Management and the Board await final architectural drawings of the proposed new floor plan, which are being tweaked but expected soon. When available, renderings of the design will be made available for residents to view on the official NST website and in-house television channel and, if possible, posted in public spaces, permission withstanding. The renovations to the Towers Cinema are nearly complete, and the new operators promise more live entertainment, including an upcoming Barbra Streisand Tribute show. Carmiciano warned residents not to bring walkers into seating aisles, which must remain clear in case of emergency, but rather leave them in the back of the theater. Common spaces continue to have a lighting upgraded. There are approximately 800 fluorescent fixtures, which need to be converted to LED. Once completed, NST expects to save about $33,000 in energy costs, with a return-on-investment of less than a three years. The LED fixtures also reduce the load on the generators. Pending projects include replacing the current elevator, which runs from the arcade level to the cinema entrance, with a larger capacity one. This should reduce the “conga line,” which forms after theater events. Minor lobby renovations and reconfiguration of the ticket booth area will be needed to facilitate the new elevator. The manual doors to the VIP Room will be replaced with automated ones, and the contractor on the recently renovated ventilation system in the kitchen had to return for minor corrections after the job did not pass building and fire inspections. The VIP Room awaits another inspection for final approval. Carmiciano pointed out that most of the 40-year-old NST mechanics are “functionally obsolete,” which means things will work as long as parts are available, so NST must be proactive in replacing equipment to prevent being caught short when a part is broken and can’t be replaced. One point of discussion is the replacement of one of the Chillers, huge machines, which create the cold water supply. The general upkeep of garage continues with major reconstruction of one of the ramp walls, the concrete of which is failing and adversely affecting the drainage behind it. The garage lighting is also being upgraded from fluorescent to LED. A lot of circuitry is in the concrete deck. Conduits have rotted away and cables and lighting fixtures are failing. More than 100 fixtures are replaced each year. The new ones have an anticipated lifespan of 30 years and LED lighting is not susceptible to extreme cold temperatures, so will not dim in the winter as fluorescent ones do. Political Action Committee Chairperson Felice Hannah Hannah acknowledged the hard work of PAC members to bring programs to NST. The Committee hosted many officials and workshops, including New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli who shared his goal of keeping NYS fiscally sound, and NST Attorney Errol Brett who helped residents understand the assessment and abatement process. Along with fellow PAC Members Sheila Vas and Helene Magdid, Hannah worked with NY Senator Tony Avella to get four additional lights put up on Marcus Avenue. The Committee is currently working to get a dedicated left-turn signal at Marcus Avenue intersection off the Grand Central Parkway as well as timed lights to allow for pedestrian crossing. The recent workshop, which featured UFT and CSA retirees, was so well received that another is already being planned. A preelection workshop and one on crime prevention also proved successful. Future projects include getting a mobile library to make periodic visits to NST, because many residents cannot access the library in Glen Oaks and a fire-safety workshop. Special recognition was given to New York State Councilman Mark Weprin, who is allowing NST to decide what to do with a million dollars of his participatory budget. Residents will be able to vote on how it will be used on April 16 in the Coleridge Lounge, 2pm–6pm. The Councilman’s staff will aid in the voting process. Presented by Susan Bartelstone, last year’s project improved lighting and safety in Cunningham Park. PAC will host a round table for Honorable Scott Stringer, April 21 at 7:30pm, Towers on the Green, where he will speak about flexible work arrangements. Stringer is fighting for people to retain their pay and jobs when they have to take time off. He will also discuss pensions and saving taxpayers dollars. In closing, Hannah pledged that PAC will continue to bring important officials and workshops to NST. Country Club Chairperson Bruce Savid Savid reported the continued growth of both new and sponsored memberships at the Country Club due to brisk apartment sales. The Club maintained a higher number of golf and tennis memberships, leading to positive financial results for the Country Club. The VIP Room continues to diversify its offerings. There is something for everyone—live entertainment, talks, recorded events and games, such as the popular Trivia Contest—and the Club continues fine-tuning its procedures so events