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?

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.

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.

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!

They changed the locks on us.

The outside door of buildings 1350, 1352, 1354, 1356, 1360, 1362, 1364, 1366, 1370, and 1372 had their locks changed today. Management so kindly posted this flier YESTERDAY. You know, it's kind of a big deal to change the locks, maybe a little more than 18 hours notice is in order?
It says you have to have valid ID. That's bull crap, they can't lock you out of your apartment just because you can't prove who you are. They should know who you are. Anyway, I don't have an ID (who drives anymore? driving is so last centry). The roommate went down to pick up the keys, because shockingly I was out of the house to work before 9:30. Otherwise I would be able to report the hilarity that ensued as I went to get the keys without ID.
FYI, when your key doesn't work, go get a new one.
BTW, a little (though incredibly annoying) trick I learned watching "The Big Bang Theory," if you want to get into a building, just run your hand over all the buzzers.... someone, in some apartment is bound to be awake and buzz you in without saying "hello."

Maintenance is getting mixed reviews from us.

So, the hot water knob in the kitchen stopped working. Very annoying.
I tasked the roommate with calling maintenance (since I work all the time and she is on a 56-week vacation courtesy of Obama's unemployment extensions). She's better with people anyway. So, maintenance gets a B for responsiveness, and a D- for the ability to ring a doorbell. We called Friday, and Monday there was a note saying they came and we were not there. Problem is, we were there. All three of us were there when they came (roommate, roommate's friend, me). She called back, and they came Wednsday and left a note. Again, all three of us were there. They came again Thursday and left a note. Again, all three of us were there. We went down to the office and asked what the deal was, they had no answer and said they'd put our name on the night list. Ha, the infamous night list. That's the list where 3-4 people get their problems addressed between 5pm and 12pm, while the 50 other people on the list are not only not helped, but there is no attempt to convert those names to the day list of the next day. I.e., if you call with an emergency, not only will you not be helped, but you better call back tomorrow, because FBG thinks that emergencies go away if ignored for 12 hours. Needless to say, no one came.

So, who knows if they'll ever come and actually ring the outside buzzer, inside door-buzzer, or God forbid, KNOCK.

Whatever.

Image update!

Ok, ok, I'm wicked lazy about moving pictures from my camera to computer (I guess that's a consequence of huge and cheap memory cards).

But, I've finally posted them.

Laundry:
http://flatbushnyc.blogspot.com/2008/10/laundry-day.html


Leaking ceiling:
http://flatbushnyc.blogspot.com/2008/11/rainy-days-in-my-bedroom.html


Also, see previous post regarding the maintenance department sign.

Rainy days. In my bedroom.

I came home to my bed soaked with a couple gallons of water.

My ceiling leaks. My radiator leaks too, which no doubt causes my downstairs neighbor's ceiling to leak. I called emergency maintenance 4 days ago to have them fix it. The security guy said he'd put me on the list. I said that's fine, but he should understand that the water will cause serious damage to their building. He said he understands that but there's nothing he can do. Needless to say they didn't show up.

I thought it was just my radiator (that leaked water and steam) causing it, and that I fixed it myself. However, I was mistaken. I awoke to a new drip drip drip in my bed. So I went down there to ask why they haven't fixed this serious problem yet. I was nice at first, then we fought. Having gotten nowhere, I next fought with the middle supervisor. These things are never successful, but for some reason it was this time. They sent someone over. My radiator still doesn't work 100% but it no longer leaks, and most importantly to me, the ceiling no longer leaks.

So, that's enough for me to call this a win.

Bubble - a drip from the bubble did most of the damage. There were several.

More damage was done when the bubble bust (insert wall street joke here).

And the resulting bed.

Packages and Produce.

Romy wrote:

Hey, great blog. I'm thinking about checking this place out, and I'm wondering if you or anyone you know has had experience with the package drop-off/pick-up facility and procedure there. Does that function smoothly? If so, that totally rocks!Also, it looks like FreshDirect delivers to your zipcode. Does anyone in the area/complex use it? This would be a major selling point for me, but if no one is using it, I don't know what the scheduling will be like. Thanks!

To which, I post:
You know, I thought I posted something about that, but I can't find it. The package room is only open Wed. morning/afternoon (9-3 ish, maybe) and Saturday midday, I forget. The package room is I believe run by the US postal service. Fedex and UPS don't know about it, and I tried to get them to deliver there once and they tried pretty hard but couldn't figure it out. So the deal is, it's fairly great for getting USPS packages. I believe (though I've never actually gotten a package) that no matter what day a package comes to you via USPS, it will be held in the room for you to pick up Wed. or Sat. This is good. They also said they would accept packages from UPS and Fedex etc. but you're on your own in terms of trying to time the Fedex/UPS delivery during package room hours. Also, I noticed a sign the other day that said "The package room is for SMALL packages only." I don't know what that means.

