I'll write a last post about my final thoughts on my three years at Flatbush Gardens when I have some more time. I just wanted to quickly write to say: I just got off the phone with Rick Miaw (director of leasing), and I am consistently amazed at how reasonable, competent, and most importantly professional Mr. Miaw is. To be honest, it's just a solid level of professionalism and professional competency; but when held in the stark contrast of the unreasonable, incompetent, and most detrimentally unprofessional attitudes and behavior of the management office, it is truly amazing. (To be fair: I've never actually spoken to Rafeal Garcia (director of operations), but that's mostly because he's never bothered to return a call, and regardless, his people's behavior are imputed to him professionally).
I have a lot of advice for future/current tenants, but I only have once piece of advice for Flatbush Gardens' owner-management. Put Mr. Miaw in charge. You don't have to change roles around, Mr. Miaw can still run leasing, and Mr. Garcia can still run operations, but pay Mr. Miaw more and make him "director of leasing and executive director of operations." At the end of the day, that's the story of Flatbush Gardens, with the expensive ad campaigns and the cheap paint, with the well run open houses and the ineptly run maintenance department: Flatbush Gardens' leasing office is run with four and a half stars, while Flatbush Gardens operations is run with about half a star, maybe one, maybe somewhere between.
If operations and leasing exchanged management teams, FBG wouldn't lose a single tenant, but wouldn't get a single new tenant either. As it stands, they get a lot, and lose them all shortly there-after (probably, I have no statistical knowledge of this).
Mr. Miaw, you have my email address. If you ever want to stop wasting your talent on a place that won't provide a product of the quality you should be selling, let me know if I could be of any assistance in effectuating that move.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, October 11, 2010
6 shootings, 3 murders this year in the complex.
Signs went up recently about a special meeting with the commanding office of the 67th precinct (Oct. 12 at 8pm at 1404 Brooklyn Ave). Sign says "in light of the recent events."
This, of course, is the polite way of saying "since two people have been gunned down in the last two weeks within the complex..."
They couldn't be more sympathetic victims either. A young father who appears to have been mistaken for someone else, and a young boy who refused to join a gang.
According to this that makes six murders within the complex for 2010.
I'm sure they had a hard enough time renting places when they could claim zero murders (2009), with these, I can't imagine good things for the leasing office.
(Title corrected with thanks to the below commenter.)
This, of course, is the polite way of saying "since two people have been gunned down in the last two weeks within the complex..."
They couldn't be more sympathetic victims either. A young father who appears to have been mistaken for someone else, and a young boy who refused to join a gang.
According to this that makes six murders within the complex for 2010.
I'm sure they had a hard enough time renting places when they could claim zero murders (2009), with these, I can't imagine good things for the leasing office.
(Title corrected with thanks to the below commenter.)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Better get that sink fixed ASAP!
http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/brooklyn-building-workers-at-flatbush-gardens-housing-complex-managed-by-renaissance-equity-holdings-protest-pay-cuts
This doesn't add any more information than was already posted on each building's front door, which was previously mentioned here by MM. However, taking the fight to the media is usually an escalation right before actual striking.
Personally, I've had an 8.8% reduction in pay over the last year, and it will be 13.5% on Oct. 1st. Far more acceptable than a 30% benefit cut (maybe, depends on what "benefits" were cut, and how much the salary was cut). I don't know, I'm sure a lot of people, especially time/salary reduced people and unemployed people have mixed sympathies.
What about you? Support the strike? Or support 100% benefit cuts and scabs pulled from the ample ranks of the unemployed?
This doesn't add any more information than was already posted on each building's front door, which was previously mentioned here by MM. However, taking the fight to the media is usually an escalation right before actual striking.
Personally, I've had an 8.8% reduction in pay over the last year, and it will be 13.5% on Oct. 1st. Far more acceptable than a 30% benefit cut (maybe, depends on what "benefits" were cut, and how much the salary was cut). I don't know, I'm sure a lot of people, especially time/salary reduced people and unemployed people have mixed sympathies.
What about you? Support the strike? Or support 100% benefit cuts and scabs pulled from the ample ranks of the unemployed?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Anyone have a story idea for Mr. N?
