Residents were very angry having to look at board member Stephen Fanuka's toilet for months, and the covered pallet of stone or whatever was underneath the cover on his driveway for everyone to see. Yet, there was no mention of it in the worthless newsletter, nor did we get a formal letter from management. It’s beyond unprofessional for an entire board to call residents “sociopaths” in a letter. They are the sociopaths.  I applaud any residents who force the board to embarrass themselves as they did with that letter. Keep it up, my fellow sociopaths.

I feel so much better knowing the board sits around manufacturing fake alibis. It's good to know where their priorities lie.

I am putting the board on notice to stop sending me letters about things that come in my mailbox that have nothing to do with the management and finances of the condo.  Absolute nerve spending our money on postage for a letter that has nothing to do with condo business.   Any resident that calls the board about mail they receive are fools.  Grow up you morons. Residents care about the crappy job you all do running this place.

Just like the idiots on the board to call attention to something we already forgot about but now I can't stop thinking about it.  No one believes those photos were doctored.  The letter showcasing someone doing something tawdry was distasteful but obviously true. While I did not like receiving the gossip I really don't like the board's letter trying to convince us it wasn't real.  They aren't very good at anything they do.

The only time the board is transparent is when they are up to their usual sleaze. The board is as slimy as my siding. They better stop protecting the usual suspects while they lie and hide from  the rest of us.  

Double Standards? There are no standards for the rest of us and that's the problem. We get to look at board member Fanuka's toilet for a year now and his driveway has become a loading dock.  The entire board is a self serving machine, we only know about the things we can see one can only imagine what goes on behind the scene.

The mere fact that the board revealed both bids to install the lighting at the entrance is all I need to know to see that the whole thing is a game. The board's selective editing of information tells us what they are really doing. I have no doubt that the higher bid was arranged to ensure the same people get the contracts. The board keeps their distance from us, hides important information, all while we see the property deteriorating and maintenance costs keep increasing.

Same management company two different board of managers. Estates ll can't hold a candle to Estates l. Our clubhouse is a joke to the residents there. No one can believe what we spent. The consensus is at Estates l is “What did they spend all that money on? Paint and  furniture?"  Fortunately we will be able to compare apples to apples when we do the lower lever. Many of us in Estates ll have ask our friends down the way what their spent on their lower level so we know what it cost and their lower level looks great.

The structural change approved by Alan Rothenberg for board member Stephen Fanuka should have been in the news letter. Especially in light of how much attention has been dedicated to the resident who requested a new deck.

The upside down sign we all saw when passing through the entrance gate sums up the care taken at Estates ll. I wonder how long that sign would have  remained upside down if the Residents Club did not share the picture.

In a world of technology and accountability it’s criminal what the board is doing… Maintenance should go into an escrow account until they open the books to us.

Just a thought:  If the village of North Hills posts their minutes on the internet what is our boards excuse for keeping minutes private. We find out more about what's going on in our community from the village then our own board. 

Every sign except for stop signs seems pointless. People speed past the 20 mph signs, and they barely stop at the stop signs. Cars that were parked on the street before the no parking signs continue to park there after the signs were put up. The speed bump signs are so unnecessary, and I wonder who they are supposed to benefit. Residents already know where the speed bumps are. The most ridiculous sign is the one indicating addresses — again, who benefits from these unnecessary signs? Residents know where they live, guests can find a friend’s home, and delivery people will learn their routes over time. The board has commercialized what was once a charming neighborhood, with their quick fixes that accomplishes nothing. If this was happening in an upscale residential non gated area the homeowners would be at a town meeting complaining about all the ugly signs but we have no one to voice complaints to. 

It's really disappointing to see how the condo's lawn has been destroyed by the snow plows, who clearly don't know how to properly clear the streets. There's no reason for the plows to scrape the grass with the shovel. The cobblestones have been displaced, and the lawn is torn up and looks terrible. The neighborhood overall is in such poor shape—cracked roads and driveways, garbage, dog waste, an overload of signage, and now this damage. If you drive through nearby neighborhoods in Manhasset and Roslyn, you'll see their lawns remain intact after snow removal. What happened to our once charming neighborhood? It's really upsetting.

I just came from Munsey Park and not one lawn was destroyed by the snow plows.  What goes on here is a disgrace.  

Any resident could run this place.  All you need is a phone and a pair of eyes.

In my view, we have 8 or 9 managers already, so why are we paying for a management company? The board needs an administrator or assistant. We have a treasurer who should oversee the finances, and the admin can handle bill payments and oversee the landscaper. Please explain why we need an entire management company to run a relatively small condo with few moving parts to oversee. It seems like a huge waste of money—an unnecessary expense.

Between the clubhouse, the unprofessional budget and now the firing of the maintenance team  all signs point to a  board that has no idea what it is doing.

Many residents would likely support maintenance fee increases if they believed the condo was being properly maintained. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Most residents feel that repairs take too long or are not addressed at all, raising concerns about where the funds are actually going. The board seems unbothered by the fact that residents are left to deal with unresolved issues like roof and driveway repairs, which indicates a failure to maintain the common areas effectively.

We moved into this community expecting a certain level of upkeep and quality of life, but instead, we find ourselves living with unsightly driveways and neglected property. Many of us come from backgrounds where we maintained our own homes, and we believed that a condo would relieve us of such responsibilities. Instead, we are forced to live with deteriorating conditions, including dirty siding that we have to wash ourselves.

I agree with everything said in the post about the budget. The idea that maintenance costs are only going up because of inflation is just not true. Our maintenance expenses are actually increasing around 10%, while inflation is only about 2-3%. That’s a big difference, and it shows that the board might not fully understand how proper budgeting works. They really should be talking to our condo accountant to get a clear picture before making such big decisions.  Every news letter mentions how the boards relies on the condo attorney but never any mention of consulting the accountant. I find that concerning.

Spending is clearly out of control. There must be attempts to bring costs down. Also, raising the common charges by more than 10% when inflation isn’t even close to that seems suspect. It feels like there’s a lack of proper planning here.   I hope the board starts being more open and consults with professionals in the future.

Having maintenance costs above $1,000 a month is concerning. The board's continuous increases in maintenance fees without any effort to control or reduce costs could lead to a decline in our property values. Since we don’t have extensive land, a luxurious clubhouse, an indoor pool, or top-tier amenities, we shouldn’t be priced out of the market. These ongoing hikes are a clear sign of mismanagement, and everyone can see it. We need to address this before it impacts our investments and the desirability of our community.   We should start fresh with all new vendors.

The board inflates the budget and claims that minimum wage and inflation are the reasons for the increase in maintenance costs. However, this is false. Inflation is only about 1%, primarily reflecting food and energy prices. Minimum wage has remained unchanged for four years. This is simply smoke and mirrors.

The board used to go on and on about how this website will bring down property values, but it is proven that consistent increases in maintenance actually decrease property values because they are a clear signal that there are ongoing management issues.

If I ran my household the way the board runs this condo I would be broke just like the condo. The board never talks about cost reducing strategies every year it is the same playbook about inflation. No mention of what happens to the unspent money from the budget, no carry over to the next budget. The money appears to vanish while the condo deteriorates.

There was an abysmal turnout for the Bah Humbug party. It would have been nice to see families with children there. 

This is out of control. It's everywhere.

Estates ll is not a senior citizen center. Thank you for the article about the holiday party.

I agree with the recent post about a resident mistreating condo staff. Punching down is the lowest behavior.  The board shows cowardice when they should be strong. The fact that they are aware of the abusive behavior means an employee made a complaint so there are details of the incident and they know who the offending resident is. This is not the first time we have received an email telling all of us to respect the staff. We do not need to be told how to behave. If the board is not going to name the resident and explain what happened in the email then they should stop sending cryptic messages to all of us. Deal with the person who committed the offense directly. They seem to forget running the condo is serious business they should start behaving seriously about serious issues. Lucky for the residents and the board there is no HR department.

Why was there no mention of Board Member Fanuka's port-a-potty in any newsletter? There should have been a discussion about whether to allow it, including the reasons for its necessity—especially since this appears to be the first time a resident renovating a home has required a portable toilet. Additionally, there should have been a discussion about the placement of the structure to ensure residents wouldn't have to look at it for months. Looks like board members doing what ever they want. With no consideration for us. 

I strongly recommend that the board take direct action regarding residents who mistreat condo employees, rather than issuing generic letters to all residents. Failing to address such behavior appropriately could lead to serious repercussions, including potential legal action. It is essential that the board demonstrate they are actively working to prevent and address any misconduct by residents. Those who engage in aggressive or disrespectful behavior should be met with firm, appropriate consequences, including legal notices if necessary. Taking decisive action will show that the board is committed to maintaining a respectful and safe community for everyone. 

There appears to be no justification for allocating $75,000 in legal fees within the condo's budget. What specific legal matters are anticipated to require such a substantial expenditure? Additionally, I have observed that the budgets do not reflect any carryover of unused funds into subsequent years. What happens to the unspent amounts? It seems that these funds effectively disappear at the end of the fiscal year, which raises concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the budgeting process.

If I were a cynical person I might think the board displayed kindness towards Henry while he was recovering from an on the job injury to ensure he chose to returned to work instead of suing the condo. Then after he returns they fire him for no good reason. That is the only thing that makes sense, if I were a cynical person. 

The Board of Managers lacks any legal authority beyond a court order that prevents an individual from entering the property to go to a person's home. They have adopted a totalitarian approach, creating their own rules and acting as if they possess unchecked power over us—power they do not legitimately hold.

Board members should dedicate time to thoroughly understanding the condo bylaws, vs  focusing on reviewing and discussing the qualifications of residents who wish to become involved in the community. This seems to be a farce, driven by the desire to tightly control the committees and the information shared with residents. It appears that only those individuals whom the board trusts to keep information confidential will be permitted to serve on committees.

The board has squandered our maintenance funds on unnecessary legal fees (Manhasset Crest-Toll Bros.), vanity projects, and who knows what else. It is clear that the condo is financially strained. The only plausible explanation for the lack of repairs to the driveways is the absence of sufficient funds. No resident should have to bear the cost of repairs for a driveway in poor condition. We must question where all of the money has gone and we must continue to demand transparency.

Why does it take a yearly print out to find out we have negative balance when every-month the news letter shows rosy print out. No red flag in the news letter about financials. 

I enjoy walking around the neighborhood, but I am utterly dismayed by the damage the mowers do to the lawns that are in good shape. They don’t attempt to make all the bare areas green, and the nice, healthy lawn gets destroyed by the mowers. What is wrong with the people on the board that everyone can see this, but them?

Stephen Fanuka’s outdoor toilet in the middle of the neighborhood is disgusting. His workers loiter around bluebird all day. It’s so low class I can’t believe what is going on here. I’m so fed up with the board I can’t take it anymore!

I am outraged by Stephen Fanuka’s behavior. While we’re forced to comply to rules he is not. Enough of the unfair double standards.

Stephen Fanuka respects nothing and no one but himself. His actions prove he's only out for his own interests, disregarding rules, community values, and basic respect. It's clear he's all talk and no integrity.  

I am disgusted by Stephen Fanuka’s blatant disrespect for the Jewish people living here. Breaking the no contractors rule  shows a complete lack of integrity and consideration for those of us who observe the high holiday Rosh Hashanah. We deserve better from someone who is supposed to be a leader in the community. He should be removed from the board and offer a public apology.

Assessment: Looking at the newsletter from over a year ago on the website, I have a feeling it’s going to be a real problem for the board. If it weren’t for that post here, none of us would even remember that part of the assessment was supposed to cover the renovation of the lower level. I’m looking forward to hearing how the board plans to explain that there’s no money left to start on it. A big assessment is coming our way. At this point, we only have ourselves to blame. Not enough of us stand up to these idiots.

The many double standards exhibited by the Board of Managers confirm what the Residents Club has been asserting all along: they are not acting in the best interest of the community. Their decision-making clearly demonstrates a lack of genuine concern for residents' well-being, and they seem disinterested in fostering meaningful community involvement.

Is anyone really surprised that Alan Rothenberg lied last year when he said he was open to returning to open board meetings? There is just something off about him. He’s not a nice person. These board members only pretend to be nice when they’re up for re-election, and then they go right back to treating us like we’re here to serve them, like they’re better than us. Tthey don’t  have the right  attitude to  serve on the board.

When asked about open board meetings at the homeowners' meeting, Alan Rothenberg,  board president, read a canned statement from a piece of paper. Clearly, Alan and the board anticipated that residents would request a return to open board meetings, so he prepared something in advance. I was shocked because the pre-written response did not align with the audience's request and gave the impression of political theatre. It is evident that the board does not want residents to know what is going on, or the simple request would be honored. The board represents the residents, and the residents overwhelmingly expressed their desire for open board meetings.

The presence of the condo attorney at the Homeowner's meeting was a complete waste of our condo funds. Sitting there for a few hours doing essentially nothing, I question the necessity of paying for legal representation in this context. It also struck me as concerning that the board doesn’t feel comfortable speaking openly with their neighbors without the security of having a lawyer present to back them up. To me, that’s a pathetic display of cowardice and a lack of confidence in their own ability to communicate honestly with the residents.

Justin Buchel served no purpose whatsoever at the homeowner's meeting, except to prove that the board wastes our money. At one point, when residents were speaking up, Mr. Buchel actually stood up and told the crowd to let someone finish speaking. I found this to be out of line, and something anyone on the board should have done if they thought the crowd needed to settle down. However, the moment did not warrant that scolding. Mr. Buchel did not address any legal issues or clarify any bylaws, so why was he there? We have a weak board of managers.

Board member Fanuka, who flips condos in Estates II (raising questions about his role on the board), claims he lost a sale due to the Residents Club website. My advice to him is to find a different real estate broker. We regularly receive mail from a resident broker who consistently achieves record prices and has no trouble selling condos in Estates II.

The attorney's presence at the homeowner's meeting was entirely inappropriate and unnecessary. Typically, such meetings are meant to be community-driven, where residents can freely voice their concerns and discuss issues without the intimidating presence of legal counsel. The attorney's demeanor, which resembled that of a bouncer, only served to create an unwelcoming and tense atmosphere, undermining the informal and collaborative spirit that these meetings should foster. 

Furthermore, his claim that most of the information on the community website is false was out of line. The residents' club has diligently maintained and verified the accuracy of the information shared, and his remarks disrespected their efforts and credibility. Overall, the handling of the meeting by the attorney was unprofessional and disruptive, detracting from productive community engagement. True or False shut down the attorney’s claim. Well done to the residents club for standing firm.

Last year, when Alan Rothenberg, David Hoffman, and Donna Gaffner ran for the board, they all publicly claimed they supported returning to open board meetings. Alan Rothenberg, became president, yet we continue to have closed board meetings. Their words were empty words to get elected. Don’t forget they all lied.

For clubhouse events to be successful and representative of the community, the board must encourage participation from people of all ages and ethnicities. While there was a large turnout at the recent brunch, the lack of diversity among attendees was noticeable.

We see families with children and individuals from various backgrounds walking around and engaging in everyday life, yet the event seemed to attract primarily one demographic—similar age and ethnic group. To build a stronger, more inclusive community, the board must do a better job of making everyone feel welcomed. I also just learned that’s renters are not invited to community parties and that is unacceptable. This is an unfortunate indictment of the type of people who are on the board. It is never ok to leave people out. 

The condo is a complete mess. They had to asses us just to finish the clubhouse because they’re so inept, and now they have the nerve to divert $15,000 of our condo funds to social parties. Are you kidding me? That’s outright corruption and blatant incompetence. Instead of trying to cut costs or be responsible, they’re forcing us to foot the bill for repairs that should be covered by our maintenance payments. I have no words for how clueless and/or corrupt these people are. Why are we putting up with this garbage?

I have to look at the home that has those ugly sprinklers set up every day all day. They run them at night. The homeowners should just put them away during the day and only bring them out after sunset. It’s rude to have those things out front without considering the neighbors. I hope the lawnmowers run over them. Why doesn’t the condo just pick them up and hide them behind the gate? It feels like the person responsible is being treated way too gently. I had a similar issue a while back with something I put in my courtyard, and the president of the board along with Ely threatened to come and move it if I didn’t. I was harassed over it.

I live on a cul-de-sac and I’m worried about safety in case of a fire. I know the residents club mentioned that there’s no curbside parking allowed in the bylaws and that the original plans confirm cul-de-sacs all had extra parking spots in the center, but I’m not sure if everyone understands why that is. According to New York State fire code, cul-de-sacs need to have enough space for fire trucks to turn around easily. If cars are parked along the curb, fire trucks might not be able to get through, which is a serious safety concern. 

Everything in the original plans was put in place for a reason, and I’m worried that the current parking situation could put residents at risk. I understand that the board has made some mistakes in past renovations, but safety should always come first. I hope this comment helps start a conversation about how we can improve safety for everyone. 

There's no consistency here. During my renovation, I had to have a dumpster removed from my driveway every weekend so the neighborhood will look nice over the weekends. What a joke.  Estates l lets residents to keep the dumpster until they no longer need it, but the Condo(management/board) can leave the siding dirty, the roads in bad shape, thick tire tracks in what should be beautiful lawns, cobblestones broken, cars with tarps, dog poop everywhere, bricks chipped, and now residents can look at ugly above-ground sprinklers over the weekend with no problem. A refrigerator sat in someone’s driveway for weeks! I saw Marci Cooper's house the other day during my walk and she still has an old-fashioned sprinkler in her front yard. The board has shown total apathy and now the residents do as well. I thought I lived in a beautiful Manhasset condo but right not it feels like the bronx. 

Estates ll has hit an all-time low, and I’m furious about it. Low-class sprinklers that look disgraceful on the front lawn—completely unprofessional and an eyesore. The siding is filthy, grimy, and stained, giving the entire property a neglected, run-down appearance. And potholes that take a year to fix. It never ends. It’s infuriating how little regard is being paid to maintaining the property, and it feels like the management has completely given up. What the hell is going on here? This is unacceptable, and it’s about time someone takes responsibility and restores some semblance of pride and quality to this place!

PROPAGANDA:

The board's lies are no surprise, but the blatant lie about the ADA bathroom takes the cake. The papers, however, don't lie. Now it's crystal clear that the original plan was to make the clubhouse bathroom ADA compliant, but the board completely reversed course. Instead of actually doing what's right and legally required by making the bathroom accessible from the start of the project, they chooe to only change the toilet seat. Wow, just wow. Gotcha.

The patronizing and condescending tone of the newsletters turns my stomach. It's a complete lack of respect for us. It also reflects poorly on the board's maturity as they seem to believe these newsletters do anything other than provoke frustration and anger among residents.

It's  disappointing to see more self-serving behavior from some of the board members. First, there's the issue of free landscaping and perks that the rest of us don’t receive. Now, we find out that the treasurer, who couldn’t be bothered to attend the recent budget meeting, managed to secretly purchase another condo. No wonder he’s on the board — it seems he’s more interested in learning about condo's for sale before anyone else than in managing the community’s finances. This board member didn’t contribute much to the clubhouse renovation either, but he sure has no problem helping himself to properties for his own gain.

The recent posts on the Residents Club really highlight what's wrong here. Too many members of the board seem more interested in personal gain than actually doing what's best for the community. It feels like no one really feels accountable or pressured to do their job. My neighbor recently power washed his condo, and that’s exactly what I’m planning to do too, it’s better than constantly asking for service. It all comes down to apathy, greed, and neglect.

It's really not okay to keep the air conditioning set so cold in the clubhouse, especially on weekends. Nobody wants to be that cold indoors, and leaving it at such a low temperature wastes energy and ignores the comfort of most residents. If a few people find it uncomfortable and want it cooler, they should think about whether the clubhouse is the right place for them. It's a shared space meant for all of us, not just a small group playing cards or hanging out.

Also, adjusting the thermostat properly is pretty simple and pretty much standard practice—just like we do in our own homes. There’s no reason to waste energy or make people uncomfortable. In today’s world, where saving energy and protecting the environment are more important than ever, ignoring this kind of responsible management just looks bad.

Constantly cooling the space too much not only hurts our energy resources but also sets a poor example for caring for the environment. I really hope the management rethinks how they set the thermostat and makes it more reasonable, so the clubhouse is a welcoming place for everyone—comfortable and mindful of sustainability.

The pictures of Alan Rothenberg’s common area and Cindy Davidowitz’s common areas are really damning. Coupled with the fact that a board member bought another condo quietly—these are terrible optics for the board of managers. The board spent tens of thousands of dollars when Rick Saccullo was president over a land dispute in Manhasset Crest involving a matter of a feet of land behind his condo. Does anyone really believe that a regular resident trying to fight for a few feet of land would get the same treatment? It’s blatant self-interest and self-serving behavior.

The amount of money spent on legal fees this year is outrageous, and most of it seems to have gone to Manhasset Crest. It’s a huge waste and a clear abuse of power. The board’s duty is to act with integrity and transparency, but instead, they seem more like a den of thieves. It’s disappointing to see such a lack of honor.

The photos of Estates II employees clearing out overgrown debris from Rick Saccullo’s yard are  upsetting. I honestly can’t remember seeing any other regular resident get this kind of special treatment. It feels completely unfair and wrong that some board members might be getting perks or privileges that others don’t, especially when it comes to maintenance or services that should be available to everyone equally.

It’s actually illegal for past or present condo board members to receive special treatment like this. Board members have a legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interest of all residents, and giving certain individuals preferential treatment can be considered a breach of that duty. It’s essentially a conflict of interest, and could even be viewed as abuse of power or misconduct.

The photos of Alan Rothenber’s beautifully maintained common area compared to the neglected state of other areas clearly show the imbalance and favoritism. It’s just another example of how the current board isn’t managing things fairly or properly. We have a broken system right now, and it’s hurting everyone who’s living here.

It was wrong  to fire Ruby. This place has no loyalty to the “little guy”. Meanwhile, we continue to employ the landscaper who consistently damages the grass with their track marks, yet they have made no effort to adjust their mowing habits. In contrast, a woman who diligently cleans the clubhouse is let go without any opportunity to improve her work. It feels unfair and harsh to dismiss someone’s livelihood so casually. The indifference toward people is palpable throughout the neighborhood. Ruby must be doing something right because she still cleans many of our homes. She also cleans the Estates l clubhouse and their clubhouse has not been closed for one and one half years.

