Charles H. Greenthal Management Corp., the company that has managed North Shore Towers for the past 25 years, was acquired in January by FirstService Corporation. The existing management team will continue to oversee day-to-day operations at the Towers, according to FirstService’s official announcement on Thursday, Jan. 12th.
After receiving the news, the NST Board of Directors issued a statement stating they were “investigating the details of the acquisition and will be evaluating the impact on NST as well as options going forward…” The Board’s choices include remaining with First Service or pursuing other alternative companies. For now, management of NST will continue “as is” with Interim Manager Desi Ndreu, according to the Board.
“Our beloved NST staff is not impacted by this change,” the Board’s letter stated. “Existing projects will continue on course. As always, the Board is actively pursuing every avenue to ensure that the best interests of the community are pursued and protected.”
NST Board of Directors Secretary Cheryl Vollweiler added in her newspaper column, “We are patiently waiting to hear from FSR so we can assess their capabilities and what they have to offer NST.”
Greenthal was founded in 1958 and was one of the largest privately owned residential management and leasing firms in the New York metropolitan area, with over 250 properties under management throughout New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.
“Over the last few years, I have been carefully plan-
ning for the next phase of our firm so that we would be able to continue to deliver to you the exceptional service that you have come to expect,” Greenthal CEO and President Jonathan S. West wrote in an open letter distributed by the Board. “As you would expect, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition, and I will remain integrally involved with the business and the management of our portfolio as we commence the transition. Each of your managing agents and our supporting staff will remain in place.”
West said the acquisition brings about new opportunities, such as leveraging the company’s national resources and value-added services, in-
cluding preferred banking, lending, energy, and insurance programs, collective buying power, and advanced resident communication tools. FirstService Residential Connect management software will be available as a centralized portal to facilitate communication between management, owners, board members, residents, and building staff. In the coming months, the company’s call-in Customer Care Center will also be added for use by the residents.
At the same time FirstService also announced its purchase of Tudor Realty Services Corp. “These two acquisitions add attractive portfolios of marquee properties which further extend our leadership position,” said David Diestel, CEO of FirstService Residential. “We are excited to have Greenthal and Tudor join the FirstService Residential family and look forward to working closely with their teams to drive additional value to our clients and residents throughout the New York region.”
FirstService Residential is North America’s largest manager of residential communities, generating over $3.5 billion in annual revenues with approximately 25,000 employees across North America. The company generates over $3.5 billion in annual revenues and has about 25,000
employees across North America.
“New York is one of our largest markets and a strategic growth priority for us,” said David Diestel, CEO of FirstService Residential. “These two acquisitions add attractive portfolios of marquee properties which further extend our leadership position.”
North Shore Towers changed management companies in July 1998 for the first time in its history, marking the first time management was not directly owned by the original sponsor of the co-op conversion. Greenthal’s initial management contract with the co-op was for three years at slightly below $800,000. It represented roughly a $75,000 reduction from the previous company’s contract.
In a smooth transition overseen by General Manager Suz Landi, only three administrative staff changes were made, and offices were technologically updated. By February of 1999, Landi was defending herself from angry residents and Board Directors, and after serving only one year and one month, was dismissed on Monday, Aug. 2nd, 1999.
Landi’s former assistant, Nancy Gentile, was appointed Acting General Manager and was named permanently to the position soon after. Retired Deputy Inspector/Commanding Officer of the 105th Precinct Glen Kotowski replaced Gentile on Monday, Dec. 17th, 2001. Kotowski retired at the end of July 2022 after serving 25 years at the Towers. Greenthal Director of Special Operations and Senior Account Executive Desi Ndreu was appointed NST’s Interim Property Manager and is continuing in that position as the search for a replacement continues.
“Our beloved NST staff is not impacted by this change. Existing projects will continue on course.”NST’s Interim Property Manager and is continuing in FirstService Residential NY Pres. Dan Wurtzel. MICHAEL KOHN PHOTO Acting General Manager Desi Ndreu at North Shore Towers finance meeting.
Phelan Elected President, 3 Newcomers Win North Shore Towers shareholders elected three newcomers and one incumbent to the Bd. of Directors in June, in what the winners described as a referendum for change at the co-op. The results were reported by YesElections on Friday, June 17th.
