Why did we do this? A while back the Board commissioned a review of our security by the LTCA security department. We received recommendations from them at our June meeting and approved their implementation and you see the results in a brighter nighttime exterior.
We have implemented a number of other, less visible, improvements including changes to certain doors to ensure that contractors working in the building don’t leave infrastructure unlocked when they are finished doing their work.
Beyond these relatively minor and inexpensive improvements we were happy to hear that 205’s security is quite good and that no substantial deficiencies were found.
June 29, 2009
Lobby Update - 6/29/09
We’re nearing the finish line in the restoration of the lobby. Durite has completed cutting out the cracks in the terrazzo. In addition, they’ve completed their work to match both the white and gray terrazzo colors and textures. They will be starting to pour the restored terrazzo this week, completing not long after that.
Meanwhile T. M. Construction has completed the finishing of the walls and ceilings in preparation to the painting and wall covering, to be followed by the installation of the light fixtures. The refurbishment of the concierge desk will take place in the next few weeks.
Once the terrazzo around the four large columns is restored, then T. M. Construction will begin installation of the tiles on those columns.
Management and the board are reviewing the budget and expenses to date and the remaining items in the plan. Once we’ve completed the budget review we will place the orders for the furniture and carpets to complete the project.
June 5, 2009
Lobby Update - 6/5/09
It is a challenge to report on things that you can see for yourselves just as well as we can. In the last two weeks the construction contractor has made further progress on the walls and ceilings. In the last week they have removed the old smoked mirrors from all of the places where they will be replaced. In addition, they have installed new caulking between the granite sections and are evaluating coloring choices to minimize the visual effect of the seams.
New unsmoked mirrors will go up where the old mirrors were after the floor work is complete. A couple of the more unobtrusive smoked mirrors will be left in place, which will save some money.
In the past week the contractor has completed the cove base work around the four columns and next week will begin the restoration of the terrazzo around the four columns. Also next week Durite will begin work on the cracks in the floor. The cracks will be excavated to create spaces large enough to accommodate replacement terrazzo.
In the next couple of weeks the construction contractor will complete final finish work on the walls and ceilings and will work on trim details.
We will order carpets and furniture for the sitting areas close to the end of the construction and restoration phases.
May 22, 2009
Lobby Update - 5/22/09
Things are moving along in the lobby refurbishment. We find ourselves looking forward with eager anticipation every day on our return home. What new thing will there be to see? We feel like children on our birthdays every evening.
Next week the construction contractor will finish sanding and priming all of the areas that have been reconstructed. They will also begin to paint the ceilings in the lobby, the mail rooms, and the elevator lobbies. Can the new lighting fixtures be far behind?
Durite next week will complete preparation of the circles around the pillars and will begin pouring new terrazzo in the places that need it. They will also begin the work of cutting out the major cracks so that they can restore the terrazzo there as well.
We’ve made some minor adjustments to the plans to properly ventilate the air handling machinery that keeps the lobby cool in summer and warm in winter.
May 15, 2009
Lobby Update - 5/15/09
By now we are beginning to get used to the bright new look of the lobby. The big windows on both north and south sides, coupled with the light colored floor and the light wall covering that will go up in a while, make for a very light and airy feel to the lobby.
Next week the construction contractor will complete the plastering and painting of the walls. Work will commence subsequently on refurbishing the concierge desk as well as on the new counters and furniture for the mail rooms.
Durite, the floor restoration contractor, has finished removing the cement patches and filled the space underneath. Next week Durite will waterproof those areas. They will then mix terrazzo samples and do the work required to precisely match the restored material to the colors of the original.
May 13, 2009
Annual Meeting Results
At the Annual Meeting held on May 12th 2009, the following shareholders were elected to the Board of Directors;
- Jeffrey Allister
- Eleanor Applewhaite
- Abigail Burns
- Marc Donner
- Lee Huang
- Robert Stein
- Stuart Sugarman
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank
Art Lindenauer for all his hard work and dedication over the last eight years.
May 8, 2009
Lobby Update - 5/8/09
As you can see, the work on the walls is progressing steadily. If you look carefully you can discern the new lighting plan. The contractor will continue with electrical work, and plastering and finishing the walls next week.
Next week Durite will begin the work of cutting out the sections of the floor where the restoration of the terrazzo will be done. This will entail erecting some tenting around the areas where the saw cutting will take place. There will be some noise and dust during the actual cutting. The contractors are working with building staff and management to keep the dirt and disruption to an absolute minimum.
May 1, 2009
Lobby Update - 5/1/09
Next week on Monday and Tuesday the floor restoration work will continue with the removal of the granite tiles in the entrance vestibule between the automatic doors. This means that anyone with wheeled conveyances (wheelchairs, strollers, carriages) will need to use the east side back door to get in and out. This will be completed by the end of day Tuesday and the sliding doors will be available again from some time that evening onward.
The contractor will continue with electrical work and plastering and finishing the walls next week.
