marshall, now has a new Chairperson, Ms. Dorothy Faison. Ms. Faison has been working closely with the Board to bring needed services to our seniors and residents. Ms. Faison worked hard with the Fordham Hill Board President to get a vaccine site here on location. COE held a Covid-19 test site, and flu vaccine clinic in our Community room. The Committee helped to provide turkeys during the holidays, for those who needed them. They were also able to participate in food distribution for our Seniors during the pandemic. We are grateful that on May 11th, Morris Heights Health Center was able to provide Moderna Vaccines to all who took advantage of the opportunity of having a place nearby to be vaccinated. This opportunity was important especially for our seniors. The second dose was recently administered on June 8th, and we can proudly say FHOC played a role in ensuring our community is fully vaccinated. A special thank you to Chief of Staff, Ms. Jasmin Clavasquin from Assemblyman Jose Rivera’s office, for implementing this much needed arrangement, in the time of a Health emergency. In closing, I would like to state that this is a diligent, highly engaged Board. We are working cohesively to get the work done. This is the team that will get us through the tough times and continue to move us forward. I am honored to serve as your President, alongside such phenomenal Board members and volunteers. All of us working together will
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 2
FORDHAM HILL STRONGER THAN EVER
W
e can all agree the past year has been a year that we will never forget. It has been a year of heartbreak and tragedy, but it has also been a year of triumph. We have lost so many great people to this horrible pandemic; the steady flow of ambulances at Fordham Hill was too much to bear. We said goodbye to friends, neighbors and cherished family members, whose funerals we could not even attend. One such person was our cherished Office Manager Maria Vega, who died so unexpectedly and was so much a part of the tapestry that makes Fordham Hill. The reason I say that the year 2020 was a year of triumph is because it did not destroy us. In fact it made us so much better and stronger. It brought out the true sense of community at Fordham Hill. Our Management team led by Mr. Peter Edwards and Ms.Sherene Chensue, kept our corporation operating and safe. The House Council continued working with Ms.Chensue to keep apartment sales going. (while other cooperatives were frozen). Thanks to our Office Staff, we were able to ensure that our seniors and other residents had food and other supplies that they needed. Additionally, our Security Team, led by Tony Rauso showed that they are simply “The Best”. They showed up to work everyday to keep us safe, putting their own health at risk, in spite of all the mandated lock down orders. We can never thank you enough for your dedication. And wow what can be said about our Maintenance Staff led by Mr. Kevin Buist. They had to follow all
of the new cleaning protocols in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. So many of our staff had to work past their fear of getting sick and bringing the disease home to their own families. However, our staff met the challenges head on. They did what was required and more. The Fordham Hill community is eternally grateful to you. Finally, I want to personally thank my neighbors and friends at Fordham Hill. You went above and beyond. You checked in on your elderly neighbors, and went shopping for them. You called and checked on them, so that they would not feel isolated. Many of you got together to cook or bought meals for our staff without anyone knowing. You didn’t do it, to be acknowledged, you did it because it was the right thing to do. When garbage was piling up in Devoe Park you didn’t just complain and just call 311. You got up every Saturday morning and took up brooms and shovels, and cleaned our neighborhood park! I would also like to acknowledge the Committee On Elders who worked with our Councilman Fernando Cabrera and our Assemblyman Jose Rivera, to ensure the distribution of needed PPEs to residents and assisted with food distribution. Fordham Hill has proven that the year 2020, and all the negativity that it sowed, could not bring us down. In fact, we are better and stronger, we have triumphed and look forward to the new challenges that are ahead. Myrna Calderon Board President
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 3
al improvementsCASENAVE that will stabilize or CALDERON As we continue to embark on these capital improvements that will stabilize and quality of life, proven and sound leaders are Fordham Hill orOwne sofers on course Corporation is on course life, proven andBoard sound leaders are Fordham HillCurrent Treasurer: Data Board Member/ Owners Corpor increase our valuesland. and quality of life, proven andformer sound leaders are etous through toproperty the promised Scientist Board President; the promised land. to match the qualit ns of newer y-of-life conditions newer needed to see of us through to the promised land. specialized in team to match the building quality-of-life co and results of our investments and corporation. constructed coop York City. peratives in New York City. ofthe ourfuture investments and corporation. We encourage you to vote for the futureconstructed of our investmentscooperatives and corporation. i
ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021
ON MYRNA RACHEL MICHELLE MYRNA As we continue to embark on t hat will stabilize or hese capital improvements that will stabilize or AVE CALDERON MYRNA CALDERON MICHELLEMYRNA CENTENO MILLERCENTENO BLANDON CALDERON As we continue increase to embark onproperty these capital imp PRESIDENT VICE our PRESIDENT values an BRADSHAW sound urer: Data leaders Current Board Member/ nd quality of life,are provenCASENAVE and sound leaders are CALDERON Current Board Member: Current Board Member/
increase our propertysenior values and qualitytoofsee life,u former Board President; needed Board Member: labor policy Board Treasurer: Data Current Board Member/ and. us through to theCurrent promised land. former Board President; specialized in team neededadvisor, to see us through to the media & marketing Office of Board Scientist former President; specialized in team
building and results professional and Project building and results ts and corporation. he future of ourManager, investments PMP bound and corporation.