Ed Phelan was the only incumbent reelected and was again voted Bd. President by his fellow directors. “We found a constructive way to appeal to the shareholders for their support,” Phelan said. “The shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the four because we advocated immediate change.”
Outgoing Interim Bd. Pres. Dan Nachmanoff said he was proud of his four months of service at the annual shareholders meeting, held in the movie theater on Thursday, June 16th. “We were able to come together, achieve a consensus and move forward on all issues we faced,” he said. “We did this without name-calling or using inappropriate language, but with respect for all, including the general manager, staff, and you, the shareholders.”
NST Controller Jim Cavanagh presented a positive treasurer’s report to the community. “The financial condition of the building is in great shape,” he said. “We’re doing better than we did last year.”
Four candidates were interviewed as possible replacements for retiring North Shore Towers General Manager Glen Kotowski. Each delivered 30-90 day proposed plans if they were selected for the job, according to the Bd. President and Interim Property Manager.
“Our perspective is that the general manager needs to be a thoughtful leader and confident decision maker, helping our people develop and be productive while ensuring our profits, our marketing, and the values that we have as a co-op are on the rise,” Phelan said during an in-house cable tv broadcast on Friday, July 22nd.
The 2022 NST Virtual Art Show, co-chaired by Irene Frank and Marilyn Davidson, presented the many talents of the residents on in-house cable television channel 995 from Tuesday, August 16th through Thursday, August 18th. In the past, the show was an in-person affair, but because of Covid concerns channel 995 was chosen to revive a treasured tradition.
A parade of proud artists, some seasoned and some beginners, shared their passion for making art. Nineteen people arrived in the art room for the taping. Some carried their paintings under their arms, and others used lobby carts to transport their work. Wicker baskets were carried in and filled to the brim with craft objects, some pulled their artwork out of their purses, and others wore their creations. Residents demonstrated many ways to express themselves artistically.
The board finalized the contract with Connectivity Wireless to extend WiFi service to all three levels of the garage and to resolve the dead zones in the Arcade and country club.
Garage Phase I work was also finalized in on-site meetings between the board, management, and the garage contractors (Desman and SCS) that confirmed the scope of work, arrangements, and timing for commencement and expected completion.
General Manager Glen Kotowski retired at the end of July after serving 25 years at North Shore Towers.
“While my tenure here was personally and professionally gratifying, I look forward to my new role as a fulltime husband, father, and my most recently achieved title, grandfather,” he said in a statement.
Perhaps the most dramatic highlight of the summer season was the feeling of a ‘new normal’ at NST following the worst years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many residents became more comfortable in social situations while enjoying the country club lifestyle of pre-pandemic times.
“I can’t say everything is completely back to normal yet because people are still cautious about crowds and some club events still take place by Zoom or hybrid format, but I believe Covid has brought about a ‘new normal’ to which everyone is adapting,” Bd. Director Cheryl Vollweiler said.
Maryann Langone’s tenure as the North Shore Towers
Country Club Manager ended on Wednesday, September 28th, with Coco Xie appointed as her replacement.
Xie is experienced in the health services industry and has a background as a CPA. She is a trainer in multiple fitness regimens and has experience running similar types of facilities. “Coco has a deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of good, collaborative management combined with good customer service to ensure the success of this kind of business,” Ndreu said.
Bd. Director Richard Levine wrote: “The most critical relationship in operating a multi-family, residential, co-operative community is between its Board of Directors and the property’s management company. This is especially true in a community as large and with a variety of features and amenities as those that enhance life at NST.”
NST held it’s annual Veterans Day Salute on Friday, November 11th, with speakers and audience members dressed in patriotic red, white and blue. Taking part in his 7th annual program at the co-op, Fred Chernow quoted President Franklin Roosevelt, who said, “The greatest casualty of war to those who served is being forgotten.”
NST lost Joe Reveman on November 11th. He was a proud veteran of World War II military service. The Bronx native got an early start in the military, having been drafted in 1943 at the ripe age of 18. His training included Morse Code and radio and gun training before joining the 398th Bomb Group. He and the other crew members flew to Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, in England, to destroy industrial plants and factories in Germany. During his military tenure, the 398th Bomb Group flew 24 missions.
