QUEENS

Perseverance finally paying off for board at Georgetown Mews.

Georgetown Mews co-op board fought for years to overcome roadblocks.

By spreading payback over years, boards can get cash in hand to do capital work.

The Forest Hill co-op board in Queens takes a DIY approach and reaps a fat profit.

From quarters to smart cards, Automatic Industries has changed with the times.

North Shore Towers becomes the largest smoke-free co-op in the city.

Shutdown of L train will be a bruise for Brooklyn but a potential boon for Queens.

Co-op and condo boards are not responsible for shoddy renovation work.

Under the leadership of board president George McGrath, the posh co-op called Forest Hills South Owners dodged a shady property manager. But that didn't change the fact that it faced major capital investments. Roofs and aging elevators needed to be replaced in all seven buildings. In addition, the board recognized that evolving dynamics in New York's real estate market meant general improvements were required to keep the curb appeal of its buildings, so the co-op added an indoor gym for residents. All of that costs money. The co-op was in fairly good financial shape but they wanted to get into better financial shape.

George McGrath, board president of the posh co-op called Forest Hills South Owners, says his board has maintained a "trust but verify" policy for many years. That legacy includes a simple but effective list of processes when dealing with building finances and management companies.