Hello,
My name is Richard N----. I am a reporter for TheBrooklynInk.com and journalism grad student at Columbia University. I will be covering the neighborhood of Flatbush for the next few months--writing stories about the news, people, events, and goings-on in the area.
I found your blog as I was doing some research on the neighborhood. As a blogger in the area, I was wondering if you had any general viewpoints or concerns that might lead me to any good story ideas. Is there anyone you'd recommend I talk to?
I'd love to meet you in person if you have any free time coming up. We could grab a quick cup of coffee or something. Perhaps you could tell my what I need to know about the neighborhood, from a resident's perspective. I promise I'm not a creep or anything, just a journalist from California who is a long way from home. I really want to do my job right.
Thanks for reading. I hope to meet you soon.
Best,Rich
My name is Richard N----. I am a reporter for TheBrooklynInk.com and journalism grad student at Columbia University. I will be covering the neighborhood of Flatbush for the next few months--writing stories about the news, people, events, and goings-on in the area.
I found your blog as I was doing some research on the neighborhood. As a blogger in the area, I was wondering if you had any general viewpoints or concerns that might lead me to any good story ideas. Is there anyone you'd recommend I talk to?
I'd love to meet you in person if you have any free time coming up. We could grab a quick cup of coffee or something. Perhaps you could tell my what I need to know about the neighborhood, from a resident's perspective. I promise I'm not a creep or anything, just a journalist from California who is a long way from home. I really want to do my job right.
Thanks for reading. I hope to meet you soon.
Best,Rich
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Do I still recommend Flatbush Gardens?
No. Unfortunately. Those of you familiar, will likely know my opinion of FBG is that it's a reasonable place to live. That you get what you pay for here, and it's a fair, if not good deal, with regard to quality/service/safety/etc per dollar.
While I still have no super-serious complaints, has anyone noticed a marked decline in the complex?
My kitchen sink is broken in at least three ways, and literally unusable. It has been this way for over a month. The roommate (having some weekdays off of work) is in charge of interfacing with maintenance. She has been down there at least 20 times, all during the hours they're scheduled to be open. Over half those times they were in fact, not open, with no explanation. (And different times of the day, like maybe they got in late, or left early, or were at lunch, but those could only explain a few of the misses). The other times, a work request was submitted, and she was told it would be placed in the queue, pointing to the huge stack of papers on the desk, with a subtle, "don't hold your breath" look.
I also see less advertising, less security (but to be fair they could easily be out there just as much and I wouldn't run into them because of my schedule recently), less renovation teams, less of our porter, etc.
It could just be me, but it feels like maybe things are in a serious decline.
Anyway, point being: At this time, I'm no longer comfortable saying that if you can tolerate mediocre quality for a cheaper price, then Flatbush Gardens presents a value option. My current perception of the quality/service/safety/etc per dollar, is that it does not provide a very good value.
While I still have no super-serious complaints, has anyone noticed a marked decline in the complex?
My kitchen sink is broken in at least three ways, and literally unusable. It has been this way for over a month. The roommate (having some weekdays off of work) is in charge of interfacing with maintenance. She has been down there at least 20 times, all during the hours they're scheduled to be open. Over half those times they were in fact, not open, with no explanation. (And different times of the day, like maybe they got in late, or left early, or were at lunch, but those could only explain a few of the misses). The other times, a work request was submitted, and she was told it would be placed in the queue, pointing to the huge stack of papers on the desk, with a subtle, "don't hold your breath" look.
I also see less advertising, less security (but to be fair they could easily be out there just as much and I wouldn't run into them because of my schedule recently), less renovation teams, less of our porter, etc.
It could just be me, but it feels like maybe things are in a serious decline.
Anyway, point being: At this time, I'm no longer comfortable saying that if you can tolerate mediocre quality for a cheaper price, then Flatbush Gardens presents a value option. My current perception of the quality/service/safety/etc per dollar, is that it does not provide a very good value.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
I thought Duane Reade was supposed to be NYC special.
Duane Reade's slogan is "Your City. Your Drugstore." Despite being purchased by Walgreens, they still ask for your business by telling you that they get NYC and they understand you NYers. Unfortunately, they don't even know what NYC is.
I was in the Duane Reade today, buying some "whole natural almonds" for $3.99. It's one of their many Duane Reade branded products that tries to relate the product to the city in a clever or humorous way. This one says "8 million nuts, one tiny island." I think this is funny and fair. What it is not, however, is accurate. Can anyone see why?