George Santos, the scandal-plagued Representative of the 3rd Congressional District that includes North Shore Towers, was sworn into office on Saturday, Jan. 7th. While campaigning, he admitted to falsely claiming he attended Baruch College, worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, was Jewish, and owned property. New York State and Nassau County are also investigating Santos.
On Wednesday, Jan. 11th, Nassau County Republican Party leaders called on Santos to resign from office, which Santos rejected. “He deceived voters,” Chairman Joseph G. Cairo said. “His lies were not mere fibs. He disgraced the House of Representatives.”
Santos was also charged with embezzlement in 2011 in a Brazilian court, according to case records. However, the charge was archived after the court summons went unanswered, and they could not find him.
Thomas Suozzi, who held the congressional seat prior to Santos, said he was “succeeded by a con man” in an oped article in The New York Times.
“Sure, some candidates say and do anything to get into office and then abuse the public trust,” he wrote. “In Mr. Santos, we have someone who abused the public trust even before he got into office; it’s mind-boggling to think what his actions and conversations will be like in Congress on behalf of his constituents…How can Mr. Santos be trusted? How could he be effective?”
Most North Shore Towers residents reacted negatively when asked to comment on their newly elected Representative.
“The man is a fraud and an embarrassment,” David Zolondek said. “He has lied on so many of the qualities and achievements in his life that I believe he can’t be trusted at all. Shame on any congressman or senator who would back him. Also, shame on Democrats and Republicans for not vetting his qualifications before the election. The big question will be is he going to jail before or after he is removed from Congress.”
Dave Paris added, “George Santos was not elected to anything. A fake was elected. The real Santos is nothing like the fake. He should resign.”
Eric Kozminsky wondered if the co-op’s new Representative would be invited to speak at the Towers as other politicians have been. “We really should,” he said. “I’m sure there would be a good turnout if he came. It would be a fun evening.”
Barbara Leonardi had a different take, stating, “Sorry, but I love it. Maybe now they will make lying illegal, especially on dating websites–LOL.”
Margie K. said that although lying on a resume is not a criminal act, perhaps his alleged loan to his campaign is. “Where did that money actually come from?” she asked. “Also, Brazil may be coming for him for fraud. We can only hope.”
Stories of a Lifetime is a website that helps families collect and preserve their memories and life stories as timeless video “keepsakes.” Victoria and Michael Turk, the founders of the company, were inspired to create it when Victoria wanted to learn more about her parents, who live in North Shore Towers Building 1, but couldn’t visit them because of the pandemic.
The couple first interviewed and recorded her father answering questions about different aspects of his life and edited them into a movie. The detailed memories that poured out were so powerful and touching that Victoria and Michael decided to automate the process to give other families the opportunity to capture and share their own histories.
StoriesOfALifetime.com guides users step-by-step through the process of sharing their life story and most meaningful memories. Topics are arranged into life “chapters,” and each chapter has a set of 10 predefined questions/prompts that can be completely customized. The recording
process was designed to be simple for those who may not be tech savvy or otherwise comfortable undertaking a video memoir project on their own. All the “storyteller” has to do is read a question and press a button on the website to record their answer using their smartphone or computer’s webcam. The Stories of a Lifetime platform then combines the prompts, recorded answers, and any photos the storyteller uploads into a video montage keepsake.
“Life stories are a family’s most precious heirlooms,” Victoria said of the company’s mission. “My parents’ movies, created with the website, are among my most cherished possessions. We want people everywhere to have a way to preserve their experiences and create a digital collection of memories that connect generations.”
Stories of a Lifetime is available at StoriesOfALifetime.com and offers a unique opportunity for families to learn more about their loved ones and preserve their memories and family histories for future generations.
Avariety of commercial tenants in the Arcade serve the residents of North Shore Towers. These stores, two restaurants, a bank branch, and several professional offices are housed in approximately 45,000 sq. ft. of space. They provide great
convenience to the community.
The year-round, sheltered facilities offered by the Arcade are unique and are a highly valued amenity, stimulating purchases of apartments and delivering a marketing advantage. Accordingly, it is essential that they are maintained to very high standards to reflect their importance to our community for the benefit not only of existing residents but also visitors and potential apartment purchasers.