I am absolutely appalled by the behavior of the board of managers. A resident took hours to personally drop off a flyer in our mailboxes to invite us to a gathering in the clubhouse for a conversation, and the board, in their petty and mean-spirited way, sends out two emails trying to stop people from showing up. It’s truly disgusting. All I can see from their actions is that they’re terrified of somethings coming to light.

Dear Residents Club,

I heard Pasquale is a close friend of Daniella and her family. Do you know if this is true because I think it’s a conflict of interest.  

Dear Resident,

We do not know but we agree with you in that it would be a conflict of the Condo’s interest. Having a condo employee with a personal connection to the condo management company creates a significant conflict of interest, as it blurs the boundaries between personal relationships and professional responsibilities. It risks prioritizing personal connections over the best interests of residents and the condo community. To maintain professionalism such conflicts should be avoided.

True to form, a board member wants to throw money at a problem instead of using brainpower to figure out a solution. We should work with what we have. There’s no reason why three permanent maintenance men can’t get everything done. Perhaps they should be redirected from doing special jobs at the homes of board members and former board members during hours of business.  Maybe the landscapers could be assigned to clear overgrown weeds and bushes.

Tell me why the original maintenance team managed to complete everything while also being responsible for maintaining the sprinkler system. The old guard got it all done. Nothing about the property has changed—same number of homes, same amount of land.

The lovely woman who has been cleaning the clubhouse for many years was fired. Daniella told her there had been complaints. It is management's responsibility to tell the cleaning lady to improve her work, because firing someone who has been working here for over ten years is cruel. This is how people earn a living. Additionally, how could there have been complaints when the clubhouse has been closed for a long time? Management should have nothing to do with selecting the staff at Estates II; this should be the job of the board. It is the board's fiduciary responsibility to obtain bids and select contractors for services such as landscaping, snow removal, and other maintenance. Then, management steps in to oversee the work of the chosen contractors. It is a conflict of interest to use management’s preferred contractors for these services.

I believe the unsightly coverings on the chair legs are meant to protect the floor from scratches, but any good design team would have installed proper floor protectors drilled into the bottoms of the chair legs so they are permanent. It's a shame the floors have already been scratched, and it doesn't make sense that the protectors weren't placed on the chairs before delivery. Just another detail that doesn't add up in this sloppy renovation.

I appreciate the article noting the chair protectors as an afterthought, because I believe the entire clubhouse renovation has been a series of afterthoughts. The way the condo is managed often feels reactive rather than proactive. For example, the slow exit gate should have been addressed before the board purchased the new gate. Similarly, placing an unsightly shipping container in a visible location should have been considered beforehand.

On a positive note, thanks to the Residents Club, the snow plows were finally moved to a discreet spot instead of sitting in the parking lot all winter, an improvement, albeit late. The need to redo the budget also highlights a lack of foresight.

It makes me wonder if any of the board members anticipate future needs here? Or is everything simply addressed only after issues arise? Are there any true forethoughts in our management approach?

The siding all around the front door and windows of my home gives the appearance of an abandoned property. I'm embarrassed when I have visitors.  It's not just dirty—it's filthy, covered in black and green stains. I can't understand how the board of managers would allow such neglect to persist.

I am concerned about the lack of proactive communication from the board on the opening day of the clubhouse. It would have been helpful if the board had taken the initiative to put up a large poster or print flyers for residents to take home, clearly outlining the total cost of the clubhouse along with a detailed breakdown of all expenses. Unfortunately, it seems that, true to form, the board did not bother to provide residents with any information. 

What I found particularly telling was that it was residents—those who care deeply about this community—who took the time to print out posters and place them on easels for everyone to see. These residents are the ones who genuinely want to improve and fix this place, and their actions speak volumes about their commitment.

There is a troubling dynamic at play: the board's apparent lack of accountability and oversight regarding the provision of paid services, including management's responsibilities. Rather than exerting pressure on management to perform their duties effectively, the board seems to align itself with management, often at the expense of residents and the proper administration of the condominium. This approach is counterintuitive to effective governance and best practices. Additionally, the current oversight appears to enable vendors to exploit the situation, potentially taking advantage of both the condominium's resources and its residents, thereby compromising the integrity and proper management of the community.  One must critically ask: what factors are contributing to this troubling dynamic, and why does it persist?

I had anticipated a grand opening celebration at the clubhouse, but after seeing the finished product with my own eyes, I understand why the board chose not to host a party. Sadly, there's little to be proud of here, especially given the amount of time and money invested in what can only be described as a disappointing outcome.

I am absolutely furious with what's happening here. The clubhouse is a disgrace—filled with cheap furniture, shoddy finishes, and crappy lighting fixtures. Where the hell did all the money go? Daniella’s vacation is just the latest slap in the face—it's a glaring sign that the board is completely inept. All they do is cover their asses and hide the truth from the residents. Enough is enough.

It's almost amusing how the board is anything but transparent when it comes to condo finances and information. Unbeknownst to them, they’re actually quite transparent—about their attempts to deceive the residents. Daniella’s recent, well-timed vacation is just one example, revealing  their sneaky plan to sideline her in order to stall the release of crucial information. But honestly, Daniella rarely provides us with information herself; she always claims she’ll pass our requests along to the board, leaving us hanging.

When I first walked into the clubhouse I thought it looked bright and pretty. Then I really looked around and wondered what they spent all that money on. They didn't even bother to cover the out-of-date boulders over the fireplace. My designer covered the boulders over my fireplace with sheet rock and molding; it was very inexpensive to do and looks beautiful. The wood floors are already scratched. The legs of the new chairs have thin felt pads to prevent scratching, but some of the felt has already come off. This is very disappointing and disturbing at the same time.

Another middle finger to the residents. There isn’t one person charged with maintaining this place who has a decent work ethic. The board and TCM should be held accountable for the current management of this condo. The board must insist that TCM assign someone to the front office while Daniella is away to ensure proper oversight. The maintenance staff are employed by Estates II, not TCM, and there should always be someone onsite to address residents' needs—this is what our dues cover. The lack of proper management and onsite presence after all this time is unacceptable.

Pasquale should be promoted. He and his team have been here since the clubhouse closed. Pasquale is the one who tries to get our repairs done while Daniella tells us she never gets our emails. We don’t need an onsite manager. 

Anyone who owns or has worked for a business understands that no responsible business owner would allow a manager to take an extended vacation—especially after an 18-month hiatus—immediately before a major reopening. Daniella announcing her vacation in the same email as the clubhouse reopening appears to be a deliberate plan orchestrated by the board.

This situation is unacceptable. The manager should be present on-site during the week of the clubhouse’s reopening to ensure a smooth transition. Allowing such a schedule is unprofessional and suggests a coordinated effort by the board of managers, which is deeply concerning.

Why do I get the feeling that if the clubhouse opens next week, Daniella would somehow be on vacation then, instead of this upcoming week? It seems like someone decided that whenever the clubhouse reopens, Daniella has to be out of town. She could have taken her vacation anytime over the past 18 months, and no one would have even noticed.

Does anyone else think that no matter when the Clubhouse reopened, Daniella was always going to be away on vacation the following week? It seems like it was all part of a planned scheme.

Daniella is on vacation next week.  Hasn’t she been on vacation for a year and a half. Lol

We all know if a large pot hole was in front of a board members home and they had to drive over it everyday it would be fixed immediately.

No one on the board stands up for the residents. They all know they get favorable treatment and services none of us get.  They know the majority of the residents cannot get simple repairs done.  We ended up with a shipping container in the front of the clubhouse because no one stands up to anyone. No one fights for what’s right and the place and the people are worse off for it. 

I have a dead bush in plain sight. Daniella is supposed to drive around and make notes, give them to the landscaper and they should take care of it without any resident having to get involved. Same with the dirty siding. That’s called maintenance. If the bush is original from builder and is on common area the condo has to remove and replace it. That’s a fact. I’m fed up. 

No wonder the lights project is not completed. One sign of incompetence is complacency and the board doesn’t care.  The board has the worst attitude for our condo which is as long as they are getting what they want nothing has to improve. If memory serves me well board member were the first residents to have their addresses lit up and then the project came to a halt. Does anyone on the board ever make a stand for the residents? One walk around the neighborhood and you will find the answer.

The board clearly underestimates our intelligence and shows a troubling level of contempt for the residents. Claiming that only four homes remain to complete the address lighting project is simply untrue. Anyone walking through the neighborhood can see for themselves that many homes still need their addresses lit up.

This blatant misinformation raises serious concerns about the board’s integrity.  It also makes us question how lazy or careless they must be to publish such a false statement in the newsletter. 

The pool is the filthiest it has ever been, the siding is filthy, the address lights have become a symbol for the boards inability to get things done and the long-delayed clubhouse renovation seems to be a permanent fixture on the “coming soon” list. 

Estates l did their address lights before Estates ll and it took management around one month to complete the entire job. Why doesn't Estates ll  ask Estates l how they accomplished the job so efficiently. 

Another unforced error by the board.  Why make up a lie to something no one thinks about. Now we are all thinking if they lie about one failed project (address lights) they are lying about most everything they tell us. 

Does anyone on the board ever drive around the neighborhood to see for themselves how many homes still have to have their addresses lit up. I live on Bluebird and almost every home is still missing the lights around the numbers.

I had no idea the board could move so fast—yet here they are, wasting no time to interfere. A neighbor took it upon himself to personally deliver notices to every mailbox about a resident gathering at the clubhouse. And what does our so-called "honorable" board do? They send out yet another deceptive email in the early evening hours trying to cancel it. They are trying to turn Estates ll into some kind of a nanny state where the board controls us. How dare they!It’s pathetic how quickly they act to shut down a community event. Too bad they don’t move that fast when the Condo at large has an issue, i.e., the clubhouse.

We have a corrupt board of managers. I ask myself: Why are they so afraid of residents getting together and why do they think they have the right to cancel a gathering. This is pretty dark and low. 

I find it laughable that the newsletter editor emphasizes beautifying the community to maintain property values, yet every day, visitors see a shipping container and two toilets. The board members seem tone-deaf to these realities. Something is definitely wrong. If we have guests at the pool they have to use these facilities again for the second summer season, what does that say about our community’s reputation? The board members seem tone-deaf to it all.

I find it appalling that the parking lot has been designated as the location for portable restrooms. There is nothing more degrading and unacceptable. The placement of these facilities is utterly inappropriate and reflects poor judgment. I am deeply disappointed that the board would subject us to such conditions, which are not only unsanitary but also diminish the integrity of our community. When I chose to move into this neighborhood, I never imagined I would be forced to endure such degrading circumstances. This situation is unacceptable. 

It is beyond credulity to imagine the board ordering outdoor toilets without the accompanying sinks. Are they cheap or just stupid? Aren't there health code requirements for handwashing in a public place? They completely disregarded the rules for an outdoor shower, which Estates II had until Alan, the president, decided—in his infinite wisdom—to remove the shower during the pool renovation. The same people on the board, the ones with the power, keep making the same foolish decisions. My fellow residents, until you open your eyes and see what is going on here, you have no right to complain.

Porta-a-potty

I completely agree with the Residents Club on the port-a-potty situation—it’s truly a slap in the face to all of us. I think an apology email from management, expressing regret for having residents use such a disgusting outdoor toilet while at the pool, would go a long way. Maybe even an apology plaque attached to the outside of the porta-potty would help show some accountability. I’m honestly at a loss as to how they brought it back for another summer without sending out any notice explaining the situation or offering an apology. This is simply unacceptable. I appreciate the Residents Club providing this platform to voice our concerns.

13. Official members of the Tennis Committee are authorized by the Board of Managers to interpret these tennis rules, when necessary.

“Official members of the Tennis Committee” Are these people kidding. What makes them official?  Who are they? How does one become an OFFICIAL MEMBER? Did the board order Official Tennis Committee badges when they purchased the signage? Are teenagers going to have to produce I.D before they attempt entry to the tennis courts?  It’s easier getting into a bar than it is to play tennis at Estates ll. This email reeks of self importance. What a joke the board has become. Look at the clubhouse, look at the shipping container, they want the residents to use a port-a-potty and they still think any resident of Estates ll will take them as seriously as they take themselves. 

The board lacks the authority to restrict residents access to the tennis courts. Residency in Estates II inherently grants full privileges to the courts, pool, and clubhouse. It raises the question: will the board impose age-based restrictions on pool access at specific hours? Such actions suggest a disregard for equitable treatment and undermine residents trust. Once again, the board's conduct appears to prioritize personal interests over the community's best interests, reflecting a lack of seriousness and professionalism in their stewardship.

It's unfair and discriminatory to restrict residents under 18 from playing tennis during prime time while allowing older guests unrestricted access. The inconsistency in how rules are applied, especially when they can be changed at will by the tennis committee, only adds to the frustration. All residents deserve fair treatment and  rules that apply equally to everyone, regardless of age or status. the condo management must reevaluate these policies to ensure they're just, clear, and truly serve the interests of the entire community.

NEW TENNIS RULES:

When you review the "Tennis Court Regulations," you'll notice that fairness, values, and ethics are supposed to guide our board members do not seem to be upheld in practice. These rules are not just unnecessary but are also indicative of self-dealing, and  the board should be held accountable.

Residents' rights seem to be overlooked. For example, teenagers who want to play tennis on weekends from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. are not permitted, as a board member's priority seems to take precedence over local residents. A board member can have up to three outside guests playing tennis, and these guests are given priority over local teenagers who live here.

This situation is both egregious and disappointing, especially considering that the clubhouse has been closed for the past 18 months. It reflects a level of dysfunction within the current board that needs to be addressed.

As a concerned neighbor, I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent events surrounding our community cats. The loss of such a beloved young cat is heartbreaking, and it’s clear that someone in our neighborhood is deliberately harming these innocent creatures out of hostility. This pattern of cruelty—spreading dog feces, using thorn branches to injure them, and creating physical barriers—is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately. Our community should be a safe and caring place for all animals and residents alike. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and come together to protect these vulnerable animals from further harm. We owe it to our community’s compassionate residents to take swift action against this cruelty.

The financials being inaccurately dated April 2024 are quite concerning. A lingering sense of suspicion prompts me to question what might actually be occurring behind the scenes when we receive condo information. Are the figures we’re being provided with genuine, or is there potential manipulation involved? Such inconsistencies are particularly troubling, as deception often leads to slip-ups. This situation resembles the outdated voter log—another example of suspicious activity that warrants closer scrutiny.

I have lived here for a few years and I am happy to report I signed the proxy this weekend.  This is not the Condo living I was expecting to experience. I do not think it is necessary to elaborate. I just want people to know I want things to get better and I hope more people feel the same way I do and sign.

I have received several calls from homeowners who are confused about a door-to-door solicitation asking them to sign a proxy document. This proxy solicitation is coming only from the individuals listed on the proxy and has no connection with the property management company or the Board of Managers of Estates II.  Please be advised that your signature on the proxy gives these individuals the right to act on your behalf for an unknown meeting, as the date and time of the meeting are blank on the form.

The board of managers is at it again, and there’s no mistaking what's happening. We have received numerous communications outlining the issues at hand and the grassroots movement advocating for the board's removal. No one has come to my door but when they do they will have my vote. It's clear that the bylaws permit residents to take this action if deemed necessary.  There is no confusion what so ever.

I am involved in the proxy vote. The door-to-door solicitation for proxy signatures hasn’t even started yet, so it raises a question: how is management receiving phone calls from residents expressing confusion about this solicitation? This seems to be another instance of misinformation from a board that is desperate to maintain its grip on power, further exacerbating the decline of Estates II.

I've only been living here for a short time, but it's clear to me that there are serious issues with how the board is running things. The situation with the clubhouse is simply unacceptable, and the finances seem to be in disarray. What frustrates me the most is the board's tendency to blame others instead of taking responsibility—this is a significant part of the problem we're facing. That's why I decided to sign the proxy. I don’t know the person who approached me about it, but I've been keeping an eye on the website and I believe that a change in leadership is the only way to set things right around here.

It seems unusual that when Rick Sacullo was president of the condo board, the board often praised certain members for their contributions, but never acknowledged the significant presence of the Deputy Mayor of North Hills, who lives in Estates II and served on the board at the time. Having a Deputy Mayor on the board would likely be a valuable asset to the community, and it's surprising that this wasn't recognized. The Deputy Mayor's loss in the re-election for a board seat is also puzzling, given the benefits his position could bring to the community. Furthermore, it's notable that the board often uses specific names when criticizing individuals, but fails to do so when giving credit to people in important roles, such as the building inspector, Mayor, or Deputy Mayor. This inconsistency is worth noticing.

I think the Deputy Mayor,  who lives in Estates II, has really helped get the ball rolling on reopening the clubhouse, which is way overdue. 

Despite the board's relatively positive updates on the clubhouse, it's hard not to feel that something is lacking. As an Estates II resident, the Deputy Mayor has undoubtedly played a significant role in the board's recent efforts to reopen the clubhouse -  that's long overdue. However, it's disappointing to notice that the board consistently prioritizes self-promotion over acknowledging the contributions of others, including our Deputy Mayor and the North Hills community. They seem reluctant to give credit where credit is due, unless it's to themselves.  The board loves to brag about having certain members on the board but never spoke on the benefits of having the Deputy Mayor of North Hills on the board when he was there. The residents all know the benefits of having a deputy Mayor on our board. That is why we don't believe he really lost his seat in the last election. 

We have seen no evidence of creative thinking or critical thinking from the board; instead, they only blame others. The updates we receive are sparse and were only initiated because the Residents Club demanded consistent updates on the clubhouse. However, the board has nothing new to report because the project has stalled. The board could have applied for a temporary certificate of occupancy (CO) a long time ago but chose not to, which I believe is a result of their incompetence and laziness. Naturally, the residents have taken matters into their own hands, as it seems we had no other choice. The board can never undo the mess they have created over the past year. I think the Residents Club should create a timeline that outlines the events as they have unfolded, so we can all see the truth and understand how the board expects us to believe that the entire situation, which has devolved into chaos, was caused by one straw-man making a single phone call to the building inspector.

It's reassuring to know that I’m not alone in reaching out to the village for answers, especially since obtaining any meaningful information from Estates II can be a challenge. It feels as though the board has chosen to use the closed clubhouse as a means to avoid communicating with us, and in doing so, they become less productive. I am committed to advocating for open board meetings in the future, as I believe that face-to-face interactions are essential for ensuring that our community is managed effectively. It’s clear that the growing frustration among residents and our individual efforts to contact the village are crucial steps toward re-opening the clubhouse. 

Manhasset Crest:

I don’t live anywhere near Darters Lane, but I sympathize with the residents who have lost their beautiful backyard views. Unfortunately, change is often difficult and sometimes change can be difficult to accept. Those who now have to look at the homes in Manhasset Crest instead of enjoying the beauty of nature are facing a situation that does not impact most of us, and the property line issue has had no impact on the majority of us in the community. The decision to incur significant legal fees while rejecting a generous offer of $65,000 from Toll Brothers is concerning, especially considering the ongoing challenges with the clubhouse and condo finances. This raises questions about the board’s fiduciary responsibilities. They owe it to our community to justify their actions and engage in an open discussion with us about these matters.

Manhasset Crest & Rick Saccullo:

We can simply take a stroll behind Rick Saccullo's home to witness firsthand what the condo has invested in.

Manhasset Crest:

I agree, the board needs to convene a meeting to provide a comprehensive overview of the Manhasset Crest dispute, detailing the gains versus losses incurred throughout the process. It's important to note that the board declined the $65,000 offer from Toll Brothers for the land in favor of pursuing a legal battle over a small portion of property. To ensure clarity and transparency, the board should include visual aids and a well-structured presentation.

Billing a client for work completed in a previous year raises several important considerations to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations. Timeliness is crucial in this context, as considerable delays between the completion of work and invoicing can lead clients to question the legitimacy of the charges. In particular, the board of managers should be vigilant in monitoring the condo's law firm billing practices. If invoices are issued many months after the services have been rendered, it can create uncertainty and potentially undermine trust in the professional relationship. Therefore, maintaining transparent and prompt billing practices is essential to uphold ethical standards and foster confidence among clients.

It is extremely frustrating that this board consistently fails to act in a manner that instills confidence in their competence and ability to effectively manage our concerns.

Dear Residents Club,

UGH. It seems like this place is a mess. It's easy for them to spend our money with no accountability, Do the Board of Directors have no shame?  Disgusting what is going on.

To the editor,

Thank you for taking the time to uncover all the issues with our condo. It is truly amazing what goes on behind the scenes that no body really knows about.It seems like we are in big trouble in many areas. 

I received the letter regarding the proxy vote and wanted to share my thoughts. The Residents Club has done an excellent job of highlighting the issues in Estates II, presenting them clearly and effectively. They’ve made a compelling case for the removal of the current Board of Managers.

I believe it’s crucial for us to embrace change; fresh perspectives can inspire innovative ideas and foster positive transformation within our community. Honestly, I struggle to understand why any current board member would be particularly concerned about being replaced. It seems clear that a new leadership team could help us move forward in a more constructive way.

Tennis Lessons:

The residents club rightly pointed out that the board's narrative regarding private instruction on the tennis courts has shifted from a request by residents to a request by an instructor. I believe it was due to the residents club that the board denied any requests for tennis lessons for non-residents in Estates II. The information presented in the newsletter from the board appears to be  intentionally misleading.

Here's what actually happened:  An instructor from a former tennis club was contacted by Alan Rothenberg, the president of the board, who inquired whether this tennis pro would be willing to provide lessons at Estates II. 

I have strong doubts about the integrity of Alan Rothenberg and the board of managers, as they frequently mislead us.

Gate:

I am appalled by what I have learned regarding the Supreme Court lawsuit. First of all, why haven't we been informed about this legal matter from 2023? I recall being told that there were no lawsuits aside from the one involving the former TCM employee. I feel terrible for the residents who not only endured significant damage to their cars but also suffered from the poor treatment by those whose job it is to ensure the gate operates properly. I'm glad they recovered their money along with their legal fees. How ironic that today, March 2, 2025, one of the gates is once again broken. The board of managers is not only incompetent, but they also exhibit mean-spirited behavior.

