Pros:
Prospective renters in Manhattan should strongly reconsider any properties under the management of Milton Taube, often referred to as "Uncle Miltie." As a long-term resident of of his Upper East Side building, 208 East 88th Street, I have endured persistent and severe neglect that has rendered the living conditions untenable. Structural deficiencies abound, including pervasive mold growth that compromises air quality and health, and prolonged gas outages spanning months, prolonged gas leaks for months, forcing tenants to rely on makeshift electric hot plates for basic meal preparation—as if urban living were reduced to primitive camping.
Maintenance efforts are woefully inadequate: superficial fixes, such as applying inexpensive plaster over underlying issues, invariably fail, exacerbating the problems over time. Tenants have documented instances where building superintendents merely painted over black mold with white paint, a practice that not only masks hazards but endangers residents' well-being.
The management team's approach is equally reprehensible, characterized by indifference and apparent malice. Requests for assistance go unanswered, with only ambiguous notices posted on doors regarding service disruptions. There appears to be a deliberate strategy of delaying repairs to incentivize the departure of established tenants, potentially to facilitate higher rents or redevelopment. Reports of intimidation tactics—such as unwarranted eviction threats or baseless accusations of lease violations—further compound the hostility, fostering an environment of fear and instability. With ongoing violations cited by city authorities, the property verges on constituting a public nuisance, contributing to elevated stress levels among residents—personally, I have experienced significant health impacts, including heightened blood pressure—and prompting many neighbors to relocate en masse. The allure of a prime Manhattan location cannot compensate for these egregious shortcomings; this exemplifies the archetype of exploitative property management. If ratings permitted, this would warrant zero stars.
Cons:
Don't take my word for it, New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/22/nyregion/22about.html
Advice to owner:
Remove Life Support and forced property transfer to NYCHA