Lipstick on a Pig
Pros
It’s relatively safe from fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. It’s better than being homeless. The courtyard is nice.
Cons
1. Minimal heat in the winter. When I complained to the Super they lied and said temperature was at 68’F (minimum temp required by law). They also claimed the heat was controlled by sensors and a computer so there was nothing they could do. They would NOT turn the heat up until I got advice from Met Counsel on Housing on how to prove the heat was below the minimum required. They can turn up the heat. Don’t let them lie to you! A neighbor told me that one of the other buildings didn’t have heat or hot water last winter. 2. Thin walls, floors, & ceilings. In my apartment I can hear noise from the hall, upstairs, downstairs, and sometimes nextdoor. I have heard other peoples whole conversations. If your neighbors are decent this isn’t a huge problem. Unfortunately I have neighbors who engage in suspicious activities and harass other neighbors. If you move here budget for soundproofing. 3. Security is a joke. These buildings don’t have a doorman. There is a security guard that sits at the front desk on their phone doing nothing. They only move if someone parks in the front without paying. Cars get booted fast. Backdoors to the outside get propped open with tape or screws so anyone can enter building and do suspicious activities. Also packages get stolen. 4. Poor water quality. The water looks clear coming out of the tap, but if water drips on the counter and dries it is rust colored. Sometimes there is a smell to the water. Only use filtered or bottled water here. 5. Cleanliness is spotty. At a glance the common areas look clean but after a while I noticed a lot of air freshener is being used to mask smells that can’t be gotten rid of. The stairwells smell of urine, smoke, and BO. When I moved in I cleaned my whole apartment and noticed smells coming out of the walls. Also the bathroom vent lets in foul odors, sounds, and bugs. I’m guessing the HVAC system never gets cleaned. I’ve seen less than 10 bugs in the past year but I’m practically OCD about cleaning and pest control in my apartment. 6. LeFrak claims to recycle and compost. It all goes to the landfill. 7. If you bring concerns about anything to anyone they will do exactly nothing.
Advice to the owners
1. Turn up the heat during the winter. Properly insulate the windows or replace them completely. Properly cover wall AC units or replace them. 2. Soundproof by adding acoustic panels, installing carpets, and sealing windows and doors to reduce noise transmission. 3. Regularly audit and maintain security features and procedures to ensure they are effective. 4. Regular water quality testing and maintenance to ensure safe drinking water. Install effective filtration systems to remove contaminants. Check for and address any plumbing issues that may contribute to poor water quality. 5. A good deep cleaning throughout is due. Regularly clean and maintain the HVAC system. 6. Actually recycle and compost. 7. Basic professionalism.
No heat being given the last couple of days
Pros
Apartments are spacious
Cons
No heat, noisy neighbors and now lack of ty
Advice to the owners
Give some Heat!!