Lawsuit:

They wouldn't allow Rick Saccullo to be deposed. I wonder what the board was thinking, allowing a car rental fee to turn into a lawsuit in the first place. Lawsuits are where the truth ultimately gets revealed. I wish our fellow residents had the opportunity to depose Rick Saccullo. It's interesting how much control the board has over the insurance company. Why didn't the board just pay for the residents' car rentals instead of paying the condo's lawyer? It looks like abuse of power to me. It also doesn't make sense that when they deposed the residents, they didn't realize that someone on the board would also have to be deposed. It seems they dragged this out just to hurt one of us. This is just another straw on the camel's back, and we have reached our breaking point with these individuals on the board.

The absolute nerve of the board to send us this newsletter without mentioning the Supreme Court lawsuit is astonishing and shows they are withholding vital information from us. The newsletter is a piece of propaganda, which is unsettling, especially since we bear the financial burden of their mistakes. Does the board genuinely expect us to believe that a clubhouse renovation could go this wrong due to just one phone call to the building inspector, along with other issues they claim were beyond their control? The only truth in their narrative is that their incompetence strips them of control, not external factors.

Lawsuit:

Stephani Michele, an insurance agent, has regrettably demonstrated a profound lack of professionalism by subjecting a resident to such egregious mistreatment that it necessitated the hiring of legal counsel to initiate litigation against their own condo concerning car rental fees—a burden that we all bear during prolonged vehicle repairs. This conduct is deeply troubling and reflects poorly on the integrity of our board, which appears to be composed of individuals lacking in both professionalism and compassion. I remain hopeful for a future where we can foster a more respectful and harmonious community for all.

This excerpt is from the lawsuit article and for this reason alone the board should be thrown out:

Adding insult to injury, the board chose to consult the condo's attorney after receiving the summons, incurring many thousands of dollars in legal fees that far exceeded the amount it would have cost to resolve the issue with the resident before the lawsuit arose. The purposeful abuse of the resident along with inappropriate expenditure of condo funds on the condo attorney is one of the many reasons the board has restricted access to the meeting minutes for residents. Upon receiving the summons, the board's only appropriate action should have been to forward it to the insurance company, which would handle the legal fees. By consulting the condo attorney and incurring legal expenses that far surpassed the cost of the car rental—after already receiving the summons—demonstrates a clear abuse of self serving  power.

I agree with the residents club perspective that Estates ll is near the point of no return. The mounds of wasteful salt that are sitting on everyone’s properties, causing damage that the board will happily pay vendors to fix, is a prime example. The supreme court lawsuit is a disgraceful example of the vindictive self-serving behavior of the board that we end up paying the price for. The board displays a gross level of incompetence and lack of fiduciary care. I was never expecting to have to make a stand for where I live but here we are.

The individuals  mentioned in the news letter who will run the clubhouse project  is the definition of insanity. They are using the same people who created this mess to tackle the lower level of the clubhouse. The part of the clubhouse that needs very extensive renovations. Just throwing around a bunch of board member names doesn’t mean anything. This one will speak to that one who will inform the other one and don’t worry because Alan Rothenberg will be informed.These people have been proven incompetent. If the contractor on the board is a real working contractor- not like Ely Zaken a fake contractor- then he is a fool for attaching himself to this project. Then again they are all fools on this board. 

Is the board seriously trying to romanticize the clubhouse closure by comparing it to the “eerie silence of a ghost ship.” No need to list all the things we have not been able to do for the past year. Why hasn’t the board found a base of operation for Daniella? I really think this board is composed of a bunch of lunatics at this point. 

I have no respect for people who cannot admit to making a mistake. That is a sign of weakness.The board just can't give up their self serving talking points. It has been established that before any project begins in a public space it was the contractors duty to make sure all past permits were in place. If the entire job falls apart because one person reaches out to the building inspector then the project was on shakey ground from the inception. This project was doomed because of the people running it.  What happened to Ely Zaken and all his expertise. We were told Ely  was integral to the clubhouse renovation. Ely steamrolls every contractor because he knows more than everyone.

2/17/2025: Am I missing something? Daniella’s recent email stated she will be out of the office and will return to the office tomorrow. Does anyone know what office she is referring to? 

The board doesn't have the teeth to sue anyone on our behalf.  All they do is spend our money.  They are not about us they are about themselves and all the fun they were going to have making the clubhouse beautiful for THEMSELVES.  It is up to us to sue the people responsible for the clubhouse.

I share the concerns expressed by my fellow residents regarding the unsuccessful clubhouse renovation. The situation was, in my assessment, avoidable, and it is incumbent upon the Board to identify the parties responsible for this failure. Furthermore, appropriate consequences must be enacted. The Board has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the community, and this includes pursuing monetary restitution from those deemed responsible for the losses incurred.
 

Legal Action

I think it’s definitely time to take legal action against those responsible for the clubhouse. The board needs to let us know  who they plan to sue and which law firm they’ve picked for this lawsuit. The community deserves to hear some reassurance about getting restitution for the assessment, for all the trouble we’ve had with the missing clubhouse amenities, which we pay for, and the lack of onsite management, which we also pay for.

Clubhouse & the Port-a- Potty: 

I am fed up with the board's relentless evasion of the truth. Their recent clubhouse update was nothing short of a complete disappointment, offering no new or helpful information whatsoever. For two months, there has been an absence of progress, which concerns me about what lies ahead.

Are we really expected to endure another summer with a revolting port-a-potty at the pool?  We were never informed about the cost of that unsanitary contraption or the maintenance expenses associated with it. I have no doubt that many chose to "relieve" themselves in the pool rather than brave the filth of that port-a-potty. Frankly, I wouldn’t go near the pool for that very reason.

Where is the port-a-potty line item in the budget? What category is that grotesque expense supposed to fall under? It’s abundantly clear that no one is taking their responsibilities seriously here. There is a palpable sense of stagnation; we have no updates on the clubhouse while it appears the workers are on an extended paid vacation. Meanwhile, we, the residents, who pay for it all, are left holding the bag, and it’s simply unacceptable.

Clubhouse Closure:

The lack of proper management since the closure of the clubhouse has reached a critical point, and we can no longer accept the current state of affairs. It is imperative that Daniella is seen on the property every day. Her daily engagement and oversight are essential; we need to see her actively surveying the premises to ensure that operations run smoothly. The current arrangement, with her working off-site, is no longer viable given the ongoing challenges we face with the clubhouse..

If necessary, the board should consider renting a dedicated space for Daniella within Estates I to facilitate direct communication with residents. Our community deserves accessible support, and her presence is vital. We pay for this service, and it is unacceptable for the board to permit any further failure of consideration by TCM.

Residents are not receiving the services they are entitled to, and it is the board's responsibility to rectify this situation promptly and take decisive action to ensure our community is well-managed and that residents' needs are met without further delay.

Clubhouse: It is imperative that accountability be established regarding the mismanagement associated with the clubhouse project. While I do not attribute blame to the Board the Board must take appropriate action, it is clear that this situation constitutes an actionable issue. There exists a liability, likely shared between the contractor and the design firm, for the myriad complications that have arisen.

The delays and cost escalations we have experienced can be traced directly to permit-related issues—an oversight that any competent contractor should have addressed prior to the commencement of work. It is standard practice for contractors to perform due diligence by verifying the status of all necessary permits, past and present, with the local municipality before initiating any project. The protracted closure of the clubhouse necessitates the pursuit of legal remedies to recover damages incurred as well as to mitigate future expenses that arise due to the evident mismanagement on the part of the contractor and the design team.

Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that all involved parties maintain appropriate insurance coverage. Consequently, we must hold them accountable, as they are the architects of this debacle. Legal action should be pursued to ensure that those responsible for this untenable situation are compelled to provide restitution for both past and future liabilities associated with the clubhouse's prolonged disarray.

I couldn't help but notice that the website featured a post on February 8, highlighting that a week had passed without any updates on the clubhouse, as was promised by the board. Then, just a few days later on February 11, the residents' club brought attention to the ongoing lack of updates regarding the clubhouse. And lo and behold, on February 12, the board finally provided us with an update. Well done

This is absolutely infuriating! Another broken promise by the board! They claimed Daniella would send out weekly updates on the clubhouse, yet here we are—nothing! This is sheer negligence. The board should be held accountable for making commitments they clearly have no intention of keeping. We’re dealing with nine individuals who couldn’t care less about their obligations to us.

As a contractor, I understand that the excuse of old permits not being closed out is all too common. However, I never accepted it as a valid reason. It is standard procedure for us to thoroughly verify that all previous permits have been properly closed before initiating any project. This fundamental step is critical, especially when working in a public space.

It's frustrating to see how the board seems to only go after the residents while giving the service providers a free pass. It feels like they have no expectations for the vendors, who are the ones we rely on for essential services. Why do the security guards keep leaving?  It's not good to have so many  people coming and going. We don't have professional security guards, we get people passing through on their way to another job.  We've never heard the board ask a vendor for better quality or even better pricing. It’s just odd to me that we're being denied services we’ve already paid for, while the vendors can pretty much do whatever they want without any consequences. It just doesn’t sit right.

The past two Presidents and Vice Presidents have been retired for many years as well as the majority of their board members and it all shows through the poor management of our condo facilities and our finances.

Also, consider that when people retire, they lose a sense of purpose, and being President or a board member in a community with several hundred residents fills their egos. In many cases, such as the case with the past President, retirees often try to overcompensate to prove their worth and take an autocratic approach when dealing with residents, vendors, and contractors.  

While those who are retired should be proud of their accomplishment, our condo and our finances should not suffer at the hands of disengaged retirees. 

Don't get me wrong, many retirees are sharp and could be an asset to our board and condo but, the make up our board over of last few years has proven detrimental to the community and the financial position we find Estates II.

The situation regarding the clubhouse has reached an untenable point, and it's time we hold the board accountable for this mismanagement, Unfortunately that won't happen because they are never held accountable. The justifications provided for the ongoing delays are not only unconvincing but also raise serious concerns about the procedural integrity being observed.

Firstly, ensuring that all existing permits are in proper order is a fundamental prerequisite for any public space renovation. It’s perplexing how this basic requirement seems overlooked. Furthermore, it is a widely accepted standard that any alterations made in today's current environment must including brining everything up to code -especially in public facilities. Thus, the  delays surrounding both the bathroom renovations and the fire alarm systems lack rational justification.

The unmistakable inference here is that the board attempted to implement improvements without securing the necessary permits. This hypothesis emerges as the most plausible explanation for the ongoing delays and escalating costs. It is imperative that we scrutinize these actions closely; residents deserve the truth.

Let me be crystal clear: this new budget is a travesty and was only revised after a face to face with the residents.  How would the board know if we have issues with the NEW budget. Alan Rothemberg, I call you out - your lack of financial discipline and lack of candor is appalling. The fact that you approved this budget without any real explanation or justification is a betrayal of the trust that has been placed in you.

We will not be placated by empty promises of  transparency in the newlsetter, when the reality is that this budget is a thinly veiled attempt to continue business as usual. We demand more. We demand a budget that is grounded in reality.

Alan Rothemberg, I challenge you to do better. I challenge you to demonstrate a genuine commitment to financial responsibility and transparency. Until then, this budget will remain a shameful excuse for governance, and must be revised to reflect fiscal responsibility.

It's infuriating that these oblivious ivory tower board members have the audacity to claim there are no issues with the new budget.  Do they even bother to understand how the rest of us feel? If he’s so confident that there are no issues with the new budget, then it’s high time he held an actual meeting with the residents. It's time for him to hear our grievances directly, instead of dismissing us from his pedestal. 

The board members seem out of touch by insisting that there are no issues with the "new" budget. How can they gauge the feelings of the residents when they haven’t heard from us? The first budget meeting was disappointing , as they failed to address concerns raised about unspent funds from last year's budget. Furthermore, Alan Rothenberg didn't mention these issues in his newsletter. If he truly believes there are no problems with the new budget, he must hold a meeting with the residents to hear our thoughts directly.

The entire clubhouse situation reflects a significant level of incompetence, exacerbated by a series of lies and attempts to cover it all up.

Ely Zaken is an expert in permits and Estates ll rules. He serves on the Architectural Review Board for the Village of North Hills and was also a member of the Board of Managers during the clubhouse planning stages and over saw the entire project. He had a critical role in ensuring compliance with regulations. The responsibility for the current permit issues lies with him and the paid contractors involved. As someone well-acquainted with the required permits for personal condo projects, Ely is fully aware of the necessary steps to ensure that the clubhouse renovation could proceed correctly. Many residents have had to endure Ely's directives on procedures based on his claimed expertise regarding permits and the rules of Estates II. 

1/16/2025 I am reaching out to the residents club to express my concern regarding the lingering holiday decorations at our entrance. While the festive lights once added charm to our community, they have now overstayed their welcome. It's pointless to discuss this matter with the board members, as it only elicits dismissive stares and condescending attitudes. I'm left with no choice but to bring this to your attention. As a resident, I believe it's reasonable to expect a certain level of upkeep and attention to detail from the managers. It's time for the management to remove these holiday lights, as they no longer serve a purpose and contribute to an impression of neglect. This situation reminds me of the dead potted plants that were left by the entrance gate to rot—a clear signal of a lack of care for our community.

Jan 17, 2025

Clubhouse

It's surprising that we have a board member who is a contractor, yet the renovation has faced so many issues. With his expertise, one would expect things to be going more smoothly. Now that he is the treasurer, we should be cautious about our finances & budget, especially considering the challenges with the renovation. The contractor's presence on the board appears to be driven solely by his desire for business. This creates a conflict of interest. At a recent homeowners meeting, he boasted about his work in the condo, essentially offering a free commercial for his services. Given his reliance on the board's endorsement, it's unlikely he'll ever advocate for residents' interests when that conflicts with his own gain. Since his appointment, the condominium has faced numerous problems with the club house and budget, raising questions about the value he brings to the board vs the value the board brings to him..

Clubhouse

Wasn't Ely Zaken overseeing the entire job? Ely Zaken was supposed to be a key player in the clubhouse renovation, but where is his acknowledgment? It’s time to shine a light on the fact that he’s been deeply involved, and I suspect he’s a significant part of the issue. His fingerprints are all over this project. We paid for an alarm contractor, who Ely insisted on shadowing instead of allowing to do their job independently. This is the result of letting the board run unchecked, pay for things twice, over pay, final payments before the job is completed, lie to the building inspector, residents and the fire marshal—the chaos didn’t emerge overnight.

Rick Saccullo mentioned in his correspondence with us that Ely was integral to the clubhouse project and that he would continue to oversee it even after resigning from the board. We frequently saw Ely's car in the parking lot while the rest of us were not allowed in the clubhouse. So, where is Ely Zaken in all of this clubhouse situation? Rick had the audacity to express gratitude for Zaken’s presence as if his involvement was the linchpin of success. We’re paying actual contractors and two public space experts, but according to Rick and the board at the time, it seemed Ely was treated as the most critical cog in this flawed machine.  Pure Mismanagement!

Clubhouse

I find it incredibly frustrating that we have a board member who is a contractor and has an active Instagram account flaunting construction achievements, yet we are still plagued by ongoing permit issues. If the contractor we've hired is struggling to read plans and execute the job according to those plans, then our board member—who presumably has the expertise—should step up and ensure that these tasks are completed correctly. After all, we’re talking about architectural plans that likely cost a significant amount of money.

Furthermore, this situation raises serious questions. Are we just going to sit idly by while the condo suffers from the consequences of a contractor's incompetence? Will the board be taking legal action against those who were paid to deliver professional work but, instead, have landed us in this predicament? It's high time we hold these individuals accountable for their failures. 

Clubhouse

Where has Debbie Resnick’s so-called dream team Pamela Can, Keri Flyynn and Joe Matelsky been this past year? It's astounding that their names never come up, whether in the context of success or failure. If they’re truly not part of the problem, why aren’t they stepping up to be part of the solution? Their silence is deafening, and it speaks volumes about their lack of accountability. I sincerely hope that their reputations suffer lasting damage as a direct consequence of the mess surrounding the Estates II Clubhouse. It's time for them to recognize the gravity of their absence in addressing the issues at hand.

Benefits of the Board: 

 “Forever board member Ely Zaken has been hired and paid by the board to work on alarms and cameras for the clubhouse. The condo also paid for Zaken to attend Adelphi University supposedly for the benefit of Estates ll.”   This is exactly why Estates II is broke . The board consists of a bunch of unprofessional individuals who are more interested in having a good time than fulfilling their responsibilities to the community. Their negligence is costing all of us dearly.

Fire Alarm

The latest debacle unfolded with 5 people representing Estates ll attending a meeting with the fire marshal, yet another example of the inept decision-making that has plagued this project from its inception. It is pure idiocy to think  the more people present the more productive the outcome will be. Too many cooks.

This meeting only serves as a farce, in hopes of fooling the residents, when in reality it is proof no one knows what they are doing. Why not invite the landscaper while they're at it. I'm sure the fire marshal was very impressed.

What has become of the esteemed public space experts, the visionary designers, and the highly compensated contractor who raked in six figures for their subpar work? It is a travesty that they have been allowed to escape accountability for their role in this catastrophe.

The incompetence exhibited by this board is staggering. Their ineptitude is not only a liability but a threat to the integrity of the entire project. Their inability to execute even the most basic tasks with propriety, legality, and honesty is an affront to the principles of sound governance the residents deserve.

Have you ever witnessed such an astonishing display of incompetence? This group has managed to botch a project so spectacularly, and yet, they continue to deflect blame onto factors beyond their control—right up until the very end. Frankly, it's hard to take them seriously. WE DON'T BELIVE YOU.

Clubhouse delay excuse #105

We are currently observing, in real time, the predictable consequences of dishonesty—a lesson most of us grasped during our formative years. Our board of managers seems to be entangled in the classic scenario of "one lie begets another," struggling to maintain the increasingly complex web of deception. It's truly remarkable how challenging it can be to keep one's stories straight when one strays from the truth.

There is an air of incompetence surrounding the board of managers. Competent individuals keep others well-informed and naturally communicate in a way that leaves no room for confusion. I have no idea what is happening here, and it shouldn’t be that way.

I want the board to provide us with the full picture: the good news, the bad news, and everything in between. Be honest about what happened with the clubhouse, why it remains closed, and what steps are being taken to address the existing issues. It seems that transparency has been lacking, possibly due to ill intentions from the start. The same goes for the budget: let us know where we are overspending, where we can save money, and why we are facing continual increases. If the board is straightforward with us we can understand and accept the situation. However, we often see a lack of follow-through. The board's honesty is questionable, as it seems there may have been ulterior motives from the beginning.  That is the only way to explain the shroud of secrecy that blankets over everything they do.  The board has not owned up to anything.

The way I see it is very simple: The residents of Estates ll deserve a board that serves them and the community and that is not what we currently have. The current state of affairs is a board who cares about themselves and it is reflected in the budget, the clubhouse, all communications, the budget meeting (or lack there of), the refusal to have another budget meeting, the revised budget and the way management is put on a pedestal. Management is a willing participant, happily being used as a  tool by the board to propagate all the secrets and lies. Imagine if we had a management company located in Roslyn. What good is moving the books and records to Roslyn as a deterrent from residents reviewing condo information.  An honest board opens its books and records to shareholders, firstly because it is a requirement, and secondly because failing to do so can create suspicion.

It is apparent the board cannot spend money fast enough, but they are very shortsighted in their deceit because this  mismanagement  is unsustainable, which means there will be a tipping point. The residents have had enough.  The board has not successfully fooled us into believing they are dong a good job, which is why they hide from us.

I have concerns regarding the management of our condominium affairs. 

I believe it is essential for our board to uphold the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct in all decision-making processes, which is currently lacking. The issues related to the handling of financial matters and board communications could benefit from increased scrutiny and clarity.

Given the importance of trust and accountability in maintaining the integrity of our community, I would like to suggest the following:

1. Request for Transparency: It would be beneficial to have clearer communication regarding the financial statements and budgetary decisions. Regular updates could foster greater understanding among homeowners and encourage engagement.

2. Review of Procedures: A periodic review of our governance processes and decision-making practices might help ensure that they align with best practices and ethical standards.

3. Open Forums: Hosting open forums for residents may encourage dialogue and provide an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and suggestions in a constructive manner.

I believe that addressing these issues proactively will not only enhance our community's spirit but also reinforce confidence in the board's leadership.

Revised  Budget

While it may seem obvious, the budget should not have been released until it was a comprehensive, professional document.  The budget reflects the level of respect the board has for us.  As shareholders of Estates II, we expect and deserve that level of quality. The recent budget meeting did not reflect a professional approach, and although we can appreciate the board's responsiveness to our concerns, the revised budget still lacks the completeness and clarity we need.

Budget & Revised Budget 

The board of managers is not serving our community effectively. They lack the wisdom and care for the community that is necessary. They do however prioritize themselves, management and the vendors we pay with our ever increasing maintenance fees. It's disappointing to witness this situation.

Are we seriously supposed to trust the budget for the lower level of the clubhouse to the same clueless individuals who assembled that unprofessional budget for the condo? These people can’t manage anything properly and clearly have no grasp of how to handle money. They also don’t even understand their legal responsibilities, which makes them incompetent in every aspect of condo management. This board of mismanagers is an absolute disaster, and we need to put up a fight against this nonsense! The clubhouse isn’t even open, and they have the audacity to propose assessing us for the lower level? Unbelievable!

The board's decision to revise the budget raises concerns about its validity. This budget is misleading and  lacks genuine financial planning. We're paying for snow removal services even when it doesn't snow and funding social committee events that many of us won’t attend.

The $15,000 budgeted by the board for social committee activities is a clear violation of the bylaws and is, therefore, illegal. Residents attending these events are expected to cover their own expenses, it's written in black and white. The board refuses to follow the bylaws and do right by us. This situation serves as undeniable proof that the board is misappropriating funds that do not belong to them, and we cannot be expected to believe this is the first instance of such behavior. How did the board arrive at the figure of $15,000? Why not $20,000 or $8,000? What criteria were used to determine this specific amount?  