To me, other than incoming USPS packages, it's fairly worthless.

Also, a little annoyed that's one more thing FBG leasing lied about. They said it was open Monday to Saturday. I have most things delivered to work unless I'm sure it's coming USPS.

If you're used to a "full service" mailroom, either from work or a more "luxury" building... this is not that, or even close.

I've never tried FreshDirect at the apt, and I've never seen a truck outside (but I'm rarely home). I don't eat at home much and my post-church trip to key foods on newkirk is sufficient for me. The problem I have calling cars to take me to JFK is that the buildings are very poorly labeled. FD may have a hard time finding your building, and you may have to "guide them in" via phone, but I suspect delivery would go smoothly. There's lots of double parking room for a truck in the area, so that's not an issue.

I should try freshdirect though. Honestly, the produce in this area sucks. The big produce store is ok, but not air conditioned, full of flies, rarely has lettuce, and the smell of their dried fish section (which people actually buy from) makes me sick. They do have some decent fruit I buy, but not vegetables. Key foods usually has ok stuff. Standard urban grocery store quality. I used to make 12 salads with all kinds of stuff from the produce stand to take to work with me. After moving here, I tried, but it's just too hard to put together a salad worth eating with this stuff. So, yeah, I should try FD too.

Laundry Day!

Ok, so I've done laundry several times before now, but always forget to bring my camera.
First, the laundry facility (near the mail room) is quite large, with many machines. This is a good thing, because many are often broken. Also, I scoped out the private laundrymat, and they're a little more expensive. I remember when I first did laundry, I was impressed with the number of machines (in how it implies I'll never have to wait), and the size of the machines. By my count, there are 21 1x machines, 34 3x machines, and 5 5x machines. The 1x machines are pretty small. A little smaller than your usual small apartment washer. I'd say 4-5 towels or jeans, or 8-10 shirts and you've maxed out. Then of course the 3x are about 3 times that size, and the 5x five times the 1x size. The prices are not proportional, as the 1x is like 1.50, and the 3x is like 2.00, and the 5x is like 2.50. So, bigger is better for cost savings.

Please keep in mind as you read the below complaint (which is fairly outrageous) that I have done laundry at least 4 times already without having to wait for a machine.

Yesterday, I went to do my laundry and couldn't because 88.5% of the machines were broken! That seems like a lot. Actually, 78.3% of the machines were broken, but since only smaller machines worked, 88.5% of the capacity was broken.
By my count, 0 of 5 large (5x) machines were working, 2 of 34 medium (3x) machines were working, and 11 of 21 small (1x) machines were working. You can see that with 60! machines (totalling 148x (i.e. 5x5 + 34x3 + 21x1 = 148) there's quite a supply for people to use. However, with the outrageous level of almost 90% broken, it's not that convenient.

As I was in there counting some FBG employees started asking what I was doing. I said "counting". They said the machines were almost all down, and I said "yeah, are you going to fix them?" They said, something to the effect of "we don't fix them, the contractor has to come fix them." Another employee came up and said "what are you doing, are you with the contractor?" I said "no, I just count." We exchanged some banter, as I continued to give ambiguous and semi-smart-alic responses, and they continued to say the contractor screwed up the installation and needs to come fix it. One either called or pretended to call security, apparently not believing I was a resident and though maybe I was from the news (as if any news gives a crap that we don't have laundry machines). I was done counting so I left, but probably should have stuck around to see what would transpire if I kept counting and taking pictures. I do love confrontation, but the guys were appearing to be jovial during our "confrontation" so I didn't feel defensive and just went about my business (i.e. going to work when I was done counting).

Update: I went by the next day to take some pictures (which I'll post once I get them off my camera), and they were back to their usual 75% availability. So all is well again in the land of cheap laundry. Let the cleaning begin!