Contracts Procurement,
specialized in team We encourage youand toresults vote for t NYC DCAS building We encourage you to vote for the future of our
L MYRNA NCALDERON E HAW
MICHELLE MICHELLE MYRNA CENTENO RACHEL CENTENO CALDERON Current Board Member: MILLERCurrent Board Member: r: Data Current Board Member/ RACHEL Current Board Member/ MILLER-BRADSHAWsenior labor policy rd Member: BRADSHAW senior labor policy
former Board President; SECRETARY former Board President; advisor, Office of rketing Current Board Member: advisor, Office ofspecialized in team specialized in team Contracts Procurement, and Project media & marketing Contracts Procurement, building and results building and results NYC DCAS MP bound professional NYC DCAS and Project Manager, PMP bound
MICHELLE CENTENO OHN HOWARD AW
MICHELLE CENTENO KARLOFF Current Board Member: KARLOFF Current Board Member: ndidate: Entrepreneur COMMISSIONG, ESQ COMMISSIONG, ESQ senior labor policy
Member: General Construction advisor, to Office of eting ntractor: Looking Contracts Procurement, nd Project ntribute to FHOC capital bound NYC DCAS provements
senior labor policy Candidate: Attorney: Looking to advisor, Office of DIRECTOR apply analytical and advocacy Contracts Procurement, skills to the corporation’s NYC DCAS operation
KARLOFF ESTEBAN GARCIA ESTEBAN GARCIA Candidate: Emerging Wall COMMISSIONG, ESQ JOHN KARLOFF Wall SIONG, ESQHOWARD Candidate: EmergingStreet Civil Engineer: Candidate: Attorney: Looking to Candidate: COMMISSIONG, ESQ orney: Looking to Entrepreneur Street Civil Engineer:
Looking to contribute to apply analytical and advocacy & General Construction Looking to contribute to Candidate: Looking to al and advocacy FHOC capitalAttorney: improvements skills to the corporation’s Contractor: Looking to FHOC capital improvements apply analytical and advocacy rporation’s operation contribute to FHOC capital skills to the corporation’s improvements operation ESTEBAN GARCIA
ESTEBAN GARCIA KARLOFF DIRECTOR Candidate: Emerging Wall COMMISSIONG, ESQ
TIFFANY HART
BLANDON MICHELLECASENAV BLANDON CASENAVE BLANDONCENTENO CASENAVE Board Treasure TREASURER CurrentData Board Member: Board Treasurer: Scientist Scientist senior labor policy advisor, Office of Contracts Procurement, NYC DCAS
RACHEL RACHEL MILLERESTEBAN GARCIA MILLERBRADSHA THOMAS CULHANE, Candidate: Emerging Wall Current Board BRADSHAW ESQ
Street Civil Engineer: Current Board Member: media & mark DIRECTOR Looking to contribute to media & marketing professional a FHOC capital improvements professional and Project Manager, PMP Manager, PMP bound
ESTEBAN GARCIA Candidate: Emerging Wall Street Civil Engineer: Looking to contribute to FHOC capital improvements
JOHN HOWARD
JOHN HOWARD ESTEBAN GARCIA DIRECTOR DIRECTOR JOHN HOWARD KARLOFF Candidate: Entrepreneur Candidate: Emerging Wall Candidate: Entrepreneur & General Construction COMMISSIONG Street Civil Engineer:
Street Civil Engineer: Candidate: Attorney: Looking to to & General Looking to contribute to Looking to contribute to Construction Contractor: LookingCandidate: Attorney: Lo apply analytical and advocacy contribute to 6FHOC capital FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE — PAGE 4 Contractor: Looking to FHOC capital improvements FHOC capital improvements apply analytical and ad skills to the corporation’s improvements contribute to FHOC capital skills to the corporatio operation
MANAGEMENT STAFF PETER EDWARDS
SHERENE CHENSUE
SENIOR PROPERTY
PROPERTY
MANAGER
MANAGER
GENESIS ESPINAL
ROSALINE RODRIQUEZ