Snow- if you can call 0.2 accumulation snow

There's a blatant symbolism in the shoveling that happened last night!  The board is shoveling crap right into our faces, while they can't seem to shovel money out the door fast enough! It's infuriating how they prioritize their waste over our needs!

Snow

There is something nefarious at play with the snow removal and the board. We all sense it. A board with integrity would never let a vendor show up to shovel the dusting that was on the ground last night. This is one of the reasons the board will not try to cut costs. The board does not want to cut costs. The budget tell the story of who the board of managers really are and what they are really doing on the board. 

Clubhouse

Debbie Resnick is a coward for not attending the budget meeting. She must answer to us for the clubhouse. The clubhouse isn't closed for one year because of a few unexpected issues that arose, the clubhouse has been closed for one year due to many screw ups by Debbie and the team she hired. She was too cowardly to hold the contractors feet to the fire when he failed to execute the  architect's plans properly; She over paid  and she paid in full before the job was completed.  Where's the money for the lower level coming from? When is the clubhouse going  to open?  It should be a great grand opening party. They took $15,000 of our money to pay for it.  To hell with the capacity maximum if we are forced to pay for it we are all entitled to show up. 

I believe we have sufficient evidence to show that the condominium's attorneys have little regard for the bylaws, if they have even taken the time to read them. The budget was not presented to us within the required 14-day timeframe, and funds are being improperly diverted to the social committee. Additionally, the budget itself appears to be intentionally convoluted, with various categories unfairly consolidated into a single line item. 

It seems that our board is operating under the misconception that they are not bound by any legal obligations to us.  This perception could lead them to overlook important responsibilities that are fundamental to their role. As a result, they might be in for a rude awakening when the ramifications of their disregard for these obligations come to light. Their decisions and actions have legal implications, and a failure to uphold these responsibilities will have serious consequences, both for them personally and for the board as a whole. We should encourage them to reassess their stance and recognize the importance of adhering to their legal duties. 

Donna Geffner's home

This is a picture of Donna-Car Tarp-Geffner's home. She can't be bothered to bring in and store her 3 empty flower pots like the rest of us are forced to do.  I’m curious, when Daniella send us all reminders does anyone on the board bother to read them. Why is it the people who never follow the rules always get elected to the board.

Budget

Designating two individuals as treasurers does not necessarily imply that they possess the financial expertise required to develop a comprehensive budget. It's puzzling why, for the first time, we need two treasurers when we previously operated effectively with just one. What specific responsibilities do they each hold? Do they coordinate their tasks, or do they work independently to resolve financial matters?

Furthermore, it raises questions about the president's claim of having created the budget with their review. What processes were involved in crafting the budget? The entire situation feels somewhat arbitrary. 

For instance, introducing an additional $1,200 per family appears inadequate to address our financial challenges, especially without incorporating cost-cutting measures. This approach comes across as immature and lacking depth.

Additionally, why have we opted for two secretaries when historically there has been only one? This decision further contributes to the perception that these people have turned the board of managers into an unserious board.
 

Clubhouse Phase 2

Unfortunately, the board seems on track to repeat the missteps of the first-floor renovation in the planning of the second floor. They have already announced that residents will be excluded from participating in both the planning and execution of the project, a decision that is likely to result in wasteful spending and further erode trust. Residents have not been provided with any details regarding the board’s actions in the planning process for the second floor; all we're left with is the troubling news of our exclusion from it.

I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding the current state of our board. It appears they have strayed from their original purpose of representing the interests of our residents. The board is not working the way it is intended to. There seems to be a disconnect, as communication has dwindled, and it’s disheartening to see a lack of initiative to advocate for improved vendors, competitive pricing, and enhanced services for our community.

I struggle to understand the rationale behind giving quarterly bonuses to our security guards, especially when we are already investing over $300,000 in security alone. The Fairways manages to provide 24/7 security for just $188,000.  It’s time for our board to prioritize the needs and concerns of the residents they are meant to serve instead of paid service providers .

Budget & Treasurers Alan Rothenberg's explanation 

It's unfortunate that we lack an accounting professional on the board. Designating two residents as treasurers does not inherently equip them with the necessary expertise to develop a comprehensive budget. Alan Rothenberg did not mention TCM when explaining who created the budget. What do we pay TCM for? This is an area where TCM, as our management company, should certainly take a more active role. Currently, Estates II is being managed in a disorganized and unprofessional manner, as two individuals without any financial background are responsible for crafting the budget. We deserve a more knowledgeable approach to our financial management.

Maintenance:

I find it utterly exasperating when the board consistently points to our maintenance fees being lower than those of other condominiums, all while simultaneously imposing relentless increases on us. It is crucial to recognize that many of these other complexes house far fewer units than Estates II, thereby skewing any comparative analysis. Moreover, while other properties manage to operate within a budget of $800,000 annually, we inexplicably squander $2,000,000 a year on inefficiencies and waste. The board's assertions ring utterly hollow, revealing a profound disconnect from fiscal responsibility and the realities faced by homeowners.

NEWSLETTER:

Has anyone else noticed that in the newsletter, the board uses a ridiculous amount of words just to say absolutely nothing? The budget gobbledegook is completely incomprehensible! "Alan explained that he, with previous board operational and contract experience, had prepared the budget in consultation with Stephen and Stephani." What kind of nonsense is that? It tells us NOTHING! It’s infuriating!

Maintenance:

I couldn’t agree more with the concerns raised about the stark differences between Estates I and Estates II when it comes to fostering community connections. The board at Estates I has taken an important step by creating a resident directory.  In contrast, Estates II’s decision to withhold resident information  raises serious questions.

It’s puzzling that while Estates I can manage an up-to-date directory, Estates II struggles to keep a current voter log for elections. This suggests a lack of integrity of our elections. The elections are smoke and mirrors. The elections have become little more than a façade, akin to the theatrics of a banana republic. Why spend money on vote counting when the voter log is fundamentally flawed? Clean up the voter log and conduct an honest election. Count the votes out in the open. There are better ways to ensure integrity and save money. Residents of Estates II certainly shouldn’t be funding such practices, which go against the very principles of community and openness we should all value. It’s time for Estates II to reconsider its policies and prioritize the needs and rights of its residents. We deserve better!

MAINTENANCE:

It’s disheartening to see that our condo is facing ongoing assessments and maintenance fee increases without any discussion on strategies to reduce costs. It strikes me as illogical that the board has not identified a single area where expenses could be trimmed. Furthermore, it feels rather tone-deaf that, in a budget that requires more funding, the board has the audacity to allocate $15,000 for social events. This choice clearly demonstrates a lack of willingness to prioritize cost-cutting measures; those funds could have easily been redirected elsewhere.

I am confident that we can identify inefficiencies within the current budget and eliminate them. For instance, we could ask our vendors to reduce their fees by 10%, or risk losing their contracts—one can only imagine how quickly they might adjust their pricing to retain our business. Additionally, reconsidering the quarterly bonuses for security personnel would be a prudent move, as we need to take the stewardship of our residents’ funds seriously.

How many more budgets will the board cite minimum wage increases as a justification for raising our maintenance costs? This repeated justification indicates a troubling lack of business acumen within the board. We must advocate for a more responsible approach to financial management that prioritizes the interests of all residents.

We're stuck with assessments and maintenance hikes, yet there's zero discussion on cutting costs! 

It seems we find ourselves in a challenging situation with repeated assessments and rising maintenance costs in our condo. Unfortunately, there has been little to no discussion about strategies to mitigate these expenses. We haven't heard any ideas on identifying areas of inefficiency, nor have we been informed about any vendors who may have agreed to lower their fees or potential replacements that could offer more competitive pricing. It's concerning that the board appears to be so committed to existing service providers, using minimum wage increases as an excuse for escalating our maintenance fees. We must demand proactive solutions that prioritize the financial well-being of all residents.

Debbie Resnick has let down both herself and the residents by neglecting to attend the budget meeting, which is a requirement of her position. This unforced error warrants the disapproval she is receiving from residents. Her absence deprived us of the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the ongoing renovations, and it hindered a thorough and professional presentation of the scope and budget for the next phase of the clubhouse. By not facing the community and addressing our concerns, she missed a chance to earn our respect through honest open dialogue. It is clear that she does not belong on the board.

Subject: Truth and Accountability

We would not have discovered the $10,000 over billing by the law firm, the price change for the staircase railing, the transition from a $48,000 bathroom renovation that was later removed from the scope and budget and replaced with $250 toilet seat covers, the real reasons for the clubhouse delays, the illegal money given to the social committee, or the fees paid to Maltesky without the efforts of the residents' club. The board seems to work hard to keep information from us and spin their narratives, while the residents club works to spread the truth.

The Board of Managers has provided residents with no substantive grounds for confidence in their assertions or commitments. The recent budget meeting can only be characterized as a lackluster and insincere forum, conducted by individuals who do not appear to take their responsibilities seriously. Notably, both Treasurers chose to absent themselves from this critical meeting, thereby depriving residents of answers to an array of pertinent inquiries. Furthermore, Ms. Debbie Resnick's absence raises serious concerns regarding her accountability, particularly in relation to questions surrounding the present and future renovations and associated costs of the clubhouse. This sequence of events begs the question of the Board's competence and ethical standards, suggesting a troubling potential for either incompetence, unethical conduct, or perhaps both.

$75,000 budget for legal expensse:

What is the intended use of the $75,000 budgeted for legal expenses? That money seems to be allocated for the pain and suffering of the residents of Estates II. We are effectively funding the erosion of our rights under the bylaws. I urge you to remove the board of managers.

Alan Rothenberg's recent response to a simple question at the budget meeting —claiming he is new to the board therefore he could not answer the question —perfectly encapsulates the troubling nature of the current condo board. This statement is particularly misleading given that Alan has actually served on the board for six consecutive years, 3 of thosese years he served as V.P, before taking the requird one year off and returning to assume the role of president. Why would a board  elevate a newcomer to president. The board has no problem lying to residents. Alan's influence is evident throughout the mismanagement and troubling decisions that have plagued Estates II. From fiscal irresponsibility to a consistent pattern of misinformation. It's disheartening to witness how the residents have been misled while facing the consequences of these poor choices. Clearly, there is a need for new leadership. Time for the gravey train to come to a stop.

It's clear we've been misled regarding the clubhouse renovations. From not informing us about the project to the unexpected charges and confusing delays, it just doesn’t add up. The bathroom situation is outrageous—how do you go from planning an ADA-compliant restroom to just replacing the toilet seat covers? It seems like the budget was manipulated to create a lavish space for the board and their friends. The staircase railing is puzzling as well; it feels like someone is inflating costs, but why? I'm hoping for some clarification from the board.

We must address growing concerns regarding our condo's financial management. I propose we explore the option of placing our maintenance fees into a conservatorship or an escrow fund. This would ensure that our contributions are safeguarded and spent responsibly. It is clear that the  board can't manage our finances effectively, and we cannot continue to pour our hard-earned money into what many of us consider wasteful spending and questionable projects. I believe it is essential that we seek legal counsel to file an injunction to halt any further expenditures on the clubhouse and its construction until we can ensure proper management of our funds. We must come together as a community to protect our investments and advocate for the transparent and responsible use of our fees. 

Has everyone noticed that Cindy Davidowitz has been apart of every Estates ll debacle since she moved here. I wish she would go back from when she came.

Every dime allocated to the social committee over the years is theft from the residents. It must be  returned. They made us illegally  pay $5000 to move in and their shyster lawyers tell us it’s ok due to the passage of time, which we all know is utter nonsense. Then they waste all of that money on the clubhouse and assess us for more. We need law enforcement to investigate the board of managers. 

Marcia Copper’s bewilderment as to how she would pay for social committee events without condo funds epitomizes the boards philosophy. She really could not fathom charging attendees for the social events at the clubhouse. I never use the clubhouse butI can only image how they stock that kitchen with all their favorite things courtesy of the residents. They have no shame; they are misers; they are opportunists.  They think our money is their’s for the taking to do as they please with. They have no understanding of or respect for the bylaws and for NYS laws for that matter. I would like to see them removed. 

As professionals, I can not understand why two attorneys, David Hoffman and  Don Feldman would risk their reputations by serving on our board of unqualified individuals and by presenting a budget that made no  sense, came with no explanations, and that lead to questions of fraud.  

How dare Alan Rothenberg stuff the budget down our throats and say the budget is passed and your dues are going up in January.  

Our two treasurers don't have the guts to show up at their OWN budget meeting.

David Hoffman who chuckled at the audience trying to rationalize the board's incompetence by saying " that's the way they've always done things" [ even if its wrong].

Marcia Cooper who couldnt understand that she has been violating the bylaws for years by taking condo funds for the social committe.

Debbie Resnick who is in charge of the $500,000 over-budget clubhouse renovation and does not have the nerve to show up to answer questions or disclose how much has been spent on the clubhouse.

Don Feldman who added nothing to the meeting.

Donna Geffner, a PhD speech pathologist who didn't say a word!

The board has no right to raise our common charges when they did not present a budget. What the board did present at the "Budget Meeting" was a JOKE.  I actually felt bad for the board as they clearly have no idea of what they are doing and how to prepare a budget.  The numbers were completely made up and did not make sense to anyone in the room including the board members themselves. Most of them were looking down and could not even face the audience and looked completely losts. When  residents questioned the board, the board only had three answers for residents:

1) "We are not sure, and we will have to get back to you"

2) "It is what it is"

3) "Costs go up"

I simply can not understand how they can be so defiant when they are so incompetent. 

Someone at the budget meeting made a motion to adjourn until the board could present a proper budget and then reconvene. I would like to make a motion to begin the process (what ever that process is) to remove and replace the board of managers. It’s time.

It is absolutely unacceptable that Marcia Copper, when questioned about the $15,000 social committee budget, displayed a complete lack of understanding regarding the funding of parties by the condo is illegal. This entitlement among board members is truly alarming. Marcia, it's time to step up and cover the costs for your social activities yourself. Put your hand in your pocket and pay for your parties.

I  attended the budget meeting and a woman stood up and said how can we have a budget meeting with out a budget and without a treasurer and the audience clapped.

Only In Estates II could we have a budget meeting with an incomplete budget that was not shared  in advance for proper review (not that there was much to examine anyway). To make matters worse, the three most important board members were absent. Our questions went unanswered, and our request for another meeting was denied by the board. Additionally, both treasurers did not attend to address our inquiries, such as how the figure of $15,000 for the social committee was determined. What kind of events are they planning that most of us- who do not attend- have to pay for? $15,000!!  What cost cutting measures are you implementing? What was the purpose of this budget meeting?

Estates ll Board of managers: Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner, David Hoffman must all  do the right thing and resign. Why stay where you are not wanted unless there are benefits to donating your time to the board most residents are unaware of.  ⅓ of you couldn't even bother to show up at the meeting. How can you submit a budget one full day before the meeting with no explanations. You are in violation of the bylaws. Return the $15,000 for the social committee.  If you can't afford to pay for your entertainment try setting up a go fund me for legal donations.  Shame on you all.

Estates ll has TWO treasurers, and we STILL can't get a decent budget submitted to us! I'm not shocked that neither Stephani Michele nor Stephen Fanuka bothered to show up at the budget meeting! Alan Rothenberg is a TERRIBLE condo president—he should have been FORCING every board member to attend that meeting!  Why are they on the board?  These are not serious people. It’s all fun and games when they splash half a million dollars on redecorating the clubhouse and then gift themselves $15,000 to enjoy there, but that’s about to CHANGE! I am sick of this. I am DONE letting my money go to these incompetent people for management. I’m signing up for change, and it can’t come soon enough!

What on earth is happening with our insurance?! It's completely unacceptable. We have a board member, Stephani Michele, the treasurer, who couldn't bother to show up at the budget meeting, who is supposed to have expertise in this field, yet our premiums have skyrocketed! This is beyond questionable.  All Alan Rothenberg could offer was “prices go up”.  Really Alan?  There’s absolutely no way this is legitimate.  We deserve answers and accountability!

I demand clear and comprehensive answers regarding where all the money is.  How dare they take $1200 more per resident and illegally give $15,000 to the social committee and $75,000 to the law firm!  There appears to be significant financial waste and a substantial amount of money that remains unaccounted for. I am prepared to take action and will support a new board.

Last nights budget meeting is the reason we do not have open board meetings. The board is not honest and they can’t stand up to the scrutiny of facing the residents who have simple questions that deserve honest answers. Last night was a mess and they are hiding everything from us. Alan Rothenberg is more suited for changing his brakes in the middle of the street than he is as president of Estates ll. 

Two board meetings a year and 3 of the most important members missed the meeting is infuriating. I want Debbie Resnick Steven c and Stephani Michele replaced immediately. what good are they if they can’t face the residents two times a year. 

I am still grappling with the profound implications of last night's budget meeting, which left me with more questions than answers. It was astonishing to discover that Debbie Resnick, who oversaw the clubhouse renovation, and Steven Fanuca and Stephani Michechel, the treasurers, failed to attend. This deliberate absence suggests an intentional attempt to avoid scrutiny. Such a tactic is unacceptable. The lack of meaningful exchange of information during the meeting was very disturbing. The meeting should have been scheduled when every board member could attend. The boards has shown us they are a joke and not to be taken seriously. In light of this experience, I strongly believe that a new board of managers is necessary.

At the budget meeting, I was left stunned and disillusioned by the apparent ineptitude and unprofessional behavior of the decision-makers. Alan Rothenberg should not be president of anything. Three board members didn’t even show up. It’s not hyperbole to say that they are incompetent, as their lack of preparedness, defensive posturing, and arrogant demeanor made it clear that they are just that. Their unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives and make necessary adjustments to the budget is threatening to the financial health of Estates ll.  As a last resort, it's possible that drastic measures, including replacing them, may be necessary to correct the course.

The lack of accountability and professionalism exhibited by the entire board tonight is nothing short of appalling. Debbie Resnick head of clubhouse is a coward and did not show up along with both treasurers, Steven Fanuca and Stephani Michele, a stark reminder of their lack of commitment to their responsibilities.  Marylin Friendlander made a respectable attempt to save the board from their awful performance.  Cindy Davidowitz was trying to work her manipulative magic on residents.

The  two treasurers who did not show up is a breach of trust and raises serious questions about their competence and integrity. The board showed a lack of understanding of accounting principles.  David Hoffman stated this is how the budget has been done before and someone replied just because it has been incorrectly done in the past doesn't mean it should always be incorrectly done. When asked who prepared the budget  Alan Rothenberg stated he did. I do not trust Alan Rothenberg at all. The audience's request for another meeting was  denied by the board, yet again demonstrating their disregard for the concerns and needs of those they are supposed to serve.

Short recap of budget meeting:  The two treasurers Steve Fanuca and Stephani Michele didn't bother to show up.

Residents not happy as they questioned the incomplete budget, lack of capital budget, and shady accounting practices.  Alan Rothenberg callously denied the residents' demands for a new budget and another meeting, coldly stating, "it is what it is." The final cost of the clubhouse remains a mystery, with no clear answers from the incompetent board members. Marci aCopper could not comprehend people paying their own way for social events when someone demanded return of the $15,000. Marcia wants us all to pay for her parties. The incompetence and arrogance of the board members was unfortunately not surprising.

This is what happens when individuals scrape together just enough funds to settle in a neighborhood that is clearly beyond their means. It’s disturbing to observe as they turn their driveways into parking lots because their garages have become storage facilities; they turn the once charming streets into a common neighborhood with painted lines to allow curb side parking; they change their brakes in the street, all while draping their vehicles with unsightly tarps. They install shipping containers, snow plows and rubbish in the clubhouse parking lot because they don't know any better, which of course is unsettling for those of us who do. The Clubhouse, of course, becomes their makeshift country club, funded lavishly with the contributions of those of us who can actually afford to partake in such luxuries. They rely on the condo for landscaping expenses that they cannot possibly afford on their own. One cannot help but notice their absence from local fine dining or luxury shopping where many of us who live here run into each other.  I fear the board is over run with individuals who need to be on the board for reasons I dare not say. People with money usually respect money, whereas those responsible for this absurd budget exhibit a deplorable disregard for financial prudence. 

This budget is an absolute slap in the face to homeowners! Daniella’s gas expense should be covered by her employer-TCM. The absurd amount allocated for the social committee is a clear indication of how this board prioritizes its own interests over the community’s needs. Why in the world should the entire community be footing the bill for social events? Let those who want to participate pay for it themselves! It’s infuriating to see such blatant waste and abuse of our hard-earned money! What happened to last year’s budget for the social committee? I can guarantee that cash got redirected somewhere else, just like the other vague expenses like miscellaneous administrative services for $15,000. Where is $23,000 that was not spent for the water refuse? This is the tip of the iceberg!

The release of the budget two days before the meeting reflects a troubling pattern of financial misconduct. The failure to provide the budget at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting deprives residents of the necessary time to thoroughly review and understand the financial implications of the proposed budget. Such laxity in adhering to established norms and protocols fosters an environment of uncertainty and suspicion, where homeowners may question the integrity of the financial management.

Moreover, the escalating issues at Estates II over the past years are undeniable. As we continue to witness a decline in the quality of our community and the management of our finances, it is imperative that we address these systemic failures head-on. Ignoring the need for responsible financial governance not only jeopardizes our current stability but also threatens the long-term viability of our community. If this trend is allowed to persist, we risk exacerbating existing problems and potentially creating new ones, leading to diminished property values.

You are already in possession of my name and address from my comment. I am prepared to contribute $5,000 towards an escrow legal fund aimed at addressing the ongoing issues in Estates II. I am confident that this investment will ultimately yield significant savings by mitigating future assessments, maintenance cost increases, and the burden of repairs for which I am currently being unjustly held responsible. The status quo is untenable, and it is imperative that we take decisive action.

