CM Santosuosso questions existing building conditions and improvements
Santosuosso asks about improvements to the existing building. Morajanis reports approximately $20 million in improvements since 2013, including recent new windows, AC sleeves, and roof vents through a NYSERDA weatherization program. He describes 24-hour security, daily maintenance, and a site office for resident communication. Lobel notes 27 open violations out of 394 total DOB and ECB violations.
And so now I want to talk a little bit about just conditions in the existing building.
I know you and I had had a conversation about that.
Just making sure, of course, that, you know, these very noble, 100% affordable buildings, which are, you know, frankly, few and far between and really helpful when they do exist.
Just making sure that also the quality of the housing is also strong.
Have you made any improvements to the existing building that you just want to note and anything you can say about, you know, upkeep in the existing building, particularly, you know,
after you have submitted this application and we had discussed it?
Well, the improvements that have been made over the course of the ownership since May of 2013 in dollar amounts have been around $20 million.
The most current improvements that were made were new windows.
AC sleeves, roof vents being replaced.
That was done through a weatherization program with NYSERDA.
And that was about maybe a year and a half ago.
But we keep up everything.
There's nothing in bad condition.
Everything is functional and in working conditions.
The buildings are swept them up every single day.
There's a full-time 24-hour security in that building.
It's a well-maintained building.
We have a site office.
Our communication with the residents is constant.
We don't have any barriers between management and the residents in the building.
They come in during office hours.
They express what they need to express.
If they need a service call, if they need to discuss something regarding their lease, or whatever it is that they need to interact with management with, we're available to them, and we have a very good relationship.
And just to note, Councilmember, as a matter of public record, Demetrios is operating the existing building and having worked with him for years, I know he's a conscientious landlord and owner.
Of 394 DOB and ECB violations, there are 27 open ones.
You know, this really and in a building of this size and with, you know, the robust usage of this building with 360 units, I think he really does a fairly, you know,
exemplary job in terms of addressing open violations and making sure that the buildings run responsibly.
I think your audio is off.
Thank you for that.
I'm trying to save everybody from a crying baby.