The Arcade businesses should reflect the vitality of NST, the efficiency of management, and the Board’s commitment that NST will remain a luxury complex, providing convenience and a fulfilling lifestyle.
The trade area of the stores and offices is best compared to a Neighborhood Shopping Center (NSC) or a Strip Center (SC). An NSC usually has a local trade area of 3,000 to 40,000 persons in the immediate neighborhood within
a three-mile radius. Such a center has 30,000 to 100,000 square feet in building area and is typically anchored by a supermarket. A SC is usually a row of stores and service facilities lining a commercial street using on-street parking or a designated separate parking area.
Important elements typically influencing rental value are as follows:
•The purchasing power of the store patrons.
•Time distance from patrons.
•Visability, attractiveness, and maintenance of the commercial units.
•Growth potential of the number of patrons.
•Existing and future competition.
•Customer parking.
•Financial strength of the anchor tenant, if there is one. Considering the above list of elements of influence, comparing our Arcade’s commercial space to the typical NSC or SC leads to the following conclusions. As a group, the patrons of NST Arcade commercial facilities have strong purchasing power and are physically proximate to the Arcade. While there are some vacant apartments, the residential vacancy factor is not a severe problem. Parking is not an issue. There is no specific anchor tenant, and the property is generally well maintained, although dated in its decor.
Continued on Page 16
Happy New Year!
I cannot believe it is 2023. Growing up, the latest date I could imagine was the year my little brother would graduate from
college. However, that happened decades ago (not one decade–not even two decades.), so everything since then has been one huge time warp for me. But still–2023? Yikes! I hope everyone’s year is off to a good start.
As for your NST Board, there is an ancient Chinese curse that says, “May you live in interesting times.” I see you shaking your heads saying, “Cheryl, you know that isn’t a real Chinese curse.” The closest related Chinese expression translates roughly to “better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos;” the “live in interesting times” part dates back to 1898 when Joseph Chamberlain said, in
a speech to British Parliament, “I think that you will all agree that we are living in most interesting times;” and the “Chinese curse” part was likely added as an embellishment by Sir Austen Chamberlain (the British Foreign Secretary from 1924 to 1929), in a 1936 speech. Others of you may be thinking, “close but no cigar, Cheryl.” Robert Kennedy said in a 1996 speech in Cape Town, South Africa, “There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times.’” Be that as it may, I think we can all agree that the first half of January 2023 here at NST certainly counts as “living in interesting times,” whichever meaning you ascribe to it.
I am sure you have heard by now that on January 11, 2023, Your Board was advised by email at 5:21 pm that Charles H. Greenthal Management Corp. (CHG) was sold to FirstService Residential, and the NST management contract was included in the sale. The Board immediately advised all shareholders of the acquisition and provided a copy of the email, so the community had exactly the same information we
did. (You can find a copy on Building Link in case you missed it.)
We are patiently waiting to hear from FSR so we can assess their capabilities and what they have to offer NST. In the interim, the Board is continuing to investigate the details of the acquisition and will be evaluating the impact on NST as well as options going forward upon completion of due diligence.
While we are still gathering relevant information, our current understanding is that, on a day-to-day basis, management of NST will continue “as is.” Desi Ndreu remains our interim GM. Our beloved NST staff is not impacted by this change. Existing projects will continue on course. Mr. Oh continues to have the best fruit and vegetables around. The Grocery Store and Towers Drugs continue to have virtually everything else you need without having to get in the car. Pouran continues to be here to help us look and feel great. Our two restaurants continue to make sure we never have to cook but still have fab food to eat. Our movie theater (which we implore everyone
to take advantage of–literally, we should all be going there every time the movie changes to ensure that they keep bringing us this awesome service) continues to have the best first-run movies with really comfy seats at the best prices without having to brave the elements to get there. The professional offices in the Arcade continue to keep our teeth, feet, and ears in good order. Chase Bank is here to help us pay for it all.
As always, the Board is actively pursuing every avenue to ensure that the best interests of the community are pursued and protected and will continue to keep you apprised of developments. (In the meantime, why not grab a movie downstairs so you’ll be up to speed when the Oscars roll around.)