Washers

Dryers

More Washers

My continuously updated list of what's wrong with the apartment:

• The kitchen window is broken (though only one of the double panes, so it’s still closed).
• No change.
• The security gate on the kitchen window was removed and not put back up.
• I spoke with management. They said it's the resident's responsibility. I told them I understand that I don't have a right to one as a tenant in general, but I was told it would be left up and it wasn't (i.e. they are in breach of contract). They said to take it up with leasing. Leasing continues to ignore me. I've given up. I suggest anyone who sees a pre-renovated place, add to the lease a written statement that there will be a security gate. I may or may not install one myself, and if I do I may or may not sue for breach of contract, but I'm definitely done wasting time asking for it.
• The entry light has no cover on it.
  • Fixed on 7/22.
• The front door is missing two locks.
• I'm informed that they only install the one lock, and the half door knobs they left in the other two lock places are my responsibility to replace, if I want.
• There is no phone-jack in this apartment.
• I paid Verizon $50 to install one.
• The dinning room electric outlet does not work, and one outlet in the living room barely works.
• I fixed both of these, cost: $10 and 1 hour.
• The bottom hinge of the smaller bedroom is not properly installed, which means the door does not close.
• Fixed on 7/22.
• The bathtub is missing the drain ring and stopper.
• Fixed on 7/22.
• I requested that the child proof window guards be removed.
• I spent $45 on a tool to fix this myself.
• The radiator in the small bedroom is missing the control knob.
• Fixed 9/17.
• The bathtub does not drain.
• Emergency maintenance fixed on first day.
• Dirty laundry was left in the built in hamper thing.
• I cleaned on first day.
• Debris was left in the bathroom.
  • Emergency maintenance cleaned on first day.
• Was not given a mail key.
  • After several failed attempts, finally received my mail key on 7/13. (Ex-roommate's key was ready sometime after 7/13 and before 7/20, and she picked it up on 7/20).
• Elevator broke on 7/7.
  • Working again on 7/13
  • Broken again on 8/12
  • Working again on 8/13 (fast!)
  • Broken again on 8/16
  • Working again on 8/18
  • Broke sometime between 10/3 and 10/5 (I was out of town)
  • Working again on 10/7

Repair timeline:

Moved in July 3rd.

Gave them a list of things wrong with the place July 6th.

Asked why no one has called yet on July 20st. Was told I would be called tomorrow.

Asked why no one called as promised on 7/21, was told I'd be called by the end of the day.

7/22, still no one called, but someone came by and fixed a few things.

7/25, left a message in the morning asking why no one has ever called, and asking that someone call because I need to know if there is anything on the list they are refusing to eventually do so I can hire someone. I've now paid a month of DSL and yet do not have a phone jack in my apt. No reply.

8/5, called again, left a message at 10am. They replied fairly promptly at 3pm-ish. They now say that Management/Maintenance deals with all that, not leasing. I'll call them later.

8/6, wrote letters to management, maintenance, and leasing outlining the remaining issues, and asking that above anything, please just call to tell me what will or will not be done.

8/12, USPS returned leasing office's letter. Apparently, the mail people (who likely only work the FBG complex, can't find the giant sign that says "leasing office" on the 1403 building. I, unlike most, think the post office does an absolutely fantastic job, but they dropped the ball on this one. No response from FBG.

9/1, Wrote another letter to be included with my rent check. No reply.

9/9, Home sick today, so I went down there. They didn't give a crap that they've ignored me for 2+ months, and wrote down my problems. Wouldn't say when they'd be fixed, refused to take keys, and said I'd have to be home. I envision many days wasted at home with no one showing up. I went back to leasing and left a message.

9/17, (0ver a week since last reported, 2.5 months since first reported) fixed radiator. I suspect that I'll have to sue over the remaining issues if I want further repairs.

Execution at Flatbush Gardens.

Honestly, I wasn't going to post this, because I try to keep this to my experiences, and the experiences of those I personally know, and I didn't really see this. However, people have the right to know, and ok, I'll admit it, I'm rather annoyed at FBG right now because though I've been patient with their incompetence and the fact that they don't have a maintenance department, the last time I went to ask them for something they were very rude and that's just too much for me. It's one thing to be incompetent but try to be pleasant while you're ignoring people.

Anyway, a guy was executed by someone on the roof of one of the buildings here a couple weeks ago.

http://www.myfoxny.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7273110&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/08/23/2008-08-23_excon_shot_dead_on_brooklyn_roof-2.html


Two interesting follow-ups, (1) police were patrolling the area for a few days after that, and had this weird observation booth set up on Newkirk (though that may or may not be related; see picture below), (2) the ex-roommate said she saw a group of people out in the courtyard after the incident, one of them was clearly upset at another one of them for having talked to the police and they were fighting. The upset one's girlfriend was trying to pull him away and as she did he made threatening gun motions with his hand, as one might suspect implies the intent to kill him for whatever reason. Anyway, I don't know. The ex-roommate is thinking about moving in July because of the incident. I don't really consider it grounds for moving, though now I may move out because of the rude incompetence of management.