Well I'll tell you why. It is a well known fact that there are approximately 8 million people living in NYC. It is an even better known fact that Manhattan is an island. However, what should be known my anyone or any store claiming to be a NYCer, or someone who "gets" NYC, is that NYC includes all five boroughs, including two islands (Staten and Manhattan) one non-island (Bronx), and two sections of a large island (Brooklyn and Queens as the west part of Long Island).
Even if you're a Manhattan snob (whether you live in Manhattan or elsewhere like my roommate, who lives in FBG and refuses to acknowledge that Brooklyn is part of NYC) and say that the lesser 4 boroughs are technically NYC but not really, then you still have to admit Duane Reade failed on this package design, because (1) they operate in all five boroughs and (2) it would have to say "1.6 million nuts, one tiny island."
I imagine, some ignorant and/or manhattancissistic person living in Manhattan and working for whatever ad company writes this stuff knew of the 8-million people number tossed around in conversation and never realized that didn't mean 8-million people live on Manhattan. (I also think the city uses the "8 million NYCers" statistic in ways that it intends people to not stop and think about it, since NYC is a tourist destination partly as one of the most densely populated area in the world, which is more impressive if you found a way to fit 8 million people on the little island.
Anyway, I don't expect tourists to know NYC is bigger than Manhattan, or expect them to set foot outside Manhattan more than twice (i.e. the trip to and from the airport), but if Duane Reade is going to be NYC's store, it should figure out what that means.
I was in the Duane Reade today, buying some "whole natural almonds" for $3.99. It's one of their many Duane Reade branded products that tries to relate the product to the city in a clever or humorous way. This one says "8 million nuts, one tiny island." I think this is funny and fair. What it is not, however, is accurate. Can anyone see why?
Well I'll tell you why. It is a well known fact that there are approximately 8 million people living in NYC. It is an even better known fact that Manhattan is an island. However, what should be known my anyone or any store claiming to be a NYCer, or someone who "gets" NYC, is that NYC includes all five boroughs, including two islands (Staten and Manhattan) one non-island (Bronx), and two sections of a large island (Brooklyn and Queens as the west part of Long Island).
Even if you're a Manhattan snob (whether you live in Manhattan or elsewhere like my roommate, who lives in FBG and refuses to acknowledge that Brooklyn is part of NYC) and say that the lesser 4 boroughs are technically NYC but not really, then you still have to admit Duane Reade failed on this package design, because (1) they operate in all five boroughs and (2) it would have to say "1.6 million nuts, one tiny island."
I imagine, some ignorant and/or manhattancissistic person living in Manhattan and working for whatever ad company writes this stuff knew of the 8-million people number tossed around in conversation and never realized that didn't mean 8-million people live on Manhattan. (I also think the city uses the "8 million NYCers" statistic in ways that it intends people to not stop and think about it, since NYC is a tourist destination partly as one of the most densely populated area in the world, which is more impressive if you found a way to fit 8 million people on the little island.
Anyway, I don't expect tourists to know NYC is bigger than Manhattan, or expect them to set foot outside Manhattan more than twice (i.e. the trip to and from the airport), but if Duane Reade is going to be NYC's store, it should figure out what that means.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Single Female
Well, I've not posted anything in a while, and everyone's number 1 super-happy-fun topic is the Single Female perspective on safety, so I thought I'd elevate MM's recent comment to a post:
MM says by way of update:
I am a 20-something, single, white female. Over the past 6-9 months I have felt a little more unsafe than when I moved in in 2008. There does seem to be an increase in the amount of "creepy guys" loitering in the courtyards and they always seem to have something smart to say to me. I do have a tendency to snap back at them so I'm sure that doesn't help my situation. And with summer being here, it's only going to get worse. Come to think of it, it's not just the courtyards, it's the whole neighborhood in general. Am I afraid of physical violence? Honestly, sometimes I am. A group of teenagers tried to start trouble with me one night on the walk to the gym on Flatbush Ave, but a good samaritan interfered. I've started carrying pepper spray. I'm not afraid of being robbed though. I live in one of the best buildings in the complex and I'm sure that helps my situation alot. I think it would be rather hard to rob someone since it would be VERY obvious what is going on with all tenants always coming and going.Either way, when my lease is up in Oct, I'm out of here.All I can say here is that if you are considering the move, ask to see available units in the best buildings-1370, 1372, the ones directly across from there (I don't know the #'s), as well as the one above the maintenance office-these are all well maintained and have lots of friendly neighbors. Spend an afternoon wandering around the neighborhood to see how you feel (night too!). But to be frank, since the economic crash, you can find a cheaper unit closer to Manhattan that will probably have better maintenance and mgmt.