ASSISTANT
ADMINISTRATIVE
TO PROPERTY
ASSISTANT
MANAGER
CLINTON ROBINSON SECURITY DIRECTOR
KEVIN BUIST MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 5
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE STATEMENT T
he Communications Committee has been officially established in accordance with the Advisory Council Section 2.07 of the Bylaws of The Fordham Hill Owners Corporation (“FHOC”). The overall objective of the Communications Committee is to establish an effective information sharing process between the Board of Directors, management, and shareholders. The members of the Communications Committee are volunteers who are interested in improving the quality of life in Fordham Hill, by the ongoing distribution of news, reports and
updates. The information will be communicated via the FHOC website, a bi-annual newsletter, social media strategy, building bulletin board memorandums, and notices placed on the doors of residents. The members of the Communications Committee are Erin Calderon, Avril Duewson, Karolina Pietrynczak, Carolyn Weddell, Kathryn Williams, with Board Director Tiffany Hart, and Committee Chair and Board Secretary Rachel Miller-Bradshaw comprise the team. The Newsletter is our community outlet. It is designed to showcase all the great
improvements occurring in our corporation, special events, community art and surrounding community engagement, as well to celebrate our graduates and award winners and to commemorate our dearly departed.
We welcome and encourage contributing articles to our next Newsletter. Please continue to submit your imaginative, creative and resourceful stories.
FHOC Website Development O
ne of the most powerful tools for communicating, if used effectively, is having a cutting-edge website. There is currently, considerable emphasis on, and participation in social media. Acquiring a full functioning website would serve as an important resource and necessary asset for our The Fordham Hill Development. The Communications Committee is exploring many avenues to upgrade our Web page, forming it into a professional network. We are striving to develop a website that the public and shareholders alike will fall in love with. We expect to include basic contact information for prospective buyers as they search our website and the Internet. We also expect to use the website as a method of promoting the Fordham Hill development, as a viable, practical, attractive and affordable place to live. Our website would provide visibility of our nine building cooperative. We would include professional photographs of the property and units, ensure that market value of the units as well as information demonstrating the attractiveness and the vitality of the property. We anticipate that our website would improve communication between shareholders and management. It will include corporate documents such as the bylaws, board meeting minutes, the posting of any upcoming events, and ongoing updates to house rules and regulations. The shareholder portal will ensure digital transformation initiative kicks off.
Our website would convey the pride that the cooperators have in their community and lifestyle. The Communications Committee has interviewed several web developers. They have participated in user research, surveying new shareholders, conducting interviews, and completing branding brainstorming sessions. All of these efforts, in addition to highlighting our beautiful creative assets will ensure FHOC’s website is a well-organized professional website.