Two snow plows, one shipping container, and a partridge in a pear tree

Under no circumstances should the snow plows be stored in the newly renovated clubhouse parking lot. This unsightly arrangement reflects a board that lacks ambition and standards for the community. With some creativity and thoughtful planning, there are numerous more suitable locations to house these unattractive snow plows. Ideally, they should be stored discreetly behind the shipping container, but there are other viable alternatives if only the board would seek them out. One thing is certain: they do not belong in their current location.  Moreover, while we’re addressing these issues, the brown tarp and the surrounding litter need immediate attention. The parking lot should not resemble a junkyard; it deserves to be a clean and welcoming space for all residents. Let’s strive for a community that reflects pride and care in its appearance  

Given the numerous comments on this website regarding the residents dissatisfaction with the board of managers  and their failure to rectify their course, it suggests that they may be deriving significant benefits from their unethical actions.

I am honestly in utter disbelief at the level of deceit displayed by our condo board. It seems that every turn they take only reinforces their role as the villains of this community. How do they not tire of denying homeowners their basic rights? It’s incredibly frustrating to learn that we should have received the financials two weeks before the budget meeting, which is standard in any professional setting. People need time to review important documents. Yet here we are, just four days out from the meeting, and we still haven't received anything! This lack of respect for the homeowners and disregard for our rights is emblematic of how unprofessional and rotten to the core the board of managers are.

One manager for Estates l and Estates ll

When Estates I and Estates II were self-managed, it was logical for each condo to have its own dedicated manager, as those individuals handled all responsibilities independently without back-office support. However, with both Estates I and Estates II now being managed by TCM, it would be more efficient and cost-effective to employ a single onsite property manager to oversee both condos. TCM's office now covers many of the tasks that were previously managed by the onsite manager, making the presence of two onsite TCM property managers redundant and an unnecessary expense. Let’s adopt a smarter approach to reduce costs and streamline operations.

I’ve tried to give the board of managers the benefit of the doubt, but with everything surrounding the clubhouse mess and the lies that surround it, I can no longer stand by and support them. The actions of the board have been absolutely despicable, and it’s clear that many if not all members are complacent in allowing bad actors to thrive.

The residents of Estates II deserved to have the financials presented to us before the weekend. We should have had the opportunity to review them adequately before the Wednesday meeting. Instead, the board chose to withhold the financials until… who knows. The board should have told us when we could expect to receive the financials when they announced the meeting in the news letter. Too many unknowns. Their underhandedness raises serious concerns about potential corruption.  All we get are secrets and lies.  

Does anyone know if Daniella is related to someone on the board or TCM because I see the maintenance men working hard every day while there is no sign of the property manager. It’s my understanding the maintenance men are employed by Estates ll and the property manager is a TCM employee. It ’s not her fault not much is expected of her but the residents notice; this is a board failure to demand more from TCM. 

Clubhouse closure:

Over the past 11 months, the residents of Estates II have observed that an onsite property manager is not necessary. There has been no noticeable difference in services—neither positive nor negative—during the time the manager has been working elsewhere. As a result, forgoing this expense would be a cost-saving measure.

It's absolutely outrageous how the board operates, playing manipulative games with the residents at every turn. There's no way the financials aren't ready for distribution; their refusal to release them speaks volumes. With the meeting on Wednesday, residents should have  these documents over the weekend to have ample time for a thorough review. Clearly, the intent is to provide residents with as little time as possible to examine them closely, likely because the financials will reveal troubling truths. This behavior is not just unprofessional—it's downright dishonest, and I am fed up with the board of managers and their incessant games. 

SNOW CONTRACT: PLOW THE FAT OFF THE SNOW CONTRACT. 

The plowing is now subcontracted to Cardinali Bothers, who maintain the sprinklers. Because it just makes so much sense to pay two vendors when we could be paying one. The loyalty to TCM vendors is heartwarming. It's like they’re part of the family now and family get paid! A huge thank you to the board for enlightening us that the sprinkler guy will be paid to do absolutely nothing all winter long. Because, of course, money just grows on trees here at Estates II! No wonder we are broke. Remember when Estates ll didn't even need a sprinkler vendor because the maintenance men took care of it, saving tens of thousands of dollars a year?  

As a resident of Estates II, I want to highlight a significant concern regarding the amenities that were a deciding factor in my choice to rent here. The clubhouse, which is a central aspect of the community experience for me and a big factor in my decision to rent here, has been unavailable for the past eleven months. This situation is unacceptable, especially considering the rental costs associated with this property. I have communicated my dissatisfaction to my landlord and have expressed the expectation for compensation due to the lack of access to a facility that I was promised when I signed the lease. The current state of affairs does not align with the standards and services that I expected.

Estates ll News Letter:

I would like to read the information from the minutes that the board omits from the so-called newsletter. Does the board genuinely believe that informing us about brick pointing suffices to keep us adequately informed? It’s clear that Estates II is being managed ineptly, and the community is well aware of the situation. The board’s picking and choosing what they allow us to know is corrupt by nature.

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Estates ll News Letter:
It's funny what passes as news here. Marilyn Friedlander gets to attend the board meetings, take the real minutes Debbie Resnick has no time for and then give residents meaningless information on brick pointing.  All while Estates ll has been going broke. 
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There’s something about the truth that just hits differently; when you hear it, you recognize it for what it is. A lie leaves a pile of unanswered questions.  With our board there are so many questions. Every time they tell us something I have questions. Take that part of the newsletter from Debbie Resnick—she’s claiming that the Certificate of Occupancy is pending because of the fire marshal's inspection. Really? Why is this the first time we’re hearing about this supposed modification? What even was the modification? And why are we only now dealing with this inspection when we were promised months ago that the clubhouse was finally moving along smoothly?
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Make sure you put away your flower pots and no pretty holiday decorations past your gate but NO PROBLEM PUTTING A CAR WITH A TARP IN YOUR DRIVEWAY!!  Dear board, you are a bunch of jerks!!!!  I think we should all buy tarps for our cars and leave it in the driveway. It will be just what Estates ll needs. 
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If you ask me, Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz are arrogant, secretive, unprincipled, corrupt individuals who have infiltrated a once vibrant and community-oriented board by exploiting their desire for power and control. The Estates ll board once fostered open communication and engagement with residents, but over time, the newcomers have shifted the dynamic to one of secrecy and exclusion. Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Ely Zaken, Rick Saccullo, Debbie Resnick, Marcia Cooper, with the help of TCM have prioritized personal agendas over communal interests, shunning transparency, thereby alienating residents who once felt valued. This erosion of trust not only undermines the board's credibility but also stifles the sense of community that had made Estates ll a welcoming place to live.
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I'm sick of this newsletter!  I'm sick of them trying to pull one over on us! It's insulting and it's not working. It's nothing more than a bunch of sanitized, spoon-fed information that does not resemble actual meeting minutes. We get breadcrumbs designed to fool us, while the board hides the truth. This is NOT how meeting minutes should be communicated! Where are the future plans? Where are the vital discussions? What’s coming down the pipeline?  They give us NOTHING!  Are they seriously telling us the sprinkler guy gets paid to be on standby all winter?! What a bunch of idiots. To make matters even worse, residents are completely barred from joining the committee to address issues on the lower level of the clubhouse! This is the blatant truth—our right to real information at Estates II has been stripped away from us. It’s absolutely infuriating!  It’s unacceptable!
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Thank you for highlighting the board member with a tarp. As a resident of Nightingale Court, I can't help but feel frustrated every time I step outside and see that car covered with a tarp. This used to be an upscale neighborhood where we took pride in our surroundings, and now, I'm constantly reminded of the decline in our community standards. It feels disrespectful to all of us who maintain our properties and contribute to the neighborhood's charm.  I wish we could restore the dignity that this place deserves.
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I think Trashy or Classy should have its own running page. I believe the lights and cameras installed above the garage detract from the overall aesthetic of our community. Rather than enhancing the environment, they seem out of place. It’s puzzling to consider why someone would choose to live in a gated community only to feel the need for security cameras. To me, they undermine the sense of charm and elegance we strive for. They are trashy!
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It’s shocking to witness a board of managers that is so disconnected from the community they are supposed to serve. The decision to exclude residents from attending board meetings and the blatant refusal to share minutes highlights an alarming level of self-interest. This lack of transparency erodes trust in the board. People are rightfully upset; it’s a clear indication that the board is more interested in operating behind closed doors than fostering an inclusive and engaged community. If this trend continues, the board may face serious repercussions—from growing discontent among residents to potential challenges to their authority. A change in approach is not only necessary; it’s overdue. The time has come for the board to acknowledge that they are accountable to the residents, not the other way around.
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$60,000 for Daniella's office?! Are they out of their minds? The board must think we're all idiots, or they're the idiots if they think it's acceptable to waste our money on this absurdity! This is outrageous and downright sickening! There better be some serious repercussions for this absurdity! This is criminal. Someone on the board must be friends with the contractor to agree to pay these prices.
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FED UP WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE! I can’t believe my eyes – car covered with a tarp on Nightingale Ct for everyone to see on the right and an ugly shipping container on the left. Wow. Hideous exterior AC units slapped on the back of a home and that exit gate that takes an eternity to rise. They won't let us leave. And the clubhouse – MISMANAGED and SHUT DOWN for almost a YEAR! It’s a complete joke! Are we just supposed to accept this?
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There is a complete and utter lack of management from both TCM and the board. What happened to the standards we once upheld at Estates II? TCM has vanished since the clubhouse closure, and the board of managers? They’re a pitiful group of bumbling fools, utterly incapable of running a condo! If this continues, we are destined to become the embarrassing outlier among all the condos in North Hills. It’s incomprehensible!
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Alan Rothenberg, Donna Geffen and David Hoffman: how disappointing the three of you are. We expected you to be honest people and live up to your pledge to fight for open board meetings for us, the residents. Who do you represent fellow board members or fellow residents?  What will you do to make life for the residents of Estates ll better? What will you do to try and bring down costs?  Will you be a rubber stamp for the status quo?  
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The amount of money spent on the clubhouse is ridiculous.  Everyone involved in the clubhouse renovation should be investigated.
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I hope every Estates II resident realizes that without transparency—and we have none—there is no oversight. This, my fellow residents, is how all of this overspending and terrible decision-making can continue to take place. I shudder to think about what else goes on behind our backs. The board should be ashamed of itself, but to our detriment as a community, they have no shame. 
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$50,000 floors

I am absolutely outraged by the decision to spend a staggering $50,000 on wood floors for the clubhouse! This should have cost no more than $15,000, and it's simply unfathomable how something like this could happen.  Standing in that clubhouse and looking at the size of the space, who in their right mind thinks $50,000 makes any sense at all? These board members must be the dumbest people living in Estates II. I doubt they ever spend triple on upgrades for their own homes! It's sickening and frankly, embarrassing for Estates ll. We deserve better than this wasteful nonsense or do we!  If we do nothing about it then we get what we deserve.
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Out dated voter log:

The decision to intentionally utilize an outdated voter log that fails to accurately reflect the current residents of Estates II casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the election. Even if the outcome was valid, many of don't believe the people who won actually won, we believe they were selected by the board. It dirties up the entire board.  As a result, this situation undermines not only this election and future elections but also diminishes the legitimacy of those who were declared the winners.
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Clubhouse 

It is astonishing that the same group responsible for the significant mismanagement of the first-floor clubhouse renovation will be overseeing the lower-level renovation. How can we allow this to occur? It seems certain to lead to another mismanaged project that will inevitably be costly and problematic.
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I believe the board has engaged in misconduct and breached their fiduciary responsibilities through their self-serving excessive renovation of a public space. A comprehensive audit of expenses is essential, and accountability must be upheld—there should be consequences for this unfortunate situation.
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I read the front page article about the clubhouse and the parody email that was funny. It's too bad the board gives the website so much to write about but it is nice to have a place to vent. What a disappointment the board has become. Many of us wonder how they convince themselves we believe these ridiculous email stories they send to us. I don't know what will be but I do know things cannot continue they way they are. 
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It has now been five long years since the board prohibited us from attending meetings and denied us access to their minutes. No good has come from this. In this time, the quality of life at Estates II has declined alarmingly. We’ve faced relentless assessment and maintenance increases, with repairs left unattended and a complete lack of opportunities to engage directly with the board to address our concerns. What’s more, we've been met with one deception after another. The residents of Estates II deserve better!
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Of course we’ve been lied to. The entire board has a lot of explaining to do along with Alan Rothenberg and committee chair Debbie Resnick.  What else could explain that ridiculous email they sent out yesterday with no concrete date for when the clubhouse is finally going to open.  I thought we had some big-shot builder on the board. But here we are, left in the dark as usual.  
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The board of managers are out of their minds and appear to have no idea what they are doing most of the time. We the residents do not need to be bothered by pointless emails thanking or blaming the building inspector.  The only thing that email accomplished was to give everyone a good laugh. We all saw this coming.  I guess he finally let them know if they want the clubhouse to ever open up they should stop blaming him for their own failures.  I say good for him. The board blamed him for everything. 
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There’s no denying that Dennis Sgambati was the last effective president of Estates II. Dennis truly understands condo life, and he ran circles around the recent presidents who have only managed to diminish our quality of life here. Under his leadership, board meetings were open to everyone, minutes arrived in our mailboxes each month, and, most importantly, residents were treated with respect. When issues arose, the board went above and beyond to address residents' concerns and ensure their satisfaction. In stark contrast, today’s board operates in secrecy, treating residents like second-class citizens. It’s time to recognize what we’ve lost and demand the accountability and respect that should always be a standard in our community.
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Estates ll has the worst board of managers. The blatant lack of transparency in this condo is extremely troubling. Good people don't hide information. We fund this place, yet the board shamelessly closed meetings while at the same time decided to keep the minutes of those meetings a secret. That's why they did this, to keep secrets from us. This behavior screams that they were/are scheming and plotting actions that we residents will absolutely detest. It’s not just suspicious—it’s absolutely unscrupulous. 
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If the board is hell bent on Zoom meetings then they should have no objection to allowing residents to observe from the comforts of their home. There are many city condo's that have a link residents can sign onto so they can watch the board meetings without the ability to speak. The board tells the lie that after decades of open meetings they had to shut the residents out because people were talking in the audience. That's a lot of crap and it's insulting to all of us who live here. We aren't animals, we know how to stay quiet and listen. Why not set up a camera with audio and let us watch the meetings with no chance of interference since we will all be in our homes. 
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In regard to the Estates ll Newsletter, I challenge Marilyn Friedlander to omit the pictures, the very large heading and the large mast head in the back and just fill the two pages with information. 
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I cannot believe the audacity of the board to transform a public commercial space—the clubhouse—into a spectacle fit for a country club. The Estates l clubhouse exemplifies what a true community clubhouse should be—a welcoming space that reflects practicality and genuine community spirit. It’s attractive without excessive extravagance, clearly demonstrating respect for condo funds and common sense in board decisions. This outrageous renovation reeks of entitlement, especially when the vast majority of residents rarely use the clubhouse while the board appears to have made it their personal playground. This entire decorating fiasco feels entirely self-serving and I'm absolutely fed up with the board's reckless decisions.
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I totally agree with you on this.  Zoom meetings really do make it hard to stay focused, especially when we're talking about big decisions like the clubhouse renovation. It's kind of surprising that the board still prefers virtual meetings, especially when they can easily meet up in person. It seems like they’re choosing convenience over actually getting things done. Meeting face-to-face really helps with communication, teamwork, and accountability—especially for something as important running Estates ll. The delays in reopening the clubhouse should definitely be a wake-up call for them. They really need to start meeting in person if they're serious about making progress and showing they care about the community.
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I have no doubt if a person is injured by the gate they will feel much better when they learn it was for their safety. The board appears to use the Condo law firm for everything theses days, as reflected in the increase in legal expenses, it might have been prudent for them to ask about a heavy gate arm coming down onto a person and if the slow pace removes the legal consequences on Estates ll for injury.  
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I spoke to a designer who is very busy on the North Shore and this person said " how do you put expensive light colored furniture in a commercial clubhouse. It will be ruined." The club house will be a running joke on the North Shore between the cost, time it took and impractical purchases.
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New letter about the gate

Oh, the board is just doing a fantastic job, isn’t it? I mean, who wouldn’t want a gate arm that extends way onto the sidewalk and moves at a snail’s pace for "pedestrian safety"? Clearly, the genius solution is to speed that thing up! What a brilliant idea! Why not just make the arm shorter, so it can’t possibly whack a poor soul strolling by? It’s not rocket science! It’s baffling—this arm has never been this long before. What possessed them to order one so ridiculously long now? It’s just an exit, for crying out loud! Fingers crossed no one gets hurt while they grapple with this revolutionary problem that Estates II has somehow managed to avoid until now.
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From the Newsletter
...Marilyn is going to" facilitate reporting on the Board business and topics of community interests."  Marilyn Friedlander omits all  information on board business but I can help with the topics of community interest: Open Board meetings, Access to Condo information, reduce costs and speedy repairs. YOUR WELCOME
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The Newsletter:
At this point, I do not trust anything the board says, especially the secretary, I mean co- secretary Debbie Resnick.  I thought there was a problem with the step and handrail in the garage. Now the inspector noticed a problem with the floor?  When I did my condo, the inspector didn't keep throwing new changes at me in order to get the final approval. This is BS.  Clearly, the board, Debbie Resnick, the designers, and/or the contractor have no idea what they're doing. That's the only thing I believe.
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The absence of access to board meetings and their accompanying minutes represents a significant gap in oversight, which can foster an environment conducive to corruption. It is imperative to understand that transparency within a condominium board is not merely a procedural formality; it is a fundamental principle that upholds integrity and accountability. 

When information is withheld, it can create a perception of wrongdoing—even if no actual malfeasance is occurring. The lack of transparency undermines trust, and trust is essential for a healthy functioning condo. Thus, while no accusations are being made, it is critical to recognize that transparency serves as a safeguard against both real and perceived misconduct. Open access to board activities and records is essential for ensuring ethical governance and maintaining the community's confidence in the board.
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Happy Halloween , Trick or Treat..
With the illegal and underhanded appointment of Marilyn Freidlamder to the Board of Managers, Alan Rothenberg played a real bad TRICK on the community. And let’s not forget how he managed to get elected under such *noble* pretenses, claiming he was all for open board meetings. Talk about an impressive bait and switch! The master of community trickery!
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My fellow residents when is it enough. We get financials that don't make sense, the news letter is nothing more than spin, we are not permitted access to read the real condo minutes because I am sure our heads would spin, they used an out dated voter log for the election, they spend our money behind our backs and now they reshape the board because they are lazy. Ethical honest people don't hide information.  We must fight this. We have to organize.
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Holiday list:

I would like to see TCM's holiday list. I wonder how many gift certificates to Peter Lugar they hand out to the people who hire them? How does TCM say thank you for the business during the holiday season? The board used to thank themselves with a board dinner at Bryant and Copper, then they decided to include the spouses, all paid for by the residents. This wasn't so bad when residents could attend board meetings and received copies of the minutes in our mailboxes because we could see with our own eyes how hard they worked and how productive they were. 
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Al Cecares was a good property manager, he knew his stuff and I remember the gasp in the meeting when they announced he was going to be replaced. People liked him. We were all surprised TCM replaced Al with Daniella because she was 29 years old at the time and common sense dictates that she could not have the experience we all thought someone needed  to run this size Condo. 
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The Real Rick Saccullo:

I just read this email from Rick Saccullo to a new resident. Who does he think he is. None of us should have to put up with this.

"On a final note I must advise you that your incessant and repetitious emails to our property manager demanding answers immediately will not be tolerated going forward. Our property manager is not required to respond to emails in “real time” as if she was operating a 911 Crisis Center.  Emailing is a privilege not a right and we will direct our property manager to cease communication with you via email if you continue to bombard her with incessant  emails. We have 178 units in EstatesII."
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I needed a repair that when the condo had a board that understood how condos are run was covered by the condo, because it delt with an issue outside the home; an issue almost every home here has had handled by the condo, at the condo's expense. I was forced to pay for something I should not have paid for. Residents are being mistreated because the board spends too much on TCM vendors so they are cutting costs when our homes are in need of serious  repairs the condo is responsible for.  I have to send more than one email to get a response from anyone. Rick Saccullo made me feel like he was doing me a favor, everything is a big deal now when it used to be just making a phone call and getting something fixed in a professional way.  
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True story: I found myself in need of a big home repair and the condo sent two companies to assess the situation. One representative had decades of experience with Estates II and I already knew them, while the other was relatively new to the condo. Surprisingly, one of the quotes was significantly lower than the other. However, the board decided to select the newer company at 40% higher cost to manage the costly repair on my condo. Now, if we consider this scenario across all home repairs, it becomes clear why maintenance costs continue to rise.  I think they are giving the long time vendors the nickel and dime work to keep apprearances up but they are giving the expensive repairs to the TCM vendors. So much for Rick Saccullo's claim the board works hard to save money. It appears the board works hard to pretend to save money. I think the board is more loyal to TCM than they are to the residents and managing the condo's finances wisely.
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If the board can't be forthright about something as straightforward as how long Daniella has been with us it raises serious concerns about their honesty regarding more critical issues like the clubhouse and finances. Living in this environment has left me feeling quite frustrated. 
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The consistent allocation of quarterly bonuses to every security guard, coupled with the frequent exaltation of management and our service providers, underscores the board's lack of professionalism.  I urge the board to adopt a more pragmatic approach to managing the condominium. Strikingly, when it comes to engaging with residents, the board often responds with indifference.  Our requests for the reinstatement of open board meetings have been met with silence, and efforts to gain insight into the proceedings are thwarted by the board’s refusal to share meeting minutes. 
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The recent election:
 

The resident who received the least votes has been living here for about one year, just like the resident who received the most votes. One is a lawyer, while the other is an engineer. Given that both fields bring valuable skills to the condo board, it's puzzling why one received the most votes while the other received the fewest. Statistically, one would expect them to tie or both secure a position on the board. Since the board already has a lawyer it would make more sense for the engineer to have garnered more support. The new resident even received more votes than the past, now current, president, Alan Rothenberg.
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Open Board Meetings:

All three of the residents who won a seat on the board stated they wanted open board meetings. Now we will see if these three people have the integrity the residents who voted for them believe they posses.  Since the current president, Alan Rothenberg, was one of those people who said he was not opposed to open board meetings it should happen right away. 
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May I offer a suggestion to my fellow residents: When and if the clubhouse is ever open we must all start playing cards there in the evening hours so we can enjoy the facility with the people they spent our money on it for. I am sure these lucky recipients of a new $500,000 card room will be happy to share their beautiful space with the rest of us.  The best part is non residents can come and enjoy the space for free. Come one and all!
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Out dated voter log:

As a concerned resident, I feel compelled to speak out about the outdated voter log used for the election. It’s deeply troubling to think that some on the board might exploit this outdated information as a means to undermine a fair election to bring Alan Rothenberg back to the board. This reeks of desperation and dishonesty.  If the board is willing to manipulate the elections, I wonder what else they might be doing behind the scenes without our knowledge. We deserve better than this kind of underhanded tactics. 
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Subject: Concerns Regarding Duel Representation

I read the article addressing the issues surrounding a condo's legal representation, and I feel compelled to express my thoughts.  It is crucial for the board to prioritize due diligence when selecting legal counsel.