Local Law 11: We had hoped LL11 would have been officially concluded by early January 2023, but inclement weather caused a slight delay, and we are awaiting DOB’s inspection and final approval to remove the sidewalk sheds. Currently, we expect this to conclude by the end of
One-of-a-kind, move-in condition corner unit with open views from every angle of the apartment. This bright and sunny 2-bedroom , 2-bath features two beautiful terraces overlooking the Golf Course and NYC Skyline off the formal living room and dining room. Large windows bring so much natural light into the large eat-in kitchen. Plenty of closets and storage along with personal washer and dryer in unit. Don’t miss this opportunity to own in Building One at North Shore Towers. Parking spot included and more than ample parking for guests. Every amenity imaginable is on the premises. Contact the exclusive listing agent Orit Ofir, c.516.474.8405 — for more information or to schedule a private viewing. MLS# 3445113. Offered At: $718,000.
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Science shows that we hear with our brains and not our ears. Our cutting-edge technology helps your brain decipher intricate details of relevant sounds for better speech understanding with less effort and the ability to remember more. All in a rechargeable hearing aid that delivers direct streaming from iPhone and Android™. This is why we’re excited to tell you about this new technology designed to bring
closer to life’s special moments.
The Towers may not be palatial like Windsor Castle but it does house two important Queens
in its environs: Queen Chickie Kaufman and Queen Gloria Beck, co-presidents of the North Shore Towers Women’s Club. Banked on the North Shore of an island, the Towers Queens play host to a myriad of programs and entertainment. The excellent effort of these women have inspired an ever-growing membership of over 430 members to date and growing. The modest dues of $25 per year contribute towards programs rich in academics, entertainment, parties and most of all, friendship and camaraderie. In their own words, both copresidents express their ideals and objectives for the club.
Chickie Kaufman:
“Wherever I have lived I have been involved in my community, as I believe in giving back. Here at NST, I feel I am giving back to my community, and it has been a privilege to serve as the co-president with Gloria Beck. We are meeting our goals and if anyone has suggestions of how we can do even more, please let us know as we are looking to grow and improve.
The NST Women’s Club is now celebrating their seventh year. It has been gratifying to see how we have grown. Each year
our membership keeps increasing, which shows that there is such a tremendous need for what we offer. We are not political, and our aim is to give women a chance to meet and make new friends. Our entertainment gives them a chance to socialize and enjoy all the programs that we have to offer. I feel that our club is so successful because we are fulfilling an immense need for the Towers women’s community.”
Gloria Beck:
“Chickie Kaufman and I are supposed to be co-presidents of the Women’s Club, but essentially we are more than that. We are symbiotic, allowing us to be on the same page and act as one even though we are different. So, if possible, erase the prefix “co,” we are one.
My life with the Women’s Club gives me great joy. The women are exceptionally bright. Each and every one is accomplished in some way. What an environment to be surrounded by. I’m sure somewhere there’s other life like this on this planet, but NST is my life and I can only use this phenomenal place as my personal point of reference.
I am here just 13 years. I should celebrate with some kind of Bat Mitzvah celebration. I have time to think about that, but for now I can only tell you how lucky I feel to be here. The Women’s Club opened the door to social life that I never knew existed. I am blessed with exceptional family, but even more so with the friends I have made and women I have met by being a
member. As program chairperson I enjoy planning programs and events. I love the positive challenge of creating new ideas and special experiences. It keeps my mind alert and focused despite the negative challenges one can face, like illnesses and sad world situations. I hope my programs can serve as positive distractions and keep us smiling as well as exposed to learning new and interesting things. We are still vital and enjoy life. We are the same as we always were, just looking at everything from a different place in time. I wish you all good health, happiness and the opportunity and laugh and learn together.”
We thank these Queens of Queens for their ongoing contribution to life at the Towers, and the enrichment that have provided for all of us.
Cinema Club– A Netflix film: “Where The Crawdads Sing”
The February movie selected for review is “Where The Crawdads Sing,” aired on Channel 995 on Mon., Feb. 27th at 4:00 pm by Vicki Mazel and Dr. Nurit Israeli and hosted by Gloria Beck. The storyline follows the life of an abandoned young girl known as “The Marsh Girl.” As the focus of this coming-of-age story is located in the marshlands of the South in the 1950s, Kya’s story is both sad and riveting. She is raised in a shack and ultimately left alone by both her parents and other siblings.