More elevator breaking.

So, this one was worth a picture. Someone on the fifth floor totally busted the elevator door.

Shocking!

So, if you've read earlier posts, you know that two of my outlets did not work. I replaced them myself. Took about an hour, and outlets only cost like $5 each (retail, I hear they cost like a quarter in bulk). Anyway, one of the old outlets is below. Both outlets were the same, totally broken. It's beyond obvious that no one even looked at them during the referb. So outlet checking/replacing is not something that should be assumed will be done.



However, the wiring on the outlets was still very good. Which is a relief, because I added an outlet to my bathroom (since the bathroom did not come with an outlet). The wiring (which they had to have seen since the switch and light were new installs) was totally striped (from age). There was literally two feet of exposed wire in there. I'm shocked the place hadn't burned down yet. I fixed the wiring in the bathroom, but I hope the rest of the place is as good as the broken outlets, and not as bad as the bathroom, or I'm quite scared.

Bonus exercise!

The elevator broke again sometime during the day. I had to carry my bike up to the top floor. It's good exercise. As outlined in my "what's wrong with the apt" post, I sent maintenance a letter. I've yet to get my phone call. Anyway.

Update: Took less than a day to get it up and running this time.

Silent policy shift.

So, it's been over a month since I told them about the things that needed to be fixed when I moved in. They never responded or called once, though did come in and fix a few small things one day. I called them back again, and they finally called me back. However, they now say that leasing no longer handles any of it, and I should call management/maintenance. Super. That would have been nice to know when they made the decision. Anyway, I've had enough fun for one day, I'll send them a letter later.

Some things I really like.

I'd like to point out a few things about this apartment that are great (especially things you may fear wouldn't be great in a "cheaper" place).
1. There is always plenty of really hot water.
2. The bathtub is deep (I do like the occasional bath).
3. Really thick walls (low to no noise).
4. Pretty nice and cheap washing machines at the central location.

I'm sure there are others.

Note about repairs.

They made some repairs on 7/22. Almost three weeks after we moved in, and two weeks after we made a request for repair. That seems like a long time, and it is. However, I will point out, that I get the feeling if I had called them every day or every other day to ask about the status, it would have happened much faster. It would be nice if it happened right away without follow-up, but you get what you pay for. I'm still holding out hope that future work (including the rest of my list) is a little faster.

Note about repairs and safety, as requested by some folks.

They did have the ex-roommate's key today (7/20), and it may have been ready sooner, but she's been busy in the evenings for a few days now. We went to the leasing office today to pick up the key and ask what the deal with the repairs is. The girl at the desk, Amy, is very nice, and seemed quite surprised no one has called us yet. Perhaps they misplaced our complaint letters/lists. It is a huge complex. I won't fault them for a few mistakes. She said she'll look into it tomorrow when the repair/renovation guy comes in, and personally call us to let us know when we can expect him to call. So, so far nothing is fixed, but I'll decide how annoyed I am with that tomorrow after an update from them. Had I been following up with them on a bi-weekly basis, I'd be pretty annoyed right now, but nothing is urgent, so I just let it go for two weeks, and maybe they just lost my letter and will be responsive once they're reminded I have issues. We'll see, and I'll post.

As for safety. I'm a single guy, so that's a little different. I feel very safe. I feel like everyone is super nice. People say hi. People offered to give a hand when we were moving, etc. Most evenings the courtyards are full of kids playing, and parents socializing. I rode my bike home from Manhattan Thur. night at about midnight, and wasn't concerned at any point. I mostly hang out in my apt., but I go to church, the subway stop, the store, etc. and feel very happy with the area. I've noticed a higher rate of people failing to "curb" their dog, so your shoes might be less safe if you don't watch your step, but that's it.

My ex-roommate is a single female. Perhaps I'll solicit her opinion for posting.

Broken Elevator

My elevator broke on 7/7. It was fixed 5 days later. I have two things to say about that. (1) when we were looking at the place they touted "totally modernized elevators so that repairs are quick, if needed." I'm not super concerned about the elevator. I need the exercise, but 5 days seems like a long time. Even my cheap place in DC never took more than a day or two. (2) Thank God it broke after I moved. If they had shown up to a broken elevator and 5 flights of stairs, they would have charged at least $1,000 more, if not much more.