As a best practice, I recommend that the board ask any law firm under consideration how many properties managed by our management company they currently represent. This information will help us gauge the potential for biased legal advice and ensure that our needs are met without conflicts.  In that regard, I would like to inquire specifically: how many TCM properties does our condo's current law firm represent? 

Sincerely, 
A Concerned Resident
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The website is great!  The board needs to get its house in order; it's one thing after the next with no accountability on the boards part. I don't care what obstacles they had to overcome during this joke of a clubhouse renovation, as it stands now the clubhouse shines a light on their financial and managerial incompetence. 
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It feels like a they (board & TCM) us (residents) situation now at Estates ll and without open board meetings and opening condo information, to the people who own the condo, things will only get worse. I had hope with the election but after reading the voter log article they have been squashed.  Alan Rothenberg said he was OK with open board meetings during the meet the candidates. We will all see if he is a man of his word. 
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Re: Nat'l Grid Statement

There is a difference between the gas bill and gas payments. Why does Mike Friedlander or anyone on the board have to point out to management that these gas payments are wrong.  Isn't that TCM's job or do they merely set up auto deducts with no over sight and let the money pour out of the Estates ll's bank accounts.  That is not management. It looks like the gas payments have been wrong for many years, so where did all of the money go? If the monthly bills coming to Estates ll are correct but the money leaving the bank account is not correct something is going on behind the scenes and no one on the board seems to care about getting the money back. 

$50,000 in one month is a sign that something isn't right with how Estates ll is being managed and how the bills are being paid and how the expenses are categorized.  
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Why is Estates  ll stuck with the same people on the board. They take a year off and then jump right back in, like Alan Rothenberg. These are the people who keep us out of board meetings, won't let us see the condo minutes, and moved the records to Bellmore so they can't say they're coming back to serve the community when it's obvious they're just looking out for their own interests in spite of what the community actually wants. They have made that perfectly clear.
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Gas & Electric

Numbers don't lie. The board has turned our bank accounts into a free for all. Where is the investigation into the gas payments and whose gas bills has Estates ll been paying?  There is no one to ask so I'll just leave a comment on this website. 
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Crickets from the board of managers on the election fraud and the bogus gas payments. Where's the forensic accounting? Where's the investigation?  It's concerning how the board and management are working together. It seems like there’s a bit too much praise going on for TCM and their vendors. I would  like to see a more balanced relationship between management and the board, especially since the company gets paid to do a job. We really should be having regular reviews of TCM’s performance, but instead, all we hear is how lucky we are to have these vendors providing services. The board's tendency to emphasize how fortunate we are to have these vendors gives the impression that management and the board are colluding, rather than genuinely advocating for the Condo's best interests.
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There will never be open board meetings even though the new president said he was fine with the idea of going back to being transparent. Since we have learned about all the money spent on gas and the 2021 voter log we have heard nothing from the board. They can't face us and do all the rotten things they are doing to the residents of Estates ll. The board says this website lies lies lies so why don't they address the gas and the voter log and the residents who are not correctly represented on the voter logs. I know someone on the board of the Gates condo. I wonder if any Estates ll board member reached out to the Gates condo to learn about their problem with gas payments. It's a very similar to Estates ll because the Gates Condo was paying for gas they don't use. The difference is The Gates Condo did something about it.
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The residents need legal representation. I can't believe the board actually used a 2021 voter log for the 2024 elections! This is so sleazy and just feels like a blatant attempt to cheat the system. It's infuriating to think they would go to such lengths to mislead us. Will we ever have fair elections at Estates ll or just constant underhanded tactics. This is a huge betrayal to all of us residents. I do not believe Alan Rothenberg won and I do not believe Dennis Sgambati lost. Dennis has never lost an election, he is the deputy major of North Hills and there isn't a condo around that would not see the benefits of having the deputy mayor on the board.  I also don't believe the residents of Estates ll did not want an engineer on the board. 
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We all see how once great cities are ruined by bureaucrats making terrible, irresponsible decisions. They spend money recklessly and seem completely out of touch with what the community needs. Unfortunately, we’re experiencing something similar here. Decisions are being made by people who should know better, yet they either don’t care or are just not paying attention or worse. 
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We pay for gas we don't use and the board picks and chooses  which former residents stay on the voter log. Something terrible is happening here.
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Why am I not surprised the board is using an outdated voter log for the elections.  This is absolutely unacceptable. Keeping past residents who no longer live here on the list is nothing short of a blatant attempt to manipulate the process. It raises serious concerns about the integrity of our elections and the lack of integrity of the board. They take us for fools. This is not carelessness—it's downright corruption! We must demand a fair and accurate voting process that reflects the true residents of our community. I can only imagine what they are doing that we do not know about; look what we now know about the gas and the elections. It's time for the board to go, they are beyond redemption.
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Re voter log

Every month TCM sends every homeowner a statement; they have every current address listed with the correct owners. The use of an out dated voter log with people who no longer live here still listed on the log is without a doubt an intentional way for the board to sway the election. This is another disgusting low for the board of miscreants.
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When I looked over the National Grid statement I noticed the months the "service was canceled" Estates ll still paid for gas but paid the correct amount, which to me means Estates ll has been paying someone else's gas bill because if service is canceled there is normally no charge to an account. If I cancel my cable service I no loner receive cable and I am no longer charged for cable. 
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To the RC, The gas situation and the missing money must be the reason why there are no open board meetings,  no minutes, and TCM in place for the cover up.  I think its time the State Attorney General's Office gets involved.  
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Are we to understand that for years the gas bill was in auto deduct and we paid tens of thousands of dollars we did not owe but once our account came off of auto deduct and the bills dropped down to hundreds of dollars TCM pays late every single month with late fees and the board DID NOTHING ABOUT IT?!  
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I am extremely concerned about the huge amounts of money automatically deducted from the Estates II bank account. I am also concerned about the boards lack of communication as to why all this money has left the account for gas when the condo only spends a tiny amount of money on gas and that is for the clubhouse. My plea is for any attorney who lives in the neighborhood to offer help in getting the rest of the national grid statements so residents can see exactly how much money has left the bank account. We need to know where that money has gone and how to recover that money.
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I wonder why Michael Funuka, "THE BUILDER TO THE STARS" and board member doesn't have the shipping container removed. Perhaps, he thinks it is an aesthetic improvement to the grounds and will be incorporating it in all his new home builds?  

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Dear Residents Club,

How unfortunate that we have to live with neighbors hating and calling each other out. It comes from leadership, how they run our condo and the messages they send out.  The past board was shown dozens of their shortcomings through your website but chose to ignore all the matters that were important to residents, namely management, transparency, accountability and respect.

Why they chose to ignore everything your website published is beyond me. For example, you kept writing about the cargo container, open board meetings, and the delays in attending to our home repairs, yet, we are still in the same shape years later.  Had they just removed the cargo container it would show the community that they do care and that they realize that it does not belong in our neighborhood.  To the contrary they never addressed the issue or wrote about it in their monthly newsletters, apparently in an act of deviance to show who was boss. This was a big mistake on their part and the simple act of removing or selling the steel container would have shown they cared. 

Like the company I work for, I feel all board members should have to watch a video on management and treating people once they get into a management roll. They clearly lack the skills and professionalism in this area.

The whole situation is bad and with the same majority of people on the board season after season, there seems to be little hope for improvement to the Estates.  

Still hopeful for change.

Thank you.

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Did you guys notice in the Sept newsletter the board took the opportunity to praise each other. They said that "Despite the slings and arrows thrown at him, Rick continued to serve with empathy, warmth and  respect for all the members of the community".  

Is calling residents GESTAPO AGENTS empathy, warmth and respect.?  Is closing out residents from board meetings respectful? Is allowing his fellow board member to curse out residents warm and respectful.  Rick ruled like a dictator, abused residents, and destroyed our finances...but if the board thinks he did a good job then they are just as delusional as he is incompetent.  His person of the year award is well deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Person of the Year...Try Moron of the Year.  He destroyed our community! I hope he never goes back on the board again.  What a disaster this place has become.  FEEL FREE TO POST ON YOUR OPINION PAGE, BECAUSE THIS IS MY OPINION !

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Let's see if the new board will be any different. With only 1 new board member elected- he doesn't stand a chance to change things. Expect business as usual.
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Please feel free to post on your opinions page but DO NOT release my name.  I am an ex-board member and know how the board works.  You are absolutely 100 percent correct in your assessment of Rick and how the board works. When I was on the board and may I note several times, we were much more transparent to the community. It is just terrible how things are now especially how neighbors seem to be at odds and fighting all the time. We had open board meetings and had asked people to join the board committees.  I will admit that even when I was on the board the minutes were always cleaned up to keep negative subjects away from the residents. 

You may ask why am I writing now. Well I am older and it is a bit harder to manage things.  I do not think we should have a major clubhouse renovation for the downstairs as we didn't even have enough money to complete the top floor.  Selfishly, I will not use a gym and do not want to get hit with another assessment or any more maintenance increases.  I am sure there are more people who feel this way and maybe the board should ask the community what they want rather than listening to a few people scream at a clubhouse meeting. Thank you.

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Thank you for taking the time to keep the information flowing. I must say the piece on the President is both very funny but also very sad. It's sad that we can't get professional management here.  Every time I ask Daniella for something she has to go to the board for an answer.  nothing against her but we are paying the management company  85,000 or so to hire her as assistant to the board. For what she is doing we can get someone at half that amount. Either let her manage or get rid of TCM and hire our own administrative assistant to the board.  Either way Something has got to change here.  

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For all the teachers in our community: (I think Cindy on the Board is a teacher).

MATH 101 

Incompetent   + Arrogant Board =    Higher dues, New Assessments and Deteriorating Homes.
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The address light project is a joke !  They are not a board of managers, they are a board of incompetents, and we are a community of fools for letting them ruin our living standards.
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The old board of managers would include members from the community who weren't on the board to participate in many committees such as landscaping, long-term planning, etc. You never hear them ask for community involvement as they think they know it all. Well look what a mess this place is.   

Great Website !

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The Cargo Container is his Legacy, It should say Saccullo Shipping on it.
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That is some expose about Mr. Saccullo. Unbelievable. The unfortunate thing is that he never lived here when things ran well.  Its a shame what happened here. I am an original owner and it seems like the last several boards are disconnected from the homeowners.
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Obvious: he was not good for the community.
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You are correct in that the Estates board always scared us about your website. I must say it is quite entertaining but even more,  most informative. I wish the Board would let us know what is going on. Keep it going.

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Following your website and listening to our board of directors leaves me doubting everything the board says.

Just because the president says something doesn't make it true.  Months ago the president and the board warned us about your website,  that it was a rouge site and to stay away from it. They warned us that the Residents Club only wanted our addresses and banking information--Simply not true as they have never solicited me, contacted me, or asked for money.   Meanwhile at the candidates night everyone ( Board Members and Candidates) recognized the website and admitted they all read the Residents Club.  

Mr. Friedlander, the treasurer said the board is transparent with the condo's finances--Not true at all!  He obviously knows nothing about finances, accounting or reporting. (What is his background anyhow?)

Debbie Resnick said the clubhouse is now "state of the art" without explaining what is state of the art.What I understand is that we spent $460,000 on a light renovation where walls weren't even moved or added. That is simply crazy, disgusting and a disregard for residents money and priorities. Some pictures of the clubhouse  I saw surely doesn't indicate it is state of the art. Again-words from the board members are cheap and have no truth to them.

Rick Saccullo said the board works hard to keep down expenses. How can this be possibly true when there is no money in the bank, we just got hit with a series of increases in dues, a new assessment to cover their shortfall in the clubhouse remodeling debacle, and more assessments planned to cover the lower level clubhouse renovation.

Words are cheap coming from this board yet living in Estates II gets more expensive every day!


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I am leaving a comment about the article you published about the outdated voter log used in the election. Not one person I voted for won a seat on the board. I just don't understand how a new resident got the most votes out of all the candidates (67 votes according to Rick Saccullo) mainly because he is an attorney and there is already an attorney on the board and the board paid for an attorney to attend the meeting. So that's 3 attorneys. If one studies the resumes to see who would benefit Estates II then everyone would find an engineer to be very beneficial but the engineer got the least amount of votes. There was also a candidate with an extensive background in finance which Estates II needs. So it doesn't make sense that neither of those individuals won and the engineer got the least amount of votes. I believe there is a reason the board used an outdated voter log.

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Can you please explain how you (Residents Club) knew that weeks before the election Alan Rothenberg would be elected and become the President and Cindi Davidowitz would be the Vice-President. I would appreciate an answer. thank you.
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I left a note in one of the candidates mailbox who did not win a seat on the board. So there is proof what I am saying is true. I have lived here a long time. The board has separated themselves from the residents. The board uses the condos attorney against us and to defend everything they do. We have no rights and no recourse. In my note I said I will donate a substantial amount of money to a legal fund for the residents in hopes other people will follow suit. I firmly believe the residents of Estates ll need their own legal representation.
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Dear RC:
Do you realize that without the residents club we would have NO information about what is going on here.Thank you for your efforts of informing us and discovering all the amazing facts.  The Gas situation is crazy. They don't even know what's going on in their own house. 

Also, I find it comical that the board keeps mentioning the Residents Club and admit they read it but for months have WARNED us not to go near it.  BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND LIARS!!

Thanks again.

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Can you please explain about the underground lighting and why are they illegal. Thank you
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I just got back from a walk and took in the tire tracks in the grass, the weeds and the mess of brush in spots and all I can think about it Rick Saccullo saying the landscaper is doing a great job. I don't get it.  I don't understand why he didn't mention any future improvements or solutions to the muddy deep tire tracks from the lawn mowers. 
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It's very troubling that the board of managers went through the effort and expense of hiring someone to oversee the vote counting, yet they couldn't be bothered to use an up-to-date voter log. This is red flag something is wrong.
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Everyone I talk to wants  open board meetings and wants to be able to read the board minutes. It makes no sense what so ever that Alan Rothenberg won another 3 years on the board. Especially with so many people running this year. The Residents predicted it: win or lose Alan Rothenberg would be the next president.
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It amazes me how the board can't take accountability for anything. The announcement of the extended clubhouse closure never made sense.  I'm at the point I don't believe anything they say.  What's the big deal with admitting fault one in a while. It’s clear that the contractor and designers are primarily at fault for the incomplete work.  It's  illogical that the inspector wouldn’t conduct a thorough inspection of the property and reference the original plans. The truth always makes sense. 
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Gas expense:

I read the page on the gas expenditures through auto deduct. This is serious and nati' grid must get a subpoena so we can view all the years of the money deducted from Estates ll for gas the condo never used.
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This is unbelievable! Ely Zaken, who's on the architectural review board for North Hills, who drills into the architecture of Estates II with autonomy and seems to ignore the rules whenever it suits him. And now he's got underground lights, which we're all pretty sure the condo is footing the bill for. The front of his condo looks like Shangri-la. He turns Estates ll into a junk yard with a shipping container while he spruces up his property, coincidentally while he's on the board. It's just outrageous! The board lets their friends and each other get away with anything they want. While the rest of us wait for simple repairs these favored people get everything. Look at their properties! Half the board lives on Aire Court and it's beautiful. Compare that to Bluebird. This has to come to an end. 
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This place is a double whammy with TCM in charge …not only are we hit with higher dues and new assessments, but our homes repairs never get done!

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Clubhouse delay

The board is really just a delightful group whopping it up at our expense. The incompetence? Oh, it's just breathtaking! I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that the clubhouse is still closed over a couple of steps and a handrail that a normal person could fix in a day. I'm sure our fancy designers have specially ordered the most extravagant handrail for a garage that no one will ever lay eyes on, because why not? You know, any sane person would just take care of the corrections properly and swiftly, but who’s in a rush, right?
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Estates ll Country Club: 
I totally agree that we need to take care of the new clubhouse and set some rules to keep it nice. We can't spend that kind of money and keep things the same. I think we should limit how many non-residents can come to play cards and maybe charge a fee for them. Also, when it comes to evening card games, residents shouldn't be able to just open up the clubhouse for personal games; it should be rented out, there should be a deposit for messes from the food the evening players eat. We really need some official rules for this. Just because we have a clubhouse doesn’t mean people shouldn’t host card games at home, especially at night.
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Comment on Board Achievements- Manhasset Crest: 

What really gets me about the Manhasset Crest situation is how easily Rick Saccullo tried to mislead us. The Residents Club pointed out that important updates were only sent to people on Darter's Lane and Eagles Crescent, but he just brushed it off, saying his community update got "lost in the weeds" — whatever that even means. It’s so frustrating to see such a blatant disregard for the truth. To him, I’d say: we’re not clueless; we can see the lies you’ve told us, and I’m pretty sure that wasn't the first time.  I’m just glad to see your time on the board coming to an end.
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I have a lot to say about the clubhouse situation. First off, the board knows how many condos are being renovated here. It's either arrogance, foolishness or both to think that the building inspector would never check out the clubhouse, at some point, while he was on the property checking on the permitted projects here.  It’s disappointing that the board didn’t take the necessary steps to ensure everything was sorted out before starting. This board has shown a consistent lack of attention to detail. They've dropped the ball on too many projects that either didn't get finished or weren't executed in an organized way. Look at the lights, the gate and even the election.

And the cost—there's no renovation worth the amount of money the board is pouring into this small public space. It's disrespectful to all of us residents to spend such an outrageous amount. What makes it even worse is the board’s attitude, which always seems to come off as arrogant and defiant. It’s just not right.
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Desperate times call for desperate measures. I think to ensure everyone knows their votes were honestly counted, it would be beneficial for homeowners to verify their own votes. I think the residents should receive a document that shows who every household voted for. Transparency is the only way to go.  Ensuring honest elections is more important than complete anonymity. I know I don't care if everyone knows who I voted for. 

Or all they have to do at the meeting is call out the condo number, no last name, and state the candidates that unit voted for.  I know some people here by there first names, I know less peoples last names and I don't know anyone's address number, so it's practically an anonymous roll call to list the votes casted by address. 
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I couldn't agree more  and perfectly stated:
 

"If Alan is so sloppy that he can’t get his resume correct what business does he have being on the board of mangers. This explains a lot about the questionable accounting tactics & board policies that were introduced when Alan was treasurer and vice president..."

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I really feel like the board is missing the mark.  The Residents Club is not throwing personal insults at Alan Rothenberg; they are discussing his actions while he was on the board. That’s not personal—it's about accountability, and that seems to be where the board struggles. 

It’s frustrating that any feedback from us is taken so personally. We're all in this to make our community better, and voicing our concerns or frustrations should be seen as part of that process, not as an attack. If the board can't separate their roles from their personal feelings, then they probably shouldn’t be in these positions. 

It's concerning that we can't even suggest we want better management without it being seen as an offense to the property manager. This isn’t how it should work. The relationship between residents and board should encourage open dialogue—not defensiveness.

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Comment on the Election Supplement:

The board is lying. They claim that the rogue website is "purporting to represent Estates II", that's not true. They also said it’s "spewing a toxic brew of personal insults and maligning one of our candidates", that’s not true either. The website just shared facts, and the board is calling those facts toxic. Basically, it’s just true information about Alan Rothenberg, and if the board really disagreed with what was said, they would have refuted it. By labeling those facts as toxic, the board is actually backing up what the residents club has been saying—that Alan Rothenberg’s time on the board was pretty bad. The board has never said that the residents club lied about anything. 
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Rothenberg's resume said he was involved with security and he was treasurer before becoming vice president.  The security gate has been in disrepair for almost ten years and the financials are intentionally confusing. Not a successful six years on the board of you ask me.  It looks like his resume is a great indicator of who he is. It's all in the details. There is no need for Alan Rothenberg to "unselfishly" give any more of his time to Estates ll. 
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Election Supplement: 

We know the board will be voting for Alan Rothenberg. "A man who has unselfishly given his time and expertise for the betterment of Estates ll." They have to be out of their minds sending this to us.  Alan Rothenberg did not do anything to make Estates ll better for us. He did terrible things to us. He obscured the financials!! Kicked us out of the board meetings!!  What a great guy. Keep your stinking opinions to yourselves and stop using condo resources to promote yourselves!! 
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The way the board looks after itself and pats itself on the back is disturbing. We don't need them telling us how wonderful Alan Rothenberg is because we DO NOT AGREE. The problem is the board doesn't get it. It's like the residents and the board are in a bad relationship. One side's ready to call it quits, while the other is constantly trying to show them how great things are and how lucky they should feel to be in it. It's just not working out. The residents are done with them, there is no saving this marriage. THE RESIDENTS WANT A DIVORCE.
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I haven't spoken to anyone who's planning to vote for Alan Rothenberg mostly because of what happened with the finances when he was treasurer and VP. plus, he was involved in closing off the board meetings, and people aren't happy about that. There is no reason to vote for him and no one has that many friends here to win an election. If he somehow ends up winning the board better have proof this election is legit.
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The response on the Residents Club homepage to the board's complaints about not getting mailed the information we all received- from the Residents Club- made me realize something important. The person or team managing the website and mailing out materials are using their own time and money to prepare those envelopes and finance the website. Stamps are expensive, why should board members expect to receive anything from the Residents Club.  In contrast, the board seems to spend their time criticizing residents instead of engaging positively. Can anyone image this board of managers putting their hands in their own pockets for the betterment of Estates ll. This feels like a classic battle of good versus bad.
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The board is at it again, playing games with the election. The board breaks all the norms of Estates ll and they do it to serve their own needs, which is to get their people on the board, so they can keep serving their own needs.  I hope somehow we have an honest election.
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Elections matter:
 

I would like to bring attention to how certain board members have modified rules to serve their own interests  and election season is the perfect time to bring this up . When Cindy Davidowitz was president, she altered the pool guest limit for her personal benefit, and Ely Zaken expanded the guest limit for card games throughout his endless tenure on the board. They move in to Estates ll and change the long standing rules that have served Estates ll well. The expanded guest policy will destroy the newly decorated clubhouse. There should be a guest fee just like at a country club. 