“When communication is easy, instant and effective…the level of trust account is high.” The Communications Committee strives to assure that the level of communication with shareholders, will function in a continuous, professional, innovative, contemporary and effective way.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 6
FROM THE DESK OF THE SENIOR PROPERTY MANAGER Peter Edwards
D
ear Shareholders and Residents,
Summer is here, and the Landscaper is beautifying the grounds, which hopefully brings hope and inspiration every time you leave your apartment during these uncertain times. Despite it all, we are still working hard to make Fordham Hill a GREAT place to live and work. I also would like to extend a special thank you to the Maintenance and Security staff who continued to come to work during the Pandemic and allowed Fordham Hill to continue operating. As we continue to address the items in the Lawless & Mangione Architects & Engineers physical assessment of Fordham Hill from 2018, the next big project is the Electrical Upgrade, which will increase the power and allow residents to utilize modern equipment. Shareholder cooperation and access to the apartments will be key to moving this project along in a timely manner. Building six will be the first building to start the work with four, five & seven to follow. Brickwork is still proceeding on buildings eight & nine. Management apologizes for the noise and inconvenience, but the work is mandatory, and must be completed. Elevator modification is also continuing in building eight and nine. When these 2 cars are finished, there will only be one car to be completed in building 9, and the modernization will be finished. Lighting has been installed on Sedgwick Avenue to reduce car break-ins, and enhance visibility and safety for all who utilize the west side of Sedgwick Avenue. Additional lighting will be installed on the east side of Sedgwick Avenue in the near future. The Playground will be completed shortly. Children and their parents will soon have a new fun place to play and gather. Wi-Fi has also been installed in the playground area and sitting areas behind buildings one, six and seven. This will keep you connected as you venture outdoors onto the campus.
Management appreciates all residents at Fordham Hill and the door is always open to address your issues and concerns.
“Be safe, be blessed, and enjoy the nice weather!”
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 7
FORDHAM HILL OVAL
We Are On Solid Footing
By Blandon Casenave
T
his past year has been a very trying one for our community and nation as a whole. I’d like to again thank the shareholders at Fordham Hill for keeping our community afloat, by continuing to make timely payments of their monthly maintenance charges. As a corporation that puts people first, I know we did the right thing by suspending late fees, which contributed to a very slight operating deficit this year. I speak for the entire Board Of Directors, when I say we know that we made the right decision and that we would do it again. Generally speaking, our expenses fall into two buckets Operating & Capital. As most of you should be able to recall, in November of 2018, Fordham Hill Owners Corporation (FHOC) refinanced its mortgage, netting about $19M dollars after closing costs and fees. Those funds are being used to fund large capital improvement projects such as the completion of Local Law 11 facade brickwork, a mechanical elevator upgrade, and a total electrical upgrade as well as parapet and roof work. There are also two smaller projects that are slated to come out of the capital budget as well, and those are the children’s playground and a new residential gym. Our maintenance charges are a part of our operating budget, and the Co-op’s mortgage is included in our monthly fees. We will have to pay the mortgage finance charges whether we spend the funds on capital projects or not. The pressures on our maintenance charges of late do not come from the finance
charges on the new loan, but rising costs for maintenance and repair for everything else, as well as a 73% increase in our insurance premiums ($500K annually). While there were several factors that drove our premiums up, the largest factor was having multiple capital projects happening at once and the 70-year-old electrical panels in the basement. Years of “kicking the can down the road” on getting ahead, starting with the electrical upgrades finally caught up to the corporation. The good news is that the electrical work has been initialized, and many of the other capital projects that were underway are now in their final stages. After nearly a decade of sorely needed capital projects, we should see a lull in the activity. I know that rising costs are hard on everyone. We have young families who are juggling their own expenses. We have others on fixed income, and it seems that the cost of living will not stop rising. On one hand we have those who are demanding more for their money, and want to see amenities like a playground and a gym, while on the other, there are those who feel that we shouldn’t spend at all because times are hard. Nevertheless, we are determined to continue to provide quality, safety and cleanliness here at Fordham Hill Oval for all those who reside here. We know that we are long way from being perfect, but I do believe we provide the best value per dollar anywhere in this city. Our maintenance increases are driven by our cost of living, because after all – “living has a cost.”