On Tuesday the circuit breaker, which is located in the management office, is scheduled to be replaced. This will displace the AKAM staff during the day, though they will continue to respond to phone calls and email.
April 10, 2009
Lobby Update - 4/10/09
Progress is very visible. Several board members have reported being approached by shareholders with enthusiastic comments about the changes in the lobby and about the attractiveness of the terrazzo floor. Some have noted that they feel that the lobby under demolition is extremely bright and attractive.
Next week the contractor will start removing the tiles and carpet from the elevator lobbies on the east and west sides, exposing the terrazzo under them.
At the same time, the contractor will continue to work in the mail rooms. The contractor will plaster and sand the exposed areas. In addition, they will skim coat the ceilings. They will also continue electrical work on the revised lighting.
We will continue to post updates as the work proceeds to alert you to progress and to help you plan for the necessary disruptions attendant on this sort of project.
April 6, 2009
Annual Meeting & Election of Board Members - May 12th
Six of the current seven members are seeking new terms. Shareholders are encouraged to submit their nominees to run for a Board position.
Job Description
The Board manages and supervises the finances and activities of the Cooperative. In doing so, it has focused on minimizing our cost structure without sacrificing service and on protecting and enhancing shareholder value.
The Board usually meets on the first Monday of each month and to address matters that require immediate attention. Individual Board members also work with shareholder committees (Community Room, Energy, Gym and Lobby Redesign), liaison with LTCA, supervise ongoing activities and take on projects. On average, members devote about 12 hours a month, plus the regular monthly meeting.
Who Should Serve?
Current members have backgrounds in general management, law, technology, engineering, and communications. Having these or other equally relevant and complementary skill sets is important, as is the ability to work together collegially as a team.
Availability is important. Issues can and do evolve that must to be resolved immediately. Having the time for and commitment to the Board responsibilities are necessary.
The Board should be representative of the Community. Commitment to the welfare of 205 West End and its residents is are essential.
What are the rewards of board membership?
Board members play an important role in the management of what is probably one of our most important individual financial assets. They also take a leadership role in a community of over 800 people, who depend on us for independent and prudent judgment.
To put your Name before the shareholders:
Submit a single page including a brief biography, and a statement describing what motivates you to join and what you can contribute. Include a photograph. It will be included with proxy materials. Bring your page to the management office or email it to
management@205westend.com by April 24th.
March 17, 2009
Lobby Update
The Lobby Restoration project is about to begin. Contracts are being finalized and the 1st phase of the project will commence on Thursday, March 19th. This will consist of demolition and the restoration of the four seating areas, which will take approximately 40-60 work days.
You can expect to see an update every Friday posted on the bulletin board at the entrance of the mailroom. Be aware that there will be some noise and dust while work is going on.
The Board and management are taking all measures possible to minimize the impact to the residents.
March 10, 2009
Compactor Room Lights
Several shareholders have written to suggest, and the utilities conservation committee has also considered and recommended, that shareholders be asked to turn off the lights in the compactor room when you’re done with them. The savings, while small for any individual room, adds up across the 56 compactor rooms in our building.
Each compactor room should have a light switch near the door. If you’re unfamiliar with it, look for it the next time you take out your trash. In some cases you’ll find that it’s inoperable for one reason or another. We are in the midst of inspecting the compactor rooms and repairing any switches that require it. Please feel free to notify the management office (+1-212-580-5600 or
managingagent@205westend.com) with your floor and side if you find the switch inoperable.
March 4, 2009
Gym Update
The gym room is a very popular facility, and many shareholders use it regularly. In view of the heavy usage and the age and condition of the equipment, the Gym Committee has asked the Board to have the equipment in the gym room reviewed so that worn out equipment can be replaced. The Board has approved this request and management has scheduled visits by equipment vendors for the very near future. We expect that worn out equipment will be replaced in the near future.
This upgrade will be funded entirely out of gym membership fees.
March 4, 2009
Lobby Update
The management office has received bids from eligible contractors for the various phases of the lobby restoration and we expect to notify the selected bidders this week. Once contracts have been signed we will work with them to develop a time line for the actual work. Once that time line has been agreed, we will publish it in a lobby update to residents.
February 6, 2009
Utilities Conservation Committee Update
The newly formed Utilities Committee met on January 29th to organize itself and embark on investigations of energy- and money-saving opportunities for the building. The members of the committee are:
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Martin Finneran (Resident Manager)
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Emma Gruber
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Mark Haies
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Seymour Herschberg
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Art Lindenauer (Board representative)
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Marissa Lopez (AKAM Associates)
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Arthur Margulies
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Mark Weil (AKAM Associates)
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Howard Zuckerman
The committee agreed to explore a range of options and assigned members to conduct investigations and report back to the committee:
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Electricity – Mark Haies
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Gas – Arthur Margulies
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Solar panels – Seymour Herschberg
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Steam – Art Lindenauer and Mark Weil
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Water – Emma Gruber and Martin Finneran
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Well water for lawn and garden – Mark Weil
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Wind turbines – Howard Zuckerman, Art Lindenauer, and Marissa Lopez