After living with an abusive father until age 7, she is finally left to her own survival skills, which turn out to be very strong. Kya develops a business at a very young age by selling mussels. As she develops into adolescence and beyond, she has romances factoring into the climax of the film, a court case featuring the popular actor David Strathairn as her attorney. Kya also develops drawing and writing talents and is taught to read by one of her boyfriends. Untrusted by the townspeople, Kya becomes a target of hatred and hostility and it is the death of innocence.
Filmed in Lousiana, it is based on the best selling book of the same name by author Delia Owen and published in 2018. The movie was produced by Reese Witherspoon. The film can be seen on Netflix. and presented a very interesting choice for review. Don’t miss it.
March Calendar: Coming Attractions
Wednesday, March 15th, 7:15 pm, Large Card Room-Dr. Mel Haber, three legendary singers: Ella, Billlie, and Sarah.
Wednesday, March 22nd, noon, Towers on the Green Lunch Bunch Luncheon, Guest Speaker Yuliiya Davydova. The NST Physical Therapist is a highly accom-
plished woman who has a compelling story to tell. Details for lunch reservations and further information to follow. Look in your mailrooms and screens around the Towers.
Monday, Mar. 27th, 4:00 pm, Cinema Club, Channel 995, “The Imitation Game.”
All events listed in the February and March calendars are open to Women’s Club members only. If you have not already joined or paid your dues, here’s the deal: Make out a check to North Shore Towers Women’s Club for $25. Give to concierges in your building:
Building 1: Faith Wolitzer, 4Y.
Building 2: Gloria Beck, 17H.
Building 3: Chickie Kaufman, 1T. Include address, apartment, number, email address and telephone numbers.
Want to get a discount? Show your membership card: l0 percent off Towers Restaurant once daily on bill of $15 or more, $5 off car wash at Goody’s Car Spa. Verse By Vicki History’s a mystery, Unless you know the facts. Gloria Beck and Chickie Kaufman Are our Quarterbacks.
Gloria’s seeker of speakers Chickie does all the math, Together they put on events, To keep us on a great path.
James Cole–a merry young soul, He’s part of our institution With amendments and learning skills, He tackles the Constitution.
Ron Brown–man about town, Filled with interesting conjectures, We really earn each time we learn, And listen to his great lectures.
International Night’s really a sight, Parties we dress up fancy. Live musicians always on board, As we swing and dancey dancey.
Keeping up our drive on 995, Cinema Club is always news. So many of our residents, Watch Women’s Club reviews.
This lecturer puts you in the know. If you’re smart in art or a beginner, He’s thoroughly filled with knowledge, Professor Germano’s really a winner.
So stick with us, dear ladies. Special women we do thee dub. Keep you busy and happy, That’s it for the Women’s Club!
The North Shore Towers Men’s Club is off to a New Year and continues to grow its member-
ship. Dues are $75.00 a year, and we have seen constant interest in new members every week. What are you waiting for? Join Now. Call Toby Horowitz (718) 279-0082
The Men’s Club’s current events meetings have been able to interest our members on Hot Topics every Monday. There seems to be no shortage of topics, even keeping tempers on the warm side at times. Harold Hershman, Ron Levin, and Toby Horowitz have been filling in for Gary Darche, who usually runs the Hot Topics or “Open Microphones” session for us.
We continue to have a big participation and welcome all members to participate every Monday at 10:00 am in the large card room in Building 2. We also encourage anyone interested to join in as a guest. Every time guests come, we successfully have them join the Men’s Club.
BINGO! How can we forget to men-
tion one of the biggest draws of the Men’s Club? The Monthly Bingo Game is open to all residents of North Shore Towers. It is held on the last Sunday of every month in the large card room, Building 2. Don’t Miss Bingo Sunday, January 29th, at 7:30 pm.
Every Tuesday and Friday, you can find a group of Men’s Club members having breakfast at “Buffy’s.” This is a chance to enjoy coffee and breakfast while meeting other members, shooting the bull, and discussing the happenings happening around the towers or what’s going on in Washington DC, Ukraine, or how about those NY sports teams.