It is because of a board member who wanted to do what ever he wanted, to his common areas, we now have lights and cameras drilled into every crevice of Estates ll which is unsightly and deprives residents of privacy as they take their walks.

A non resident card player sued a resident of Estates ll and sued the condo after tripping on the carpet in the clubhouse during a card game. Residents complained about parking shortages in the clubhouse lot, stemming from the influx of non-resident card players. So a new rule was implemented requiring non-residents to park on the street. Issues surrounding these rules are often more complex than they first appear. The rules are designed to safeguard the interests of all residents in Estates II.
 

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Wendy Deutsch said she's a pro resident candidate and won't keep secrets from the residents. The board will not let her win. Alan Rothenberg is already lying to us and the board is doing everything they can to justify his return to the board. 
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At the "Meet the Candidates" night, Alan Rothenberg did not address the discrepancies in his resume, nor did the board acknowledge them. They got caught by the residents club and I say they because Alan is part of the board and the board is trying to mitigate the fallout from Rothenberg's lie. IF you needed more proof Alan Rothenberg is part of the problem you now have it. We have to pry Estates ll out of their grip.

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I could not agree more with the Residents' Club assertion that if Alan Rothenberg can't get his resume correct then he has no business serving the residents of Estates ll. How telling that the board dismisses the lack of care Alan took to present an honest accounting of his time on the board. Pun intended! 
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The boards new letter is disgusting. The only information a board with integrity has the right to communicate is how to vote and where to go for the meeting. That's it.  Disqualify Alan Rothenberg!
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The board has corrupted the election process with their flyer. It’s just plain inappropriate for them to say anything about it. An honest election should happen without any commentary from the board.  It’s clear they’re pushing for Alan Rothenberg to win, and that's enough of a reason for me to vote against him. Their heavy-handed approach is terrible, and it feels like everything they do is the opposite of what’s right for our community.

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We all realize at this point how important the board of manages are; they can make or break us; they can include or exclude us; they can make management perform their duties better or let things continue on as they are. Most importantly the board can bankrupt Estates ll if we let them.  We currently have a property manger who is rarely on the property.
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The board of managers behavior is what is disgusting if you were to ask me. The Residents Club is beholden to no one where as the board of mangers are beholden to the residents of Estates ll. The people on the board are so stupid.
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Please date my comment:
September 11, 2024
 

 Who wants to wager the clubhouse opens up after the elections. Why is the meeting taking place in Estates l? Because the board does not want a lot residents inside the clubhouse at the same time having the same reaction of disgust over the cost of the project versus the result. When we are allowed inside make sure to take pictures so you can compare what the very expensive furniture, a non capital expense, looks like one year from the opening. The residents have funded a vanity project for board members who want to pretend the clubhouse is their country club and show off to their non resident friends, who come here to play tennis , play cards and drink our coffee at our expense. Remember when a non resident who regularly plays cards in the clubhouse fell in the clubhouse and sued Estates ll? The day card players and the evening card players will wreck the public space in no time.  The evening card players eat dinner at the clubhouse.  That was another self serving rule change by the board who wanted unlimited guests at the clubhouse for cards. Stop by the clubhouse in the evenings and see for yourself, you won't believe what goes on in there. 

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If not for the Residents Club and their letters we wouldn't have 8 people running for the board. 
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I want to clarify a point the board mentioned in the recent newsletter about Candidates Night. I informed Daniella that I couldn’t attend because I was celebrating my grandson's first birthday with my family—an important milestone I simply couldn’t miss. I asked her to check with the board about sharing this reason with attendees, as I would have been there otherwise. 

I find it unfair to highlight that one candidate missed the event due to a vacation while omitting my grandson’s first birthday. This feels like a not so subtile attempt by the board to influence the election.  It is clear to me now that the board does not want me to win.

Wendy Deutsch

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The board of managers has provided the residents of Estates ll -in their election news letter-proof that Alan Rothenberg is their preferred candidate and whether he wins the election or not -he will be the next president of Estates ll.
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More deceit by the board. "There will be a locked ballot box brought to your home" The letter fails to address who has the key to the locked ballot box?  That's what I want to know. These elections are a joke
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The board is losing it, clearly rattled by the increasing scrutiny. These people are so used to getting away with every lie they tell the residents they can't handle when the truth is disseminated.  They are going in so hard for Alan Rothenberg I think he will win all three spots.

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I just realized that since 2019, the only condo rules that have been changed were done so to help the board members. Residents were not clamoring for decades old rules to be altered. Residents were not asking for the club house to resemble a country club. Private board meetings and secret minutes don’t help the residents at all. Some people are so focused on themselves that they don’t see what’s going on around them. That’s called serving one's self interest.
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I want to express this opinion...It definitely seems strange to have the men who work here go around to harvest the ballots. 
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Listen up, folks. A word of warning for you all.  Not that long ago, during our condo elections, I got a call urging me to send in my ballot because there were not enough votes to meet bylaw requirements. But here’s the kicker: the caller suggested I vote for the three names at the bottom of the ballot. When I inquired who I was speaking to, they wouldn't say. Who would have my phone number?  Beware. There are those around us willing to pull underhanded tricks to maintain the status quo. Stay vigilant. After that election resident's rights were taken away. 

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Has anyone asked the question:

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Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz did a lot harm to Estates ll when they were on the board together. They made decisions that were very anti resident and those decisions created a lot of frustration in the community. Does anyone know any resident who agrees with closed board meetings along with no access to board minutes.  There is no reason for a repeat. 
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My view is that the residents of Estates ll simply want management to perform better and want to be able to access their condo information, and for reasons that I cannot figure out the current board refuses both and it's frustrating to grapple with.  It's so simple and yet the Estates ll board of managers doesn't even try to light a fire under management. If the board wants to micro manage Estates ll the least they could do is go without a management company because at this point I do not see what we need them for. The clubhouse closure has shown us Estates ll does not need an on-site manager.
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The board plays ugly games with Estates ll.  Alan Rothenberg lied on his resume so the board can install him as president and we can have a repeat of 2019, but instead of Cindy Davidowitz as president & Alan Rothenberg as V.P this time Alan will be president & Cindy will be V.P. 

These two will make sure there will be closed meetings, condo information in Bellmore guarded by TCM and the minutes under lock and key. They're the ones who started it all and they won't have it any other way. 
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In your recent article WHY IS THERE A RESIDENTS CLUB WEBSITE? you claimed that a board’s culture stems from the top and is a representation of the President.

While this is true, the remaining board members should be culpable for their silence against board’s culture and treatment of fellow residents over the past several years.

With the elections around the corner the community should not expect too much change unless the current long-term board members speak up against the policies and practices of Rick Saccullo. The unfortunate reality is that even if three new never-elected candidates reach the board, they will still be a minority to Rick Saccullo’s board of in-bred managers.

Residents should therefore memorize the names of board members who have served with Rick Saccullo over the last six years and realize that they have been willful partners in Saccullo’s anti-resident, arrogant, deceitful and secret board.

In the chance new board members are elected we hope they will have the integrity and strength to simply speak up for what’s right for the community as a whole.

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Election:

A message to the candidates: If someone on the board suggested you run, asked you to run or simply mentioned to you one day " why don't you run for the board", don't be surprised when you win. To the other candidates, who were not approached by anyone on the board to run, don't be surprised when you lose.

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ELECTIONS:

 

TCM came to Estates ll and took over. The residents no longer have any say as to what goes on in our community.  The powerful TCM, along with their vendors who underperform and overcharge, have been upheld by boards who defy residents and shirk their responsibilities to their condo communities. It's time for the board to answer to the residents they have let down. Let's start with the upcoming elections vote for residents who have never served on the board before. We must try something different. 

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Honestly, does anyone else feel like we're all being robbed of basic services here? Have you noticed the sheer amount of weeds taking over our community? It's ridiculous! What are the landscapers even doing on Saturdays? Because it's definitely not pulling weeds! What is quiet landscaping? What do the people who mow the lawn -and destroy the lawn in many cases- do that doesn't make noise? This website has document the problem with the heavy mowers in some areas and the board just lets them keep doing what they are doing. My neighbors back lawn is destroyed. There is a real lack of management here. 
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"we must support candidates who are willing to attend board meetings via Zoom or phone—for a few months of the year, prioritizing effectiveness over mere physical presence—rather than settling for underperforming members who can always attend meetings in person"

I whole heartedly agree with this sentiment.

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 Board's Propaganda Page & Financial Incompetence:

It's mind-boggling that anyone could think these monthly letters are helpful. Seriously, only someone clueless would consider this a valid form of information. If the board isn't as clueless as they appear, then these letters—written like they're aimed at children—just show how little respect they have for the residents of Estates II. 
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I am surprised to see how professionals will jeopardize their careers for TCM and the board. We have an attorney who misrepresented the capital reserve fee's legitimacy, misrepresented records to the county and changed words on the proxy and we have a CPA who misrepresents line items to help the board hide condo expenses. I want to know why the county clerk allowed a back dated amendment to go through.I could possible understand a few months to one year back dated but 2023 back dated to 2016 is not even close. 
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"Hiding a $103,000 roof expense for 2022 as Ground Supplies suggests that the board and management are misclassifying capital expenses as regular operating expenses to justify a permanent increase in maintenance fees."

Residents must demand a forensic accounting of the books and Richard Piccola must explain himself. 
There should be a meeting where residents get to question TCM about everything that's on our minds.
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I think one of the board members opened up a bed and breakfast in her condo or her driveway is a makeshift car lot. Never seen so many cars 24/7 in and around one condo before at Estates ll. The neighborhood once looked so manicured when everyone parked their cars in their garage, like civilized people do and now we have cars in the street all day and night and driveways filled up with cars. Estates ll has really gone down the drain.
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It's really unsettling to find out that the disappearance of line item categories started when Alan Rothenberg was treasurer and kept going under Mike Friedlander. I honestly can't shake the feeling that something shady is going on with the books.
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Board members were out of line asking the candidates if they read the residents club. It is none of their business what residents do with their time. Let's see how pleasant the board is when they are questioned about the clubhouse, something we all have every right to know about. I have no doubt they will be nasty, arrogant and accusatory. The board should apologize to the entire community but they wont'. The board should explain why the designers received $15,000 + 30% on purchases + additional 20% on trades. Plus the contractor got %20. Designers did not bother ti pull plans so what are these insane fees awarded to them for. What kind of public space experts are they. They should rebate  some of the money and why was there no budget for unforeseen problems.  Incompetence all around.
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Dear Residents Club Of Estates II,

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It is  unacceptable that the board continues to intentionally misclassify roof repairs as ground supplies. This blatant attempt to mislead residents is infuriating. The claim that the accountant has 'fixed' this issue is a transparent falsehood, especially considering the roof repair line item is still  absent from the year-end financials. If it weren't for the the Residents Club, this ruse by Rick Saccullo would have gone unnoticed. 
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How dare they...It’s disgusting that the board at Meet the Candidates Night expected residents to respond to their questions about the reading this website,  yet the board itself fails to address any substantive questions regarding our condominium. Their demand for control over behavior while exhibiting such hypocrisy is sickening. Who do they think they are! What's next book banning at Estates ll.
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Ladies and Gentleman the next president of Estates ll -Alan Rothenberg. Are we really surprised that Alan Rothenberg omitted his second term as VP from his resume?  His attempt to manipulate residents should disqualify him from consideration.
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The board continues to undermine its credibility. By mentioning the residents' club during the "Meet the Candidates" night, and even more troubling, discussing something as trivial as feeding kittens, they showcase their superficiality. Their behavior reveals a troubling lack of depth and maturity; it seems they prioritize winning over meaningful substance. This pattern of pettiness and unsettling mean-spiritedness stands in stark contrast to the qualities expected in leaders of the community.
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FYI: The roof repair category changed to ground supplies when Alan Rothenberg was treasurer. 
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Re Email from TCM

This email is to inform you that I have spoken with our accountant  Rich Piccola and he has confirmed that the category on the financials called “ground supplies” is all work pertaining to the roof. He has advised me that it was miss categorized and as of next year it will be changed to “roofing”.

Are we supposed to believe the accountant changed the expense category ROOF REPAIRS on his own to GROUND SUPPLIES, without notifying the board. This is a performance by Rick Saccullo and management to fool a resident. No board member realized the category roofing was missing all these years? This is really bad.
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Board members should not walk around disparaging the residents they govern over, they are held to a higher standard, especially the executive board. If they want to gossip about fellow residents while they are in the Estates l club house they should resign from the board. 
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I'm sure Cindy Davidowitz did nothing wrong when she took the pavers and the intense labor for free for her back patio. Just like her free landscaping, Cindy did nothing wrong because she said the landscapers told her she needed new free sod, free  trees, free bushes,&  free flowers when she was president.  But don't worry Cindy was very generous and had the maintenance men redistribute the flowers she planted in the front of her condo around the community. So everyone benefited from her free landscaping upgrade. 
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When Cindy Davidowitz was president Alan Rothenberg was V.P. and together they did terrible things to Estates ll. They changed everything for the worse. The board meetings became private, when they were always open to residents, before those two came on the board, and the minutes became classified, when they were always left for us in our mailbox. Cindy took the left over pavers from the pool renovation and had the condo put them in her backyard. These two people should never serve on the board TOGETHER again. 

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Meet the candidates:

I am happy to tell everyone who was not able to attend last nights meet the candidate that the residents overwhelmingly expressed they want to be able to attend the board meetings, read the minutes and have access to condo information.  It looks like residents are ready to reclaim the condo from the board. 
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Why does Estates ll pay a TCM employee a car allowance?
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TCM's negative profit margin

Will TCM suffer the same fate as the previous security company who could not make payroll. Doubt it because the security company did not go out of business they sold the business. Another lie so the board and TCM could place another TCM vendor in Estates ll. The board and TCM are one entity. Hopefully new board members will break up TCM's monopoly. They are doing that at the LINKS. New board members are in, they are pushing back on TCM vendors and already saving money.  
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Election Manipulation:

Everyone sees the elderly residents who take walks with their aids on a nice day. It is absolutely disgusting for the board to send all important information in letter format except the resumes for potential board members. Why don't they email the news letter? That has no useful information on it. Fast sloppy elections by design.
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The fast track of the election is another indication the board has its' own agenda that has nothing to do with the majority of the residents of Estates ll.
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It is lost on me how a management company would place an inexperienced property manager at Estates ll. Don't they have a process of training managers on smaller properties before moving them to large upscale properties. Who needs TCM if that's how they manage properties. 
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Obscuring the maintenance history is classic . How many times have the same properties had their driveways redone and they all look like they haven't been touched in decades. The driveways are cracked, crumbly and we use the same vendor who has made a fortune over the decades at  Estates ll.  They won't even try a new company. I wonder why.
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The board has been doing what they want and hiding it all for too long. The board serves the board. The residents are nothing but an obstacle.
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It's a bad look for board member  Ely Zaken when he was in charge of Buildings & Grounds for so many years while at the same time new unclear Expense categories have Buildings & Grounds in the title. Building Supplies/Equiptment & Ground Supplies & Maintenance. What kind of equipment does Estates ll need when we  hire the heavy maintenance jobs out to contractors. Do the vendors supply anything other than high fees?
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Am I to believe Estates ll hires a management company who sends over a property manager who had no previous property management experience and it was up to Estates ll to do the training. This cannot be true because no one is that stupid to agree to those terms. A property manager who never managed a property and Estates ll is on the job training.
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So TCM has lost $64,000 managing Estates ll. Wasn't it Rick Saccullo who was concerned about the old security companies ability to make payroll, where's his concern for TCM?  If they can't manage their own company profitably how can they manage Estates ll.
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Call 911 Estates ll is very sick
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Well, well, well. I find it quite troubling that the board refuses to disclose the amount of the management fee Daniella receives, especially when TCM is losing money managing Estates II and it's more than the estimated $8000 per year. The Residents Club was generous with their calculations. It seems clear to many of us what's happening here. My question to the board is: How can you allow this situation to persist?
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Residents have to remember when it comes to the board of managers: there are more of us than there are of them. 
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ELECTIONS
If nothing changes, nothing changes. If you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you're getting. You want change, make some." Courtney C. Stevens 
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Our financials are a joke. Expenses are being hidden from us.  If the accountant gets the monthly expenses like we are shown with expense category Roofs and then the accountant certifies financials with no line item for Roofs than the accountants certification has no credibility. What did Estates ll spend on roof repairs for 2023?
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The condo should run a background check on every board member after every election. A resident with a past conviction should never serve on the board and be in control of condo finances. If you don't think there are people living here who have been indicted from acts involving other people's money you are very naive. 
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How is anyone supposed to make heads or tails of our finances with the missing line items that we see all year in the news letters like roofs and the creation of new line items that we never see in the news letter. But I guess that's the point. 
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I just read the email Rick Saccullo sent to the new residents whose condo was sinking into the ground.How did this guy become president?  I am appalled that anyone feels entitled to address residents that way. None of us should ever receive an email like that.  It's just plain unacceptable. 
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I totally get why we're low on funds now. A ridiculously expensive clubhouse renovation and $16,000 in legal fees for just one small claims case? Those two examples say it all about how they manage our condo and waste our money. The board doesn't even bother trying to keep expenses in check.
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Numbers don't lie and they tell a terrible story
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It’s perplexing how Estates II managed to save significantly when Martin was part of the team, yet he was let go without justification after decades of loyal service. In stark contrast, the board seems to lavish benefits on the outsourced vendors, irrespective of their performance. The security guards, who cost a fortune, receive quarterly bonuses for no reason, while the landscapers only perform their heavy lifting one day a week. The sprinkler vendor seemingly secured their contract without any credible competition, raising suspicions that Stacey Kandel's response to a board member was more about creating obstacles for others than ensuring a fair bidding process. This disparity in treatment raises serious questions about the board and its' relationship with management.
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Can't trust these people.  "THE CASE YOU LOST"  I HAVE NEVER WITNESSED SUCH SLEAZE.  If a bank did this you would close the account; if a store did this you would never shop there again; if your attorney over billed you they would be fired, but this is happening where we live. How is it there are  no consequences for these people.


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Legal Fees:

How can anyone justify spending over $11,000 on a small claims action. They would've been better off just paying the residents $2900. I recently learned they spent another $17,000 on a different resident.  The attorney who sent a letter to a resident saying management cannot be expected to answer  resident questions, because they would need to hire another employee to do so, has become a part of the staff.  
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Sloppy Accounting:

I wonder if TCM's accounting is still a mess. If the way the condo is managed -address light project and club house- why should we assume they are doing a good job with the books. Maybe that's why they moved all the information into their office in Bellmore. It's more likely the books look  just like the property with dirty siding, cobblestones that lay in disrepair for years and the over grown weeds that have become a hallmark of Estates ll. When Rick Saccullo told us his Manhasset Crest update got lost in the weeds I wonder if that was a nod to TCM.
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Before TCM, the board would never have considered filing a counterclaim against a resident. This behavior is unacceptable. The board has a fiduciary responsibility to address residents' concerns and make every effort to avoid lawsuits. If a lawsuit becomes unavoidable, it is crucial that the board handles the situation professionally rather than with vindictiveness. The treatment of residents has deteriorated significantly since TCM's arrival.
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Spinkler contract:

What bothers me is the deception by the board and TCM. I have no doubt the vendors Estates ll uses are the same vendors in most, if not all, of the TCM properties. We were told TCM vendors would save us money. So what is with the fake competitive bidding process? It is disheartening to realize that no vendor outside of the TCM network stands a viable chance of being selected to work with Estates II. This raises suspicion and suggests that there are significant underlying issues at play. Tell the truth...."We only use TCM vendors."

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TCM:

I don't understand why, despite having all their vendors in place and everything they need, TCM can't seem to manage the property effectively; their landscaper only comes one day a week for serious landscaping maintenance , leaving us with ugly crabgrass and weeds all over the place, and it feels like they aren't even making an effort to improve the situation.  It's the lack of care and effort that bothers me.
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Re the declined CO

A word of advice to the board: Don't piss off the building inspector;  We all knew it was a stupid move to use the building inspectors name in an email to the community to try and deflect blame off of yourselves and put onto anyone else.
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The clubhouse debacle is a culmination of three years of a dysfunctional secretive board of managers. Where was TCM with all of their years of property management knowledge in all of this?  TCM must have extensive knowledge of building codes, offering plans, etc... It's alarming they offered no help with this huge expenditure. I bet they offer all of their expertise when it comes to using their vendors and spending our money.  I can't get repairs done but the board can spend almost half a million dollars on decorating and design fees for a " SUPERFICIAL CHANGE."
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I was told the wife of the owner of the sprinkler company works for TCM.
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Poor Martin, he knew everything about Estates ll, he saved Estates ll money and it got him fired.  The two years before they fired Martin it cost Estates ll nothing for the sprinklers because Martin did all the work. He got the sprinklers ready for the warm months, he did a great job maintaining them all season and he closed them down for the winter. No labor costs, the only costs were for supplies that Estates ll purchased with no markup like there are with a sprinkler company. The money spent speaks for itself. 
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Sprinkler email exchange 

In reading the short email exchange between the TCM manager Stacey and a board member I am struck by the tone of the employee Stacey. There is an arrogance and disrespect telling a board member what she will or will not do. It has been mentioned before in these comments, there is a strange imbalance of power in the relationship with the president of the board, the majority of the board and TCM. Why is it there are no records of the board of managers telling TCM its our way or the highway."  And why isn't Daniella the "go to person" if she is our property manager?  Why does the board rely so heavily on Stacey and not  Daniella?  
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Sprinkler Contract

The sprinkler contract serves as a clear representation of the board's failure to effectively manage the finances and responsibilities of our condominium. This example highlights a broader pattern of mismanagement that impacts all aspects of our community, shedding light on the significant increase in costs that we have been experiencing. It reflects a troubling deference to the management company rather than an active commitment to prioritizing the financial well being of Estates ll. We must question how this mismanagement has led us to our current situation.
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Rick Saccullo, as board president, called Jewish residents Gestapo agents, has consistently kept secrets from residents and denied us the right to access meeting minutes. His selfish handling of the Manhasset Crest situation is never ending, and the club house renovation is nothing short of a disaster, all under his leadership. This record of mismanagement, lies and secrecy speaks volumes about his tenure.
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Senate Bill S2330

I called Senator Martin's office and you have to call Gina Sillitti our assembly representative at 516-482-6966.
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Maybe $70,000- $85,000  to the designers wasn't such a good idea after all. These are the same board members who couldn't get the address lights installed in a timely orderly fashion.