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 8
BUILDING TO MAKE FORHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION BETTER By John Howard & Esteban Garcia
F
ordham Hill is over 70 years old. Times have changed in so many ways since then, and it has been challenging to keep our buildings up to date. This is evident as seen by the repairs now in progress, of the parts damaged by age and weather, (such as the work now being done to the outside walls and parapets which has affected us all) but also the need to update electrical systems, which will include new Circuit Breaker Panels in all apartments. In the Lobby of each building, the decorative floral and seating improve-
ments have been a great success. The new Children’s PlayGround is nearing completion. Soon we will be repaving the driveway. In the long run, all of this much-needed improvement adds to the value of the property and our individual shares in it. The changes in our way of life however, also make demands on the way we utilize the different spaces here at Fordham Hill. The original building plans of the architect are still on file in the Maintenance Department. They all show large areas in the Lower Ground Floors designated for ‘PERAMBULATOR STORAGE’. Those were the days! The “collapsible stroller” thankfully freed that space up for
other uses needed now, as a result of lifestyle and technological changes. The architects of today are now designating space in their Coop Plans for a ‘FITNESS CENTER’. And so are we. A preliminary Survey/Questionnaire has demonstrated enthusiastic support for a Fitness Center here, for exclusive use by Fordham Hill Shareholders and Renters. The Construction Committee has identified space in the Lower Ground Floor of Building 2 with an entrance conveniently adjacent to the Main Entrance Guard Station. Most recently it has been used for Garden Tools and Snow Blower Storage. Gym consultants have confirmed that the space will be big
enough for approximately 20 pieces of different up-to-date Exercise Equipment. The Health and Fitness Committee recently presented a budget for the costs, design and operating of the Fitness Center to the Board and it was approved. This would include Equipment Selection, Design & Construction, Installation and Operation. The plans will be presented to the Board for approval. Recommendations from the Committee would also include a minimum monthly fee. The Fitness Center will be self-sustaining. It will also be the kind of facility to make Fordham Hill ownership very attractive to potential Coop buyers.
THE CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE is also working on the following projects, which will improve the quality of life here at Fordham Hill. * The Laundry Room in Building 1 is too small. It is recommended that plans include the expansion and reorganization of the Storage Space for Shareholders. This would serve to enlarge the area of the Laundry Room, and at the same time upgrade the Community Room. * The Security Guard Room in Building 7 is inadequate. Plans to expand this area are in progress. * Supervision of the playground steps currently in the rebuilding phase.
...
#:....,
,:.,t ·"'-6 _;.=a:,
t·� r
* Bicycle storage solutions are under investigation. The Committee is looking to find an appropriate place for storage.
!J, -·
.,....
* Plans for finding space for a Day Care or Pre- K facility for our younger families is under serious consideration. * For the future, we are also investigating a more efficient way of controlling the heating system in individual apartments and rooms. At the same time this will reduce our consumption of gas and reduce global warming.
We look forward to the completion of these plans… in order to enhance our Fordham Hill Community.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 9
SECURITY ON THE OVAL Clinton Robinson
I
would like to give special thanks and appreciation to the Security Team, for committing themselves, and giving of their best during the most challenging times of this pandemic. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Security Staff have been dedicated in their work, attendance, and in safeguarding shareholders; exposing themselves and their families to this unprecedented situation, while maintaining the status here at Fordham Hill.
Since the introduction of the new security ‘Detex’ system, security patrols throughout the complex have become more efficient. The security ‘Detex’ system is a series of checkpoints throughout the grounds and in each building, which makes for a more thorough security patrol. The checkpoints are visible black circles in various parts of the complex. These patrols have minimized violations within the complex and ensured a safer environment for all shareholders. The Security Team is always working hard to ensure that the House Rules are being enforced. This is being supported by the reduction in staff turnover, and with the collaboration of the shareholders in adhering to the House Rules. Although the CDC guidelines have relaxed mask wearing, please remember that Fordham Hill Oval Complex is a private entity. Mask wearing for all persons on the complex in the indoor common spaces will still be enforced.
Stay alert and safe
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 10
The Fordham Hill Family Would like to send Congratulatory wishes to
Tony Rauso Upon his Retirement We thank him for his dedicated service to Fordham Hill In his untiring role as DIRECTOR OF SECURITY THE STAFF, RESIDENTS AND SHAREHOLDERS All wish him the best of his retirement years.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 11
REMEMBERING Ronald E. Marshall Sr.
FORDHAM HILL’S DEPARTED HERO!
“R
emarkable, noble, loving dedicated, hero, teacher and leader” are all beautiful and powerful descriptions used by the Marshall family in the obituary to describe the late Ronald E. Marshall Sr. Mr. Marshall was not only the patriarch of the family but the exemplar that grounded the family. Ronald E. Marshall was a true son of the Bronx. Born on April 29, 1935 in Lincoln Hospital, he was the youngest child of the late Herbert Sr. and Mabel Phoenix Marshall. Fordham Hill Owners Corporation was privileged to have Mr. Marshall and wife Gloria Marshall join the community in 1989.
