A co-op or condo association is more than just a group of homeowners living in the same building. It's a business, and it should be treated as such. One of the most important aspects of managing a co-op or condo association is having a formal nomination process for board members that is communicated to the community in advance.
Read MoreIf you're on the board of a building in New York City that is greater than 50,000 square feet, you might be wondering how to comply with and not break Local Law 97's new emissions standards without breaking the bank. The good news is that you might have already taken a step towards compliance without even realizing it.
Read MoreHeat pumps have become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to heat homes, but there is a common misconception that they don't work well in cold weather. Recent articles in the New York Times and the NY Post have added to this confusion, but the truth is that heat pumps are more than capable of functioning in cold climates, and this has been proven in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In these countries, heat pumps have been used extensively for many years and have been found to work efficiently even when temperatures drop below freezing.
Read MoreNew York City's Local Law 97 is set to go into effect in 2024 and is aimed at reducing carbon emissions from buildings over 25,000 square feet. To comply with the new emissions standards, building owners and operators need to start preparing now. Here are the top 5 tips on how to get your building ready for Local Law 97:
Read MoreAs the weather starts to warm up, many people are getting ready to bring out their bikes for the season. For those living in co-op and condo buildings, this can pose a challenge when it comes to storing their bicycle, unless the building has a proper bike storage space. Although CitiBikes are the preferred choice for team Folson Group, it is not for everyone. Adding a bike storage room creates an extra amenity that increases property values.
Read MoreAs a co-op or condo board member, you're no stranger to making decisions that benefit both your residents and your building's bottom line. One such decision you'll want to consider is upgrading your building's lighting to LED fixtures, and you'll want to act fast: Local Law 88 requires all buildings to make this upgrade by December 31st, 2024.
While the law applies to all buildings greater than 25,000 sq ft in New York City, it's especially important for co-ops and condos with common areas such as hallways, basements, and stairwells that are typically left illuminated 24/7. Making the switch to LED not only helps your building meet regulatory requirements but can also lead to significant savings on your electricity expenses in the long run.
Read MoreNew York City's Local Law 97 has put in place strict regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from buildings greater than 25,000 square feet. While this is a positive move towards a more sustainable future, it also means that building owners are at risk of significant fines for non-compliance. As a result, many building owners are considering remeasuring their properties to avoid penalties. However, the decision to remeasure is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of several factors.
Read MoreEverybody wants to do their part to chip in and help save the planet; particularly if it helps them save their own money! In the past, we’ve offered many useful tips on reducing electrical consumption. While it is generally understood that electricity and water don’t mix, we are going to ignore that and follow up with tips on saving water (and of course, money)!
Read MoreNew York City's rat problem is infamous, with the rodents running rampant in many areas of the city. In an effort to combat this issue, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced changes to garbage setout times, effective April 1st, 2023. The current setout times of 4pm - midnight will be revised, with new times for different types of waste.
Read MoreCooperative and condominium communities are unique in their governance structures. Instead of a single homeowner being responsible for their property, a board of directors is elected to manage the affairs of the entire community. These boards are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the community, managing finances, and making decisions that affect the entire community.
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