Laundry... the prodigal amenity has returned.

As Megan first noted here, the laundry room has been totally shut down for some time. Wrath followed-up here with an on-site inspection, having out smarted their sign with the secret entrance, also known as "the other door." In an effort to see how many older posts I can link to, I'll ponder with reference to this, what is the difference between the laundry room being closed and opened?
But really, I'm writing to report that I went there this morning to get mail and check it out myself, and they were back up and running, with people doing their laundry.

Though I laugh as much as others when FBG continues to characterize the new and nice laundry room as "state-of-the-art," I do think it's really nice. A lot of machines and less than half the price of the two commercial places closest to the apts. I mean, to me, state-of-the-art might require something a little more futureistic or feature-full than a "super-wash" for a quarter. I do like that for a mere 2-bits you may actually get the soap out of your clothes, but "state-of-the-art"? What exactly is the washing machine art anyway, that it has a current state? Anyway, don't think it should close at 9pm (last call is 7pm), but when open, and when working, it's really nice. Including new ammenities like a vending machine (currently broken, lol).

Get your clean on!

Copyright shmopyright.

In an effort to post without having to do any work or writing or effort... I'm going to jack some content from curbed. I mean, they cited/characterized my blog without asking first, so I'm taking their content without asking first.

In the linked article, new leasing director Rick Miaw commented with the following:

As the leasing manager of Flatbush Gardens, I feel it is necessary to respond to the article “Established Tenants Fear Tides of Change at Flatbush Gardens.” As was stated at the end of the article, Clipper Equity is very respectful of the residents at Flatbush Gardens and our management, maintenance and security staffs are always working to improve the property and the quality of life within our community. We do not differentiate between “established “ and new tenants.
It is surprising that the article did not mention that over $20 million has been spent on this neighborhood which has a history of neglect from previous owners. As the buildings date back to the 40’s there is a constant need for repairs and updates and Clipper has conscientiously been making these improvements. There is a new elevator in each building, new boiler system and many other improvements.
This is a rent-stabilized community of over 10,000 residents with 2,469 homes spread out in 59 buildings over 30 acres. We have a staff that is dedicated to the maintenance of resident’s units and who work full time to make the repairs needed throughout the property. They are always evaluating urgent repairs and regular maintenance so that situations are properly addressed.
In 2006, Flatbush Gardens opened a completely new state of the art laundry facility. There are 65 industrial washers and 50 industrial dryers with proper plumbing and ventilation. This is adjacent to the new 24/7 mail and parcel post center. A new fitness center is planned for the same building.
Flatbush Gardens’ 1940’s buildings were not constructed to handle washing machines in the units. The landlord only finds out about a washing machine in a unit when a neighbor complains of a leak or water damage in their home. The landlord then takes action as the machine is causing a quality of life issue for the building. Improperly self-installed machines tap into the building waterlines causing numerous water issues throughout the building and there are the additional ventilation and drainage issue that are not correctly addressed which become a problem for the whole building.
The well-being of Flatbush Gardens’ residents is of paramount concern to this landlord and all the steps they have taken and will continue to take are legal and undertaken to strengthen the quality of life for all residents.
Our on-site maintenance office is open Monday – Friday, from 9 to 5 and the telephone number is 718-856-4505.
Rick Miaw
Flatbush Gardens
Leasing Manager


POST-SCRIPT: read the comments here for Megan's reply, ripped from the same comment section on curbed.

Meet the Press.

So apparently this blog has been cited by no less than curbed.com and nypost.com. This leads me to believe I'm still the only one who cares to jot down oberservations of FBG living.... I mean, if you have to cite this blog as evidence of something, well, you're reaching.

I also think 99% of the NYPost article is probably bullcrap. Oh, the tanant advocacy lawyer thinks harrassment might be going on in favor of gentrification? The rent-stabalized tenants fear harrassment? I want to see one confirmed housing court docket number where FBG attempted to evict a tenant who paid their rent but refused to pay the A/C fee. (BTW, if that docket number happens to have my name on it, since I pay my rent and refuse to pay the A/C fee, then consider me served). Don't tell me they're just taking their time to file the paper-work... my roommate (former ex-roommate and co-signee) forgot to mail in rent once, and had eviction papers delivered before the next month's invoice. I hate to be cynical, or misaccuse actual victims, but I think the majority of people in a tenant legal clinic didn't pay their rent and now have 100 newly invented reasons for why they did nothing wrong and the landlord is evil. (When in fact they did a lot wrong and the landlord has just the usual 5 or 6 reasons for being considered evil). FIX MY SINK JERKS!

New leasing director.

So, apparently FBG has a new head of leasing and renewals.
http://www.flatbushgardens.net/contact/

Mr. Rick Miaw. I have no comment. I wish Mr. Miaw luck in this new position and hope Miss Nora Gross has moved on to bigger and better things.