To the Fordham Hill family, Mr. Marshall was one of the pillars that planted his roots in Fordham Hill. The cooperative is evermore the better for not only his contribution but the contribution of his family, namely, Mrs. Marshall who served terms as Vice President of the Board of the Directors and extensively as the President of Committee on Elders (COE) and now still a board member of COE. Mr. Marshall was a proud Veteran, and it showed during Veterans Appreciation ceremonies at Fordham Hill where he would adorn his Korean War cap. In 2018 as Marshall was pinned by Councilmember Fer-
nando Cabrera’s office, a sense of glee was visible on his face. This was not only for his personal acknowledgement, but also for all of his fellow Veteran neighbors who were being rightfully appreciated by their closest community. Mr. Marshall has made his mark on the world as a servant of his country. One of his proudest stories he took pride in sharing, was of him being among the selection of a Colonel to be part of an Honor Guard because he liked his stature. After his service in the armed forces, Marshall went on to work as a NASA engineer and Car Inspector for the New York City Transit Authority where he retired in 2000. “Appreciation for a departed soul is remembered by the beautiful legacy built and testified by the ones that experienced your existence.” The Fordham Hill Community will forever remember the late Mr. Ronald Marshall, and will display our love for him through his surviving family, of whom the Oval is still blessed to have living amongst us. REST IN PERFECT PEACE Mr. Ronald E. Marshall, Sr.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 12
REMEMBERING Maria Vega L
ast year was a very difficult year for all of us in so many ways. The sudden illness and passing of Maria Vega our Administrative Assistant, came as a great and profound loss to the Fordham Hill community, both the staff of Fordham Hill, as well as the residents. I really enjoyed working with Maria. Not only was she an excellent employee and co-worker, I also considered her a friend. Maria and I were always early to arrive in the office. I used to bring her donuts every morning and sometimes, early in the day before the office opened, we would talk about our children and grandchildren and show off pictures of all of them. Nothing was more important to Maria than her family. I enjoyed this quiet time before the office opened, because I knew that by 9:00 AM, the phones would start ringing, residents would begin to come into the office, and it would be non-stop activity until 5:00 PM. Maria always had the time to address their various needs and concerns, and did so, in the most professional and compassionate way. She knew the office like no other, and never got mad when I asked the same questions over and over. She was our “go to” person and she never disappointed anyone. She knew it all. I often referred to
Maria as my “work wife”, due to the fact that I actually spent as much time with her as I did with my real wife. I think of Maria often, and I truly miss her and her zest for life. I feel so fortunate to have known her, and I am very grateful for the time we worked together at Fordham Hill. Until we meet again… Your friend, Tony Rauso
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 13
FORDHAM HILL COMMUNITY MEMORIAL “Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever.”
Ronald E. Marshall Sr.
April 29, 1935 - November 11, 2020
Martha Joyce Thompson
May 4, 1941 - May 15, 20210
John B. Cannon
April 29, 1956 - April 11, 2021
Daisy Hollie
September 24, 1921 - February 16, 2021
Garland C. Chambers Jr.
April 24, 1971 - May 4, 2021
Ed Thomas Dowd
September 26, 1933 - April 12, 2020
Gene A. Norman
Flavia Sorbo
February 14, 1935 - August 30, 2020 January 1, 1926 - January 22, 2021
Anita McReynolds
Riesa Toote
August 11, 1955 - June 13, 2020 January 3, 1948 - February 28, 2021
Beverly Alexander
December 24, 1941 - August 30, 2020
Anita McReynolds
August 11, 1955 - June 13, 2020
Dennis Knight
November 09, 1952 - July 11, 2020
Sean Raphael Phillips Herman J. Banks
Arkel “Andy” Hubbard
July 1, 1965 - December 26, 2021
February 18, 1940 - April 5, 2020 July 8, 1941 - May 12, 2021
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 14
FORDHAM HILL COMMUNITY MEMORIAL
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 15
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON FORDHAM HILL VOTING DURING ELECTION SEASON
By Rachel MillerBradshaw
I
n New York City there are many legislative positions that are open for incumbency this election season. All voters in the city will be going to the polls to elect a new Mayor, City Comptroller, and Public Advocate. On a borough level, residents in the Bronx will be choosing a new Borough President and Civil Court Judges. Residents in District 14 will also decide a new City Council member. With so many candidates vying for these local positions, it can become overwhelming to research candidates and differentiate between them.
