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Free Stores in NYC - marym Aug 21, 2023

I am a volunteer at a Free Store in NYC. We are a mutual aid group consisting of all volunteers. We are not incorporated. In case you don't know, a Free Store is not exactly a store but shelves placed in front of a building where the community can come and leave something or take what they need.
We have a question regarding the liability of the engineer who is designing the shelves for the Free Store - and also the liability of the members of the Free Store. The shelves will have a type of overarching roof, which will be placed high enough out of reach. And, yet, in the event that somehow it is taken down, or structurally weakened later causes harm to someone, as a mutual aid effort– is there a case for liability on our part? Any lawyers out there who can advise? Thank you.

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I don't think this is the right forum for getting answers to your question - why don't you try attorneys who offer free legal advice? One I found on the internet is: https://www.justanswer.com/sip/online-law-advice?r=ppc|ga|27|Legal-Law-Search-BMM-Testing-New-Strategy|General-Legal-1|&JPKW=%2Bfree%20%2Blegal%20%2Badvice%20%2Bline&JPDC=S&JPST=&JPAD=626739019355&JPMT=b&JPNW=g&JPAF=txt&JPRC=1&JPCD=&JPOP=&cmpid=8505055328&agid=86138280203&fiid=&tgtid=kwd-318564805094&ntw=g&dvc=c&r=ppc|ga|27|Legal-Law-Search-BMM-Testing-New-Strategy|General-Legal-1|&JPKW=%2Bfree%20%2Blegal%20%2Badvice%20%2Bline&JPDC=S&JPST=&JPAD=626739019355&JPMT=b&JPNW=g&JPAF=txt&JPRC=1&JPCD=&JPOP=&cmpid=8505055328&agid=86138280203&fiid=&tgtid=kwd-318564805094&ntw=g&dvc=c&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KunBhDxARIsAKFUGs_CBaeHlt5kf-9K5MPrBcYIPjLCOQuxrqGPSf9NUVn6A7InD44PIOwaAnKkEALw_wcB

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super salary - Steph Aug 21, 2023

I live in a very small co-op, 11 units. Trying to figure out what the going salary for a super is. Most of the information I'm finding is for large co-ops where the super is in a more managerial role and is salaried starting at $40k. Maybe this was in the past but the impression I had was some small buildings would provide a free apartment/utilities, and pay a small monthly fee, and the super would have a day job, I don't know if that's legal.

Anyone know what the best practice is here?

> Join the conversation Comments (1)

Why don’t you reach out to your co-op attorney or accountant? They would know what they’re seeing in other co-op’s and give suggestions on the size of your co-op.

Why can’t you do a part time super since it’s a small co-op? Do you really need a full time super?

Also what about benefits? I’m assuming you’d need to pay for that too or would it just be for a full time or part time depending on the hours. Would your co-op need to have a union super?

Larger co-ops will have a super full time, probably a union super, they might live in the building in a unit that is owned by the co-op, they pay for benefits, OT, maybe pension, also cell phone, utilities for the unit.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be a super but a porter.

I would speak to the co-op attorney…labor rules etc too.

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Non Union Contractors working in a Union Employeed Development - Gouverneur Gardens Aug 07, 2023

Can Non-Union Contractors work and occupy meal break rooms and shops used by tenure Union employees?

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Senior and veterans exemptions - Carola Aug 05, 2023

Hello,

What is the best way to credit those individuals for the senior and veterans tax exemptions. To my understanding they are different than the other abatements, because the state and city gives these individuals a tax relief. I have been told is incorrect to treat them like the other property abatements.

Thank you.

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I am a senior and a Veteran. I was told that if you did not get that abatement when you originally came in, you are not entitled. I have been here for (22) years. I was a veteran when I came in, but did not qualify as a senior until (8) years ago. Please let me know how I can get an abatement, or if I even qualify now. I read my Updates daily.

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Technically speaking, the senior and veteran exemptions are not property abatements, they are exemptions, and you are legally entitled to receive those monies.

Our Board would pay all abatements and exemptions over a 3 months period so as not to break the bank account.

If you are entitled to receive a senior exemption of $500 and a veterans exemption of $400, that’s $900. We would give you that money over a 3 month period by crediting your maintenance $300/ month for 3 consecutive months, thus reducing your maintenance $300/mo for these 3 months for a total of $900.

Sandra asked how to apply. I went online and found this:

Senior
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htm

Veterans
https://veterans.ny.gov/property-tax-exemptions-veterans

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> Join the conversation Comments (1)

Thank you Marty. Printed out the forms.

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That’s great news Sandra. I wish you the best of luck.

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Eviction threat over a doormat and illegal legal fees - DM Jul 26, 2023

My coop, which is not exactly the most brilliantly run coop, has sent a legal, letter over my doormat threatening eviction if I continue to put it out. Keeping in mind that we have had a doormat since per-coop times - about 1970 and it is a fireproof 1/4 thick dormant. They then imposed the legal fee of $450 on my bill that it cost them to write that letter. I know the fee is unenforceable and I know they ignored other residents who had large items - bikes, strollers - in the hallway. What to do?