run more smoothly. Savid acknowledged the April cover story of the North Shore Towers Courier—“Coming Attractions: Everything Old Is New Again at NST”—as setting the tone for the Board and action committees. “The Board is moving forward in a proactive mode to update and improve many things; we’re dedicated to the furtherance of North Shore Towers as a first class coop, leveraging its amenities.” The completion of the renovations the cinema was cited, as was the dedication of the new restaurant operators in improving its facilities. Plans to renovate both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools are underway; the former requiring rebuilding a wall separating the diving area from rest of the pool. Savid reminded everyone of the New Member Welcoming Party on May 13, urging all to attend, and closed by saying that the Country Club, men’s and women’s golf associations and tennis associations were busy planning their 2015 events. Special Projects Chairperson Maria Termini-Miller Backed by a slide presentation, Termini-Miller unveiled the updated NST website. Featuring a new motto, “North Shore Towers—A special place to call home; enjoy the lifestyle,” the new site is compatible with mobile devices. Sections are color-coded, each accompanied with pictures. Photos will be periodically updated and plans are already underway to feature the restaurant redesign once renovations are complete. The new site also features a 75-second video introducing NST, featuring real residents or guest of residents—no actors! A resident log-in link is conveniently located on every page, through which people may pay bills online; schedule maintenance appointments; check on packages; and reserve tee times, parking permits, etc. Although the new site is still in beta-testing, these features are available on the current site. Information sheets are available at the management office. House and Grounds Chairperson Howard Teitelbaum Teitelbaum acknowledged that highly recognized New York State reporting agency Property Shark recognized NST as the most successful building complex in City of New York, #1 in desirability, resales and amenities. The House and Grounds Committee is investigating professional architectural firms to submit designs for a front entrance that will impress and lure potential buyers and convey what North Shore Towers is all about. GM Glen Kotowski is reviewing the proposal and will recommend those best suited to the Board of directors who will make the final decision. Renovations to the front plaza were approved five years ago, but Hurricane Sandy and unexpected garage roof repairs put those plans on hold. Due to the delay, the original contractor says the old bid is no longer applicable, so General Manager Kotowski is currently in the rebidding process. Teitelbaum reiterated the successful search for a new cinema operator after its renovations were completed several months ago. GM Kotowski negotiated a good deal and the new operators have lived up to all promises. Kudos were given to the new restaurant operators who delivered excellent service and quality food without interrupting service to the residents. Board Members have spent hours researching solutions to the parking problem at NST. Other high-rise communities have resorted to charging for parking, which The Board will do everything to avoid. Possible solutions will be presented to the Board soon. GAP Chairperson Pat Tulchin Tulchin led the audience in a “seventh inning stretch,” to emphasize the importance for all residents to patronize the gym. She noted that more residents are attending exercise classes with a greater variety to choose from, as many as 61 a week, not including special monthly classes. The recently added Tuesday morning stretch class designed for men has been well received, with the possibility of the same in the evenings, if requested. Since March 15, Sunday mornings at 9am, the Club’s newest trainer, Anthony, and Golf Director Bob Guido have been conducting a sixweek golf preparedness and fitness program in the card room to help members lower scores and achieve greater fluidity in their swings The recent addition of water volleyball has proven quite successful with plans for outdoor pool games once the weather improves. Residents are encouraged participate. Enough interest may lead to a summer water volleyball league. The harsh winter has delayed work on the outdoor pool. There will only be enough time to repair the wall between the upper and lower levels, where the waterfall is located. NST is sponsoring Malloy High School’s golf team. The schedule will be announced as soon as it’s finalized. The school has already missed two games because of snow. The committee continues to work toward designing varied programs for everyone and ask residents to keep submitting written and verbal comments. With the conclusion of Board Member updates, President Gitter opened the floor to questions (See page 18). North Shore Towers Courier n May 2015 7
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