So come down, enjoy the excellent company, and meet some of your brother members.
For information about the Men’s Club or how to become a member, contact Toby Horowitz (President) at tmhmgt@yahoo. com. Also, visit our website: https://northshoretowersmensclub.org to learn more about the Men’s Club.
Toby Horowitz, NST Men’s Club President, tmhmgt@yahoo.com.
Continued from Page 7
There is little likelihood that the number of patrons will increase. During the late Fall and Winter, about 35 percent of the supporting population migrates to warmer climates and returns in Spring. This has a substantial negative impact on the revenue stream of most of the tenants.
Due to the market’s seasonality and limited ability to expand, a rent comparison to the average nearby NSC or SC is not a compelling comparison. There are no commercial vacancies at NST, and the merchants and professionals provide great convenience. Some merchants deliver directly to their patrons and provide special orders. Therefore, the overall emphasis is on convenience, special service, and customer friendliness, as is characteristic in small, closely-knit communities.
The Board has concluded that the Arcade needs an upgrade to maximize the attractiveness and efficiency of various businesses and professional services. We will hire a highly qualified Interior Designer to develop a detailed plan for its upgrade. When proposals are formulated, presenting the best alternatives at costs that are well supported within a budgeted sum, information will be made available to share with the community.
The information provided by the current Board in various forms is an essential antidote to needless misunderstandings, rumors, and misconceptions. This Board and its Members have demonstrated their effort to enlighten the community about problems and provide sound solutions. The open finance meeting in December offered a vivid
demonstration of the new spirit of enlightenment undertaken by the current Board and its very able leadership.
It portends a brighter future, characterized by a renaissance at NST through a program of long-postponed economies of operation, physical upgrades, improved communication between the Board and the community, and modern business methods. The community can expect new systems and the birth of new ideas fostered by this talented Board. The present Board is composed of savvy and highly experienced persons with the required skills and know-how that is a must on a Board charged with serving such a complex community as NST and offering a fulfilling lifestyle to all residents and shareholders.
Dealing with commercial leases on NYC properties presents some essential differences from leases on multifamily residential units. Apartment buildings erected before Feb. 1st, 1947, in which a tenant has been in continuous occupancy before July 1st, 1971, are subject to rent control. Residential tenants taking occupancy after Jun. 30th, 1971, in a building containing more than six apartments built before Jan. 1st, 1974, are subject to rent stabilization regulations. All commercial units are free of any rent regulations except those terms and conditions contained in the lease.
Commercial leases may provide the tenant with the right to sublease or assign the lease to another tenant under terms and conditions of approval negotiated into the lease
The New Year at NST
North Shore Towers residents entered 2014 looking forward to numerous projects and improvements for the complex, including new generators, a garage lighting upgrade, VIP Room kitchen expansion, and gym refurbishment. The biggest undertaking for the New Year was the massive generator project, the largest expenditure ever at the co-op, according to Bd. President Robert Ricken. The complexity of the project also involved getting the old huge generators out, storing and saving one to utilize as spare parts for the remaining old generators, and rewiring the entire generator room.
It has been said: “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Anyone who has seen the outstanding photographs produced by the North Shore Towers Camera Club will certainly agree with that sentiment. Started by Sy Roth and Carl Leichman about 10 years ago, the club meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.
Every Tuesday evening a group of dedicated, enthusiastic men and women gathered in the large card room in the A rcade of North Shore Towers to play the challenging game of duplicate bridge. Marilyn Weiss, bridge director, who has always been called Lyn, explained that in season there are approximately 50 pairs competing for master points and that most bridge clubs would envy this turnout.
Ted Baron, a resident of building two, was born in Harbin, Manchuria and grew up in Tientsin, China. He was born to European parents; his mother had fled Russia from the Bolsheviks, his father from an anti-Semitic Poland. As a result of the Opium Wars when China suffered humiliating defeats, the country was divided into extra-territorial enclaves known as Concessions: British, French, Italian, Russian, and others. Within these Concessions, the Europeans lived comfortable lives alongside the impoverished and subservient Chinese. The average family, including the Barons, had three Chinese servants: an amah, who took care of the children; a cook, and a “Boy” who cleaned.