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My experience was that the Fire Dept is the authority that said nothing is to be in the hallway because, in case of an actual fire, evacuation of the shareholders might be delayed because of various items in the hallway.

Remember that during a serious fire (which can break out in very little time), the hallways may become pitch black due to smoke. If people have any objects impeding their escape route, there could be deaths and possible liability to the co-op. The worst of both worlds.

If you say that you're being unfairly singled out for your doormat while others are allowed to keep their items (bikes, strollers, etc) in front of their doors, then I recommend that you take video of these other offending objects. This can then be given to the Board as proof that the rule is being unfairly applied to shareholders. Then ask the Board why YOU are getting the eviction letter and the other shareholders (s/h) are not. After all, aren't the other s/h violating the rules, too?

In order for a Board to be respected and successful, they must apply the co-op's rules fairly and across the Board. If you're being singled out while others are not being penalized, your video proof will stop all talk of eviction.

One last thing, keep all documentation - legal letters, emails, phone calls. Anything and everything. You may need it in the future to support your claims.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

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House Rules - Gouverneur Gardens Jul 25, 2023

Can " House Rules "supersede your BY-LAWS and proprietary lease in a Mitchell Lama Coop? Are $250.00 penalties excessive for those on fixed incomes in a Mitchell Lama?

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That is a good question. I would like to know the answer. What is the penalty for? We are all on a fixed income pretty much. Everything is going up but the pay check! Please continue comments. I read them!

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> Join the conversation Comments (1)

I don't know anything about Mitchell Lama co-ops, so I can't speak to any specifics about them. Generally speaking, for other types of regular co-ops, the By-laws and proprietary lease (aka the Occupancy Agreement) take precedence over the House Rules.

That's because they are legal documents that specifically outline the shareholder's and corporation's legal obligations. House Rules are usually applied to quality of life issues that affect the co-op's shareholders.

If a penalty is specified in the House Rules and (very important) is applied equally and fairly to all shareholders by the Board of Directors, then the Board has the right to impose a penalty. If you think the penalty is excessive, I recommend that you ask the Board why is the penalty in that amount. Let them explain the rationale behind the penalty.

It's possible that a penalty for one offense can be higher than another offense. That's because the possible financial impact to the co-op of the first offense (ex - a renovation that goes wrong and affects the structure of the co-op) might be much greater than the financial impact of the other offense (ex - littering). So, the co-op is trying to protect all shareholders by letting everyone know in advance what the penalty will be.

I hope this helps. Good luck and please keep us posted.

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I always ask: Who polices the Board?
Who says they follow all the rules?

I’ve lived in two co-ops and both I’ve seen board members do things wrong (not all of course). They have to practice what they preach because then there’s NO respect towards them.

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Can I ask election independent company count ballots and votes in front of shareholders. Can shareholders control them on time when election in process (2 HR)
250 units.

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In my old co-op we had the management company and random shareholders at the annual meeting help (3 were selected) and count the votes so that makes it fair. Ask for that and make it something that happens each year.

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Pooh - In my old co-op, we had 3 volunteers and the attorney count the votes - just so no one could say that the mgt company was possibly biased. The system worked well with no problems.

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BTW who's going to pay for that? The count can be done in front of SH. But what is the rush? why should they be timed?

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To answer your question, no, House Rules don’t supersede the by-laws (which address corporate governance issues for the housing company) or the proprietary lease/occupancy agreement (which address various housing company and cooperator rights and responsibilities).



However, House Rules are intended to supplement the terms of the proprietary lease by addressing many of the day-to-day issues that arise in connection with life in a cooperative. Virtually all co-ops have House Rules; M-L co-ops in the HPD portfolio are required to obtain HPD’s approval of their House Rules, and HPD has reviewed and approved the attached House Rules for GG. Regarding the contemplated fines for violations: As you know, the Rules include extensive “due process” and “right to contest” provisions, and in almost no case would a fine be imposed unless and until there is a repeat violation after the shareholder has first received written notice of the violation.

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> Join the conversation Comments (2)

I understand fines are needed for shareholders who ignore others around them ex: loud TV, banging a hammer after certain hour, but due process?
Why would a board side with you when they levied the fine? It's like admitting they were wrong
In my area, we have other Coops nearby, I suggest invite other Coop boards for a meeting and use another board as appeal process. If we have a shareholder who wants to appeal, then the board can reach out to another board and ask if they will hear their appeal or have other boards send people to listen, ( Total 3 people) and render a fair and unbiased opinion

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All Boards are not alike. What is done in my coop, does not necessarily work for your coop. Different strokes for different Folks. By Laws are pretty much the same, but fines for one thing may be a higher or lower fine for something else, and somewhere else.

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Thank you for that information. Good to know!

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How do you encourage board participation? - TK Jul 20, 2023

My co-op has gotten into huge debt with very little oversight. When emails about the issues are sent out or we have meetings very few people seem interested or speak up or help. How can board participation be encouraged?