Spanning across EDs 47/78, 48/78, and 49/79, Fordham Hill Owners Corporation boasts over 3200 eligible voters in its 9-building-1118 units, gated Cooperative. As FHOC continues to engage Legislators, and positively influence progress and revitalization in the surrounding community, the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) has committed this season to ensure that Fordham Hill residents hit the polls in June and November. On Tuesday, April 13, the Coop held its first ever-virtual town hall meeting, because of the pandemic, to meet and engage District 14 City Council Candidates. The town hall meeting focused on questions with topics ranging from public safety, campaign financing, Devoe
Park, and the Kingsbridge Armory. The Committee and Board of Directors honored requests to meet the candidates in-person and on June 18, hosted the candidates presenting their platforms and participating in a Q & A session in Building 1 Patio. Part of the responsibilities of the Borough President is to advise the Mayor of New York City, comment on land-use items in their borough, advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process, and appoint various officials and Community Board members. The (CEC) is also doing its due diligence in researching
and engaging the candidates. FHOC voting numbers are strong! They average up to 50% according to election day turnout during the 2020 General Election that was held on November 3, 2020. In addition to working with the 52nd Precinct to host the next Build A Block meeting, the focus of the Community Engagement Committee for the upcoming season, will be the continued increase in voting numbers, of residents of Fordham Hill. The committee’s final push with a complex-wide get out and vote memorandum should have ensured FHOC presented strong voting numbers in the June 22 Primary Election that is crucial this election season. Efforts will continue to make sure voting is even stronger in the General Election on November 2nd.
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 16
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES “ Education is our Passport to the future… for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” (Famous American leader)
Congratulations to the Graduates of our Fordham Hill Community on your well deserved success… To our young and gifted students who bravely persevered through this challenging year….we give you honor… We are happy to share in the excitement of your graduation. We are very proud of you and would like to recognize your achievements.
KIRA HELPER Graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee – Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Musical Theater
JOLAUN URSAL HUNTER Graduate of Spelman College – Bachelor of Arts Graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with Summa Cum Laude Latin Honors Continuing her post-graduate education at Princeton University
JULISSA MARTINEZ Graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society
JAMES CASTILLO Cardinal Hayes High School
ALYANNA J. MARTINEZ P.S.171 Patrick Henry Preparatory Middle School
Wishing you best wishes as you continue to bravely face the future…
Our children are our future… and we should do all we can to encourage and uphold them in their endeavors FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 17
EASTER - 2021
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 18
HALLOWEEN - 2020
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 19
‘MONDAY MORNING’
T
he sun is not up yet, but the birds are awake. They are singing a bit louder than I wish. I hear a new chirping song and fall back to sleep. Before I know it the sun is shining through my window and the leaf blowers are growling “Time to get up”. I look down upon the Oval as I drink my morning coffee. Perhaps today I will see that family of Blue Jays or that majestic Hawk soaring high above. I rush out the door and I as I wait for the elevator I hear the sweet voices of m y neighbors children. On the elevator are two young school kids with their dad. He looks a bit overwhelmed but squeezes out a smile. The little boy hides behind his daddy but waves “Hi”. In the lobby the porter greets me, as she finishes up. As I walk out the smell of fresh cut grass puts a smile on my face. I see a group of ladies who walk the Oval on a regular basis. And I remind myself that one of these
days I’m getting up early to walk several laps. Several security guards wave at me, while they observe their surroundings. A visiting nurse arrives to check on my neighbor. One of the seniors and long time residents is on her way to a doctor’s visit. As always she stops to ask me how my family is doing. She looks a bit frail but still has a beautiful smile. I walk down the steps to the garage and I see a middle aged man. He is coming home from work and looks a bit tired. Our eyes make contact and we both know what’s on our minds. I run across the street to the garage. Whether I’m early or late the garage attendant has my car up. I’m not good with names, but I always remember all the faces that make the start of my day a joy. Anonymous
FORDHAM HILL OWNERS CORPORATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 — PAGE 20