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
If you haven’t been tuned into in-house TV channel 995 lately, you may have missed the premiere of a new program produced by and for residents. It all began when Shirley Wershba and Susan Bartelstone met each other, and learned they both had a background in broadcasting.
With Wershba’s television experience and Bartelstone’s radio history, they both shared the same idea, to create a TV program on the in-house channel for their neighbors. Industrial Engineer, Former Tennis Pres. Werner Nass Werner Nass was born in Bavaria, Germany. This was dairy country, and his grandfather was a successful cattle dealer. His parents owned a popular clothing store in the
village of Lichtenfels. It was a wonderful life, but by the time Werner was 5 years old war clouds were gathering and Adolf Hitler came into power. Their idyllic life came to an end, and Jews were being persecuted.
NST Women’s Club launched a three-part series on the Constitution led by the ever-popular professor of American and Constitutional History at Nassau Community College, James Coll.
January. While we’re waiting on the DOB, I suggest catching a movie at the theater downstairs to help pass the time.
Garage: Phase 1 garage work is continuing to move along diligently, with the help of a heating system to enable work to continue despite winter weather conditions. I know this is true because of the fresh coat of gray/white dust I find on my black car every day. Luckily, gray and white are
neutrals, so it matches my whole wardrobe. (Whew! I know–you were thinking that too, right?) We, along with Desi, are constantly reevaluating the garage project strategy to maximize efficiencies.
WiFi: WiFi installation in the garage and Arcade was delayed by garage construction and weather, but installers are back, and the work is continuing.
Elevators: In early January, we met with our elevator consultant, VDA, to review
•Pay a share of real estate tax increases.
the proposed scope of work. We are now working with them to prepare the RFP so we can get the bidding process done, hopefully in 1Q 2023.
tions, we hope you will find new things to keep exercise interesting.
or mutually agreed upon after that.
A mortgage lender obtaining a lien on the subject property will typically require commercial leases to be subordinate to the mortgage. Most commercial tenants would therefore require a non-disturbance agreement recognizing their right to remain in occupancy if they fully comply with their lease terms.
A landlord seeking to keep pace with rising property costs typically will employ one of the following methods to accomplish that objective:
•Require the tenant to pay a share of specific property cost increases.
•Pay a set annual percentage increase in Base Rent.
•Pay an increase in Base Rent based on the CPI increase.
A commercial tenant may be required to furnish up-to-date financial information when seeking a subtenant, lease assignment, or material lease term change. In the case of the lease assignment or subtenancy, the information likely would include information about the assignee and the subtenant.
If a landlord furnishes leasehold improvements, often the tenant will be required to pay at least a portion of their cost.
Country Club: If (like me) you enjoyed the holidays a little too much, I strongly recommend that you get to the Country Club to try out the new, improved weight/ machine room and exercise rooms. You can now listen to your own music, watch your own TV shows on your My Spectrum app (please note: you can only watch channels on My Spectrum to which you actually subscribe personally), or watch the pre-programmed videos on the new equipment while you walk, run, step, bike, glide elliptically, row, lift, squat, lunge, or whatever else you do in there.
Coco did a training video on how to program the monitors, catch it on Next Door and 995, or ask any attendant in the gym for a tutorial. For those who favor a lower-tech approach, the TVs are being remounted on the wall so you can watch via closed captioning. (FYI: The new equipment and layout were necessary to bring the club into compliance with applicable NYC/NYS codes. We know change can be challenging, but sometimes it is unavoidable.) With so many new classes and op-
If you haven’t done so yet, download the NSTCC Mobile App to monitor your account, see the gym and events schedules, register for classes, and more. Download the app by going to the App Store on your device and searching “North Shore Towers Country Club.” The club is also now accepting payments by cash, check, and credit cards! After you finish working out, don’t forget to catch a movie in the Arcade. (Did I mention they show the best first-run movies?)
While things around here are certainly “interesting,” I will leave you with this: “zhù nín xīn xiǎng shì chéng” and “wàn shì rú yì,” which translates roughly to “I wish you everything you wish for, and that everything goes in your favor” (or possibly “I wish you a big purple fish, and that your monkey eats pizza for a year.” My Mandarin is a little rusty).
See you around the Arcade,
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