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You can knock on neighbors' doors and chat informally about this issue. Also, do you have any common areas in your building? If so you could approach your neighbors there. Do you have email access to your neighbors? If so you are free to send messages to them. Good luck!

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1) Calculate how much additional revenue you need to wipe out the debt in, say, three years. Add 10% or so to begin to create a healthy reserve fund.

2) Have the board vote to impose the assessment or increase, effective immediately. From the situation you describe, you need a cash infusion ASAP.

3) Announce the assessment and/or increase to all shareholders.

4) Watch how quickly shareholders suddenly take an outsized interest in the board and fiscal operations.

-----

The board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the Operating Account breaks even at the end of each year (via maintenance increases) and the Reserve Fund contains a minimum of three months (optimum six months) of maintenance income. This is *after* all of the unsafe conditions in the building are eliminated.

Do *not* let shareholders participate in any maintenance increase or assessment votes. There is nothing in the Proprietary Lease or Bylaws that requires shareholder participation, and you'll never get anything passed. Shareholders do not have the same fiduciary obligations to maintain good fiscal management as board members.

Expect very intense pushback from your shareholders. Before you make any maintenance increases or assessments known to the shareholders, prepare a one or two-page bullet-point summary outlining why the increases are necessary. This will save your vocal cords and mental sanity.

Make sure your annual audited financial report and budget projection are sent to every shareholder before any announcements are made. You should get both of these documents from your accountant. You *do* have an accountant on an annual retainer, right?

Once the financial report and budget are sent to shareholders, solicit feedback about how/where shareholders feel the co-op can be more efficient.

Something I used to do as treasurer is go through the budget line by line and highlight which expenses are non-discretionary. IIRC the top four are real estate taxes, mortgage principal and interest, insurance, and staff salary and benefits. I think you'll find non-discretionary expenses are 75% to 80% of your monthly maintenance income.

One final suggestion, and I cannot stress this strongly enough, is start having long conversations with your accountant and your attorney. These are the professionals who can best guide you and keep you financially healthy. This is what you are paying them for.

Good Luck!

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Previous Board Won't Hand Over Control - Carlosville Jul 18, 2023

I live in a new condo in Brooklyn, where I stepped down from the three-person board because of issues with the other two. They always acted in unison and excluded me from discussions, eventually stripping me of my ability to email owners from our Microsoft Teams account. The two announced that they were staying on several months past the expiration of their terms, delaying the annual meeting and election. We finally submitted a petition to remove them, which they rejected because they claimed our bylaws state that the petition must include the date, time, and location of the special meeting when the bylaws actually say that the notice of the special meeting must include all three (our petition only included date and time).

As we approached the annual meeting, they introduced a proposed amendment to the bylaws that would increase the size of the board to five, knowing that there were only three other people running at the time. I helped to ensure that owners were aware of their activities and the amendment failed and the two were ousted from the board.

The problem is that they have refused to provide the new board access to our investment and banking accounts, along with a host of other items, like condo Amex cards they had taken out, contracts, and vendor information. They deleted all of their emails and removed the payment info from our Microsoft Teams account as well, which led to its cancellation.

Any advice for forcing these two to hand over access to these materials? We're obviously concerned they're hiding something. It's insane.

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Wow!

You need to contact your co-op attorney. Where is your management company in all this?

Maybe your co-op needs to be investigated and especially financially.

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Here I thought we, being a new board were catching HELL! They say there's always someone worst off then you. Definitely where is you management company and atty in this matter? Are they aware of what's happening? They have to step in. Our problem was for the previous 3 yrs, (Pandemic) the previous Board was non existed and did nothing. The management company did nothing to really help or guide them. Now we are struggling to make up and get things going in the right directions. Starting with a treasurer who knows what the hell she's doing!. We're paying bills from 2021 that should have been paid.

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Apartment closing documents - David Jul 11, 2023

Whenever our building has a closing, the management agent sends a 100 page document that requires 11 signatures

Does anyone do this digitally or is paper the only option with wet signatures?

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What to do with Hoarding shareholder - Bronx HDFC Jun 29, 2023

In the HDFC I live in there is a person who is a hoarder, the way we found out was due to a leak that she was not letting us in and the shareholder under her apt. call fire department and they told us of the situation. On top of this she is in arears again. What can we do legally to get her out of for her to clean??? please help!!!

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Your first call should have been to the co-op's attorney. There are several issues at play here which need to be discussed with the attorney and the Board.

1) Arrears - the shareholder is not living up to their legal financial obligation.
2) Hoarding - an issue that affects the health and safety of all shareholders, in
addition to the property value of the co-op.

The fact that you're an HDFC may affect the way that the Board can approach this delicate situation. Let attorney provide the needed legal guidance. You definitely don't want any legal missteps in this complicated situation.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Unfortunately, We too have the same problem! We called protective services and the exterminator. Yeah it was that bad. Protective Services were able to come in do an evaluation, and is getting him help mentally, and get someone to clean out apt. That does not help with the arrears. This is not the first time this happens, and we are looking to see what can be done in the future. He has no family we know of. We are still in the early stage. Don't really know just yet what is next. Thanks for the legal suggestion.

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