MM says by way of update:
I am a 20-something, single, white female. Over the past 6-9 months I have felt a little more unsafe than when I moved in in 2008. There does seem to be an increase in the amount of "creepy guys" loitering in the courtyards and they always seem to have something smart to say to me. I do have a tendency to snap back at them so I'm sure that doesn't help my situation. And with summer being here, it's only going to get worse. Come to think of it, it's not just the courtyards, it's the whole neighborhood in general. Am I afraid of physical violence? Honestly, sometimes I am. A group of teenagers tried to start trouble with me one night on the walk to the gym on Flatbush Ave, but a good samaritan interfered. I've started carrying pepper spray. I'm not afraid of being robbed though. I live in one of the best buildings in the complex and I'm sure that helps my situation alot. I think it would be rather hard to rob someone since it would be VERY obvious what is going on with all tenants always coming and going.Either way, when my lease is up in Oct, I'm out of here.All I can say here is that if you are considering the move, ask to see available units in the best buildings-1370, 1372, the ones directly across from there (I don't know the #'s), as well as the one above the maintenance office-these are all well maintained and have lots of friendly neighbors. Spend an afternoon wandering around the neighborhood to see how you feel (night too!). But to be frank, since the economic crash, you can find a cheaper unit closer to Manhattan that will probably have better maintenance and mgmt.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Just checking in, and maybe checking out.
So, I haven't been home much. Probably 1 night a week. Don't know if anything is going on or not. Last time I did laundry the "gym" was still as unfinished as it was before. But there is a sign about "information on membership fees coming soon." So I guess the gym is not an amenity. (Probably because they would have to offer it to the rent stabilized people who are paying under-market too, so they can't really roll the cost into rents).
I'm thinking about moving. Not for any particular reason, except I like change. I'm tempted to stay, it being stabilized with free utilities, including free A/C (and I like it cold).
Does anyone want a 2-bedroom in FBG? It's 1,350/month (which is the current going rate), but it's stabilized at that level, whereas most units have that as a preferential rate that can be jacked up quite a bit after the first year or two. Also, though FBG wouldn't agree with this, they cannot demand an A/C charge for any of three air conditioners, so it's free utilities, including free A/C. Also, there's a queen sized loft bed in the smaller room (which is good, because unless you're a kid, the second bedroom in FBG is just too small). That cost like $800 to build, and I don't really want to have to remove it (no piece of it fits out the door, i.e., I'm going to have to unscrew everything to get the wood out to the trash).
I'm thinking about moving. Not for any particular reason, except I like change. I'm tempted to stay, it being stabilized with free utilities, including free A/C (and I like it cold).
Does anyone want a 2-bedroom in FBG? It's 1,350/month (which is the current going rate), but it's stabilized at that level, whereas most units have that as a preferential rate that can be jacked up quite a bit after the first year or two. Also, though FBG wouldn't agree with this, they cannot demand an A/C charge for any of three air conditioners, so it's free utilities, including free A/C. Also, there's a queen sized loft bed in the smaller room (which is good, because unless you're a kid, the second bedroom in FBG is just too small). That cost like $800 to build, and I don't really want to have to remove it (no piece of it fits out the door, i.e., I'm going to have to unscrew everything to get the wood out to the trash).
Monday, January 25, 2010
Semi-interesting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/nyregion/25stuy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
It's interesting in that, when people ask where I live, I often use the well known Stuyvesant Town as an example (but half as tall). However, I'm sure FBG is not facing the same kinds of problems Stuyvesant Town is.
It's interesting in that, when people ask where I live, I often use the well known Stuyvesant Town as an example (but half as tall). However, I'm sure FBG is not facing the same kinds of problems Stuyvesant Town is.
Monday, December 7, 2009
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