Why could't the board work out a discounted rate based on future jobs the designers could get from a plaque or signage in the club house, or the ability to bring future clients to see their work first hand with a visit to the clubhouse.
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I sent an email to Jack Martins [email protected] and I hope everyone else does as well. I  expressed my frustration about the lack of transparency within Estates ll. I explained unless you've lived in a condo, it's hard to grasp the extent of what the board does behind the residents' backs. I explained the board denies us access to the financial records and minutes and I explained an unprincipled board has a license to do as they please because there is no oversight, so there needs to be oversight and residents need recourse and a place to go for help.

The phone number for anyone who is thinking of calling is 516-922-1811.  I also mentioned the email we received calling Jewish residents Gestapo Agents.  

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Election 2024

The elections all went to hell after they got rid of the nominating committee. The nominating committee kept the elections honest. According to the bylaws and ny state law the votes are supposed to be counted at the home owners meeting not before. Residents are supposed to bring their votes with them to the meeting and turn them in there so the process is transparent and honest. We don't do it that way. 
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Re a previous comment on the designer fees

Designer fees and furniture that is not built in, meaning it's movable, are not capital improvements and the money cannot be spent as a capital expenditure.
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Upcoming Assessment 

I have never witnessed such irresponsibility and I would say immaturity of that which is emblematic of this board of managers. Why would they use all the capital fee money saved up over these years on one decorating project. If all the money went to new roofs one could justify the expenditure but to spend so much of the money on designer fees and furniture is absurd. This is such childish, unprofessional behavior,  it boggles the mind unless it was their intention to empty the coffers. 
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July News Letter:

Are we to believe that the board allocated every single dollar from the capital fee to the clubhouse first-floor renovation, necessitating this assessment? It appears they prioritized depleting our funds without reserving any for emergencies—like the unexpected expenses involved in bringing the clubhouse up to code. A suspicious person could believe the board intentionally used all the money.  It's not hard to set a lower budget and stick to it.  Very irresponsible.
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I think it is awful that a woman gets cut by rose thorns because she unknowingly walked into a trap set by a male resident.    
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo6xGyaFTYs
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8:00AM August 10, 2024 an accounting of what just happened by Ken Deutsch

Ken Deutsch was standing in front of his home with his dog, which is a considerable distance from where Ely Zaken lives, began shouting in the street, in front of another resident (witness). 

Zaken called out, "Keep writing about me!" 

Deutsch replied, "You’ve hurt my wife with those thorns you put out." 

Zaken shot back, "I'll keep doing it as long as she keeps feeding the cats." 

Deutsch insisted, "You hurt my wife!" 

Ely Zaken replied, "I’ll do whatever I want!"
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TCM could provide any piece of financial fantasy and the board of managers will take it like it's the gospel.  These two entities are too close for comfort.
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Why doesn't the pathetic so called "financials" by Stephen Fanuka ever reflect the security guards quarterly bonuses. We pay for it and I want to know how much they are getting.  That is just one of the many hidden expenses that we are being taken to the bank over.
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The monthly news letter: I can't believe this!
 

Is TCM really the source of the "Financials"? :

When a management company is entrusted with both maintaining and reporting financial records to the accountant, the potential for conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement increases significantly.
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Senate Bill S3320

I sent an email to Senator Martins detailing the plight of the resident in Estates ll and I suggest my fellow residents do the same.
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The mafia could learn a few things from the board of mangers at Estates ll. Those 2018 minutes were at a time when the residents still received the minutes to read, so those minutes were nothing more than a performance for the residents. When something sounds like BS it is. That's why the board wrote the praise for TCM and the disparaging remarks about the former landscaper. I guess it became bothersome to have to create so much fiction every month so the board decided to replace fictional minutes with a nonsensical monthly news letter.
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2018 assessment #1

It’s concerning to see the condo board transition from years of fiscal responsibility to increases in spending that appears to be pushing us into debt and these decisions are made without transparency and/or consultation with homeowners. It feels like this spending spree is by design, rather than a result of unforeseen circumstances. 
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You here about things like this but you don't think it can happen where you live
 

2018 $535,000 Assessment: included the clubhouse renovation, where did all that money go? At the time of the assessment Estates ll had roughly 900,000 in reserves. That money is also gone. Soon after the board allocated in the budget an additional  $100,000 for the lower level of the clubhouse but never used the money for that purpose. Residents do not know how that budgeted $100,000 was spent.

3 maintenance increases since 2017

2024 $400,000 or more with another assessment for one floor of the club house. They insult our intelligence everyday.
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2018 Minutes:

It was eye opening reading the managers report in the 2018 minutes on the previous landscaper. Currently Estates ll has crab grass everywhere and the complaint the manager states about the workers blowing leaves into garages seems contrived. No one here leaves their garage doors open.Our backyards are disgusting with weeds; I find it hard to believe the previous landscaper did a worse job than the current one. Those complaints were manufactured.
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I am at a loss and fed up with Estates ll. Information is withheld from us, and the little we receive often seems misleading. We continue to lose money without understanding why. There's something wrong happening, and now it seems the elections are being manipulated. Who can we turn to for help?
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Since Estates ll went from employing its own manager to a management company the quality of the  board has deteriorated. The board has gone from friendly, transparent and fiscally responsible to secretive, irresponsible, and sycophantic to management.  Ask yourselves why a non salaried volunteer board member would deny their neighbors the minutes. There is only one answer. 
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I can attest to the fact that before the TCM era began the Condo used the reserve funds accumulated from the maintenance payments over the years to pay for: new garage doors, new roofs for the entire community, the cobblestone curb, the expensive wheel chair ramp at the club house, just to name the few capital improvements I can remember off the top of my head. No assessment for any of it.
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The board of ding dongs strike again. Any designer, any contractor, any electrician worth anything should have told the board when you demo or do any electrical work  everything has to come up to code. The club house should have been brought to code no  matter what the reason the inspector showed up. It sounds like the board would have preferred to keep the clubhouse non compliant with current codes. The buck stops with them; it doesn't matter if someone complained or not; if the board did what they were supposed to do from the beginning there wouldn't have been any problems. It looks like they were just into spending all the money as fast as they could without any of the responsibilities that went along with that.
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I'm incredibly frustrated with the board for continually shifting the blame regarding the need to bring the clubhouse up to code. It would have been far more prudent to consult with the building inspector before starting the project. However the inspector did you all a favor; would you have preferred to finish the upper level only to have him show up to inspect the lower level and then tell you the first level is not up to code and rip it all out. The inspector saved the board from a terrible fate and an expensive mistake.  Instead of engaging in blame games, the board should try to approach these issues with professionalism and a focus on proactive solutions.
_____________________

Assessment:

Why is this the first time we are hearing about the need to assess? I am writing to express my concern regarding the current assessment and the exorbitant design fees the board has been approving. Having collaborated with some of the top designers in Manhattan, I am both shocked and appalled at the extravagant amounts being spent across all categories.  I firmly believe this situation warrants a thorough investigation. Our resources are not being managed wisely. $70,000 to the designers alone!
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Manhasset Crest Update Page

 

It is both telling and disturbing that Rick Saccullo, instead of acknowledging his mistake for not sending the May 29,2024 Manhasset Crest update to every resident, chose to lie and claim he simply forgot to send the update, in his June 5, 2024 email. This  speaks volumes about his character. Rather than owning up to his bad decision to only inform the residents on Darters and Eagles he chose to lie to us. Such behavior reveals his inability to represent the community fairly.

______________________

The inability of the board or management to produce the MONTHLY news letter does not just raise concerns about their organizational skills, it raises concerns about their overall commitment to the responsibility of being on the board. That news letter is the only information we get on what is going on with our condo. If who ever produces that small piece of information called the MONTHLY news letter can't manage to get it out on time then have management do it. These are unserious people who let us know all the time how little they think of the people who live in Estates ll.
________________________
 

From the Residents Club: The board of managers inability to produce the monthly newsletter on time raises concerns about their organizational skills. This lapse is particularly telling considering that the newsletter typically contains minimal information; a timely release of even a brief update should not pose a significant challenge. 

______________________

I find it disturbing that Rick Saccullo chooses to send us emails stating he knows which residents are behind the Residents Club web site but as board President he doesn't reach out to them and have a conversation. That's what a president should do. My impression of Rick Saccullo from the emails I receive is that he does not have the temperament to be on the board let alone president of the board. 
______________________

Disclosure is a critical element of condo living, especially given the Internet that afford many opportunities to share information—making withholding anomalous, conspicuous, and therefore suspect.  Declining a request to disclose often makes a worse impression even than divulging unsavory information. Moreover, those who withhold fail to intuit this negative consequence: people withhold even when they would make a better impression by “coming clean.” In short, people should be aware of not the risk of revealing but the risk of hiding.
____________________

To any resident that does not think the board taking the drastic steps of moving & keeping the condo's books and records in Bellmore is a clear indication they are misrepresenting everything they do then you deserve to be ripped off and watch your community fall into disrepair. 
_____________________

Regarding the directory: The board of managers is so full of it. When it's suits the board's agenda they use Estates l as an example and when it doesn't they say they don't care what Estates l does. Same management company, same condo-difference is the board of managers.  
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Re Code of Conduct:

Secrecy is often a hallmark of lies, and when an organization like the board of managers is hiding information from the residents, it raises suspicions that they are indeed lying to us. By keeping secrets, the board may be attempting to avoid accountability, cover up their mistakes, cover up managements mistakes or worse. When secrets are kept from us, it's natural to wonder what they are trying to hide, and the lack of transparency has eroded trust and credibility.
_______________________

Anyone who has friends living in the Links should ask them what happened with their TCM manager.
________________________
 

I have a comment about Rick Saccullo's June 4, 2024, slanderous email calling the people who created the residents club website Gestapo Agents. Rick Saccullo is one contradiction after the next. First the board send emails crying over the Residents Club's anonymous founders claiming they hide in the dark. Then Saccullo sends the slanderous email stating he knows who created the Residents Club and calls them Gestapo Agents. This is rich coming from someone who has a history of secrecy and lack of transparency as president of the board. If Rick Saccullo is so concerned about transparency, why did he send condo information to Bellmore. It seems the entire board has been hiding  condo records for far too long. It's a double standard that's unacceptable.  We deserve to know the truth about our condo records and how our money is being spent.

______________________

I'm starting to get a little concerned about the delay in receiving the 2023 financial reports from the board. It's not like they're being transparent with us, and it seems like they're trying to hide something. I mean, what are they waiting for? We're the ones paying for everything! It's only fair that we get to see where our money is going. Something fishy is going on here.
________________________
 

BYLAWS: 51% of the residents needed to remove board members.
____________________

Setting traps to hurt or do worse to cats is a despicable thing to do. This person has gone to the lowest place a person can go to make sure he gets what he wants.
_______________________
 

I don't understand how a person would want to hurt kittens and the people who try to help them live a less harsh life. As a person who loves animals, when I see a stray cat I feel for them, which is why so many people around the county try and help the cats with TNR.  All of these beautiful innocent kittens could have easily been domesticated and been loving house pets, if not for their bad luck of being born outside and are now struggling to survive.

 We could make a difference by forming a committee to Trap, Neuter and Return our neighborhood kittens so less kittens are born into a hard life in Estates ll. We could do a lot of things instead of sprinkling Estates ll with rose thorns and dog waste.  We should help all living creatures instead of using our energy to hurt them and the people who care about them.

____________________________

I put down some water bowls during these hot days for the kittens and someone keeps taking them. I can't imagine being so filled with hate as to not even want the kittens to have some water.
_____________________________

I'm appalled and disgusted to tell everyone who reads this that the same individual who previously vandalized our community by placing rose bush thorns around the area where the kittens of Estates ll & the Hamlet Estates congregate is now taking it a step further by littering the area with his dog's waste. This area is far from the curb, where no one walks their dog, which means this resident picks up the dog waste and places it around our community. It's absolutely unacceptable and inexcusable behavior. Not only is it a health hazard, but it's also a clear display of malice and disdain for our community. I'm not sure what kind of person can find joy in causing harm and chaos among his neighbors, but it's clear that this individual has no regard for the well-being of others. I hope that our community will come together to condemn this behavior and work towards creating a more positive and respectful environment for everyone. Shame on you, we all know who you are!

______________________________

The yellow caution tape at the clubhouse should be wrapped around the entire Estates ll because Estates ll IS A CRIME SCENE.

______________________________

Estates ll is moving in the wrong direction. I can't image what's going on with these people on the board who work so hard to keep secrets from their neighbors. 


I'm writing to express my frustration and disappointment with the lack of transparency and truthfulness in the monthly newsletter. It's disheartening to feel like I'm not getting the whole story about what's going on in our community because the flow of information is controlled and biased. I'm not alone in feeling this way - many of my neighbors share my sentiments. We deserve better than to be treated like fools, being fed the same scripted information every month without any real substance or accountability. It's time for a change and for our board to start prioritizing honesty and openness in their communication with us. Until then, I'll continue to feel unrepresented by those who are supposed to serve us.
______________________

I wanted to share a concern I've had since moving into Estates ll. As a newcomer to condo living, I never gave much thought to the potential for misappropriation of funds. However, having lived here for a little while now, I've realized that it's surprisingly easy for someone to access and mismanage our collective funds without proper oversight. It's unsettling to think that all important financial information is not readily available to us as residents. I think it would be beneficial for the board or management to provide more transparency and accountability measures to ensure that our hard-earned money is being used responsibly. I'd love to hear thoughts and suggestions from fellow residents on this matter.
_____________________

I would like to read the minutes and attend the board meetings and if a new board is what it takes to be able to do that then I am for it. Thank you for all the information.
______________________

Re removal of a board:

As Estates ll has it now there is absolutely no accountability.  The minutes would allow the residents to know what is going on, good and bad. The decision by the board of managers to control the flow of information is all I need to know to understand the board along with TCM is doing things the residents would not approve of.  I have friends who live in TCM run properties and we all have the same complaints.  I for one want a clean sweep and a new board of managers. Two years to fix a broken patch of cobblestone is just the tip of the iceberg. 

_____________________

Can it be true that despite being in charge of Estates ll finances, management doesn't know the crucial End of Year deadline for financial reporting. 
 __________________

TCM has been managing Estates ll since mid 2016 and they don't know the End of Year date. That is mind blowing and the board doesn't see a problem. 
__________________

Not only isn't the Residents Club a threat to us the residents of Estates ll, the Residents Club is good for Estates ll.  Rick Saccullo and the board of managers owe the website a huge apology.  
___________________

It would defy common sense for the board to expect residents to believe that moving condo information to Bellmore is anything other than an attempt to hide financial improprieties. I believe the annual financial statement is likely a carefully crafted document intended to mislead residents, rather than provide an accurate representation of the Estates II's financial situation. Why else would it be taking so long. The lack of clarity on how the board plans to expense non-capital improvements in the clubhouse renovation project only adds to the suspicion that they are trying to pull the wool over residents' eyes.
______________________

This is the problem I have with the current situation: The residents are the owners of Estates ll, not TCM and not the board of managers. The board is elected to serve the residents. The board is not elected to prevent the residents from having condo information or twist the bylaws into something unrecognizable. This board is terrible so they have to be removed. The bylaws give the residents the power to do that for this exact reason...It's not just Rick Saccullo, the board that has become rancid.  ________________________

We have unresolved money issues with TCM and unresolved maintenance issues with TCM and the board of managers fails to act. 
____________________________

ARTICLE VI. FINANCES

Section 1. Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the
Condominium shall be signed by both the President and Treasurer, or by such other
officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Managers may
from time to time designate.

Does anyone think the board allows TCM to have total control of the money. Create the invoice, create the invoice category and make the payment. Is there oversight? Speak to your friends as the Links & the Gates. This is one reason residents can no longer read the minutes. It is not a coincidence.
_______________________________

Who is special enough to read the minutes since 2019? 
Current board members and past 2019 board members. What about spouses?  How sacred is this condo information, the bylaws state we are all entitled to read, when most likely one third of Estates ll has open access to them. So my question is why has Rick Saccullo decided residents no longer have access to the minutes. I wonder what he is doing that he does not want all of us to know about.
________________________________

Time for the residents to remove this lawless board, that hides our finances, stifles the flow of information and must be manipulating the books. 
_______________________________________


Questioning how our money is spent is the right thing to do. A board that resents questions and refuses to answer questions is not doing the right thing.
____________________

Posted July 2024

SINCE BEFORE JULY 2023. There is something fundamentally broken with management when something this simple sits broken for one years time.  Estates ll is in decline.
_______________________


I think $3400 for Social Activities for one month is nuts. I also think Misc. Admin Serv for  $5111 is suspect. That vague monthly expense can end up costing the condo more than $50,000 in Misc. Admin Services per year and no one knows what that is.  Now multiply that by many other vague expense categories and Estates ll has spent  millions of dollars and the residents will never know what that money was for. And that's the point of these meaningless expense charges. If the board doesn't want residents to think something untoward is going on with the money they should give the residents clear financials.  I'm sure the money is all over the place, with too many expense categories for the purpose of creating confusion, which makes it impossible to follow the money flow. TCM nets nothing for managing Estates ll which is suspect. 

$850 per month brings Estates ll $1,815,600. I am sure many of us could figure out a way to manage the property very well and also sock away savings with that yearly income, but the board wastes money. I do not believe the residents needed the last two maintenance increase. Estates ll is not a massive development,  the board just spends too much money and the vendors are too expensive, except for TCM who nets nothing to manage Estates ll.

__________________

According to Daniella's March 2019 email, it was not that long ago board meetings were open and the minutes were distributed by email to the residents.  I can't imagine why nine residents welcome Stephen Fanuka would take it upon themselves to change all of that. I can imagine it was not for the residents benefit whom I thought the board was elected to serve.  
__________________

The Links fired their TCM on site manager for doing something terrible and all TCM did was move this person over to the Hamlet. Good luck Hamlet.
____________________

I can't imagine being so corrupted as a person and a group of people that I would force a new board member to sign a document pledging secrecy from my neighbors. 
____________________

I want to thank the residents who work on the Residents Club because you are at the only people advocating for us. The board works very hard to deceive us.
______________________

I went back and pulled old year end financials going back to 2008. TCM came to Estates ll spring/summer of 2016. 2017 the first full year of TCM saw Estates ll expenses go up $400,000.

 ________________________

Re the misappropriation of the capital contribution fee: 

Something tells me when a resident asks the board how they can justify using capital contribution money on non capital improvements, like furniture and design fees, the board will tell us the attorney says its "valid."  But I wonder if the IRS would agree. At some point the lawless board members along with their shyster attorney will pay the piper. 
________________________

Piece on Mike Friedlander:

I'm at a loss for words regarding the shocking lack of transparency and secrecy surrounding the condo's handling of financial records. It's astonishing that an organization that's supposed to provide a sense of community and security can operate with such opacity. The refusal to disclose financial information to residents only breeds mistrust and erodes the trust that's supposed to be at the heart of our community. It's like they're hiding something, and where there's smoke, there's often fire. I've seen firsthand the frustration that this lack of transparency has caused among my neighbors, and it's unacceptable. It's time for the condo board to come clean and show some accountability. Until then, I fear that this toxic atmosphere of secrecy will continue to divide us and create an environment that's unhealthy and unlivable.

______________________

There was a board member who did something the residents hated and she was ostracized and eventually felt the need to move out of Estates ll. I have a feeling we may see some for sale signs down the road. The residents have had enough of these secretive power  hungry people. 

__________________

To the financial wizards on the board: How does TCM make payroll when they net less than nothing to manage Estates ll. According to the board (just like the security company who was taken over because the could not make payroll) TCM should be taken over. If TCM's business model is NET NOTHING they should be out of business by now.  
________________

I don't know how these board members sleep at night. The residents know, by way of common sense, what the board member are doing with the money. Through common sense we know funds are misappropriated and diverted.
 _________________

Mike Friedlander and condo funds:

Mike Friedlander has shown himself to serve the board and TCM only, as does his wife, who writes that awful news letter. He covers up all the misdoings and/or allows them to continue.  He has no problem misleading the residents and I am worried that the condo funds are being misused and misappropriated. Those ridiculous expense charts in the boards news letter is nothing more than a thin veil in an attempt to hide what they are doing with our money.
___________________

Residents Club has become a positive shadow board providing information the board refuses to proved and by pointing out the problems with the information the board does release to the residents , like the nonsensical financials every month.

The Residents Club shines a light on the lack of transparency and the boards attempt to mislead us all. By sharing the mailing list for Estates II, the club has enabled residents to stay connected, directly contradicting the board's apparent efforts to isolate and silence us. It's clear that the Residents Club has proven itself to be a  powerful force for good in our community.
____________________

Hell must have frozen over because we got information about the broken gate for the first time. I am sure if not for the Residents Club website and all the picture documentation on the website the board would not have instructed management to send the informative email about how the gate broke, who broke the gate and who saved the day and fixed the gate. Keep it up Residents Club!
________________

To my fellow residents: Wake up! Snap out of it!  If you don't think you are being lied to and cheated by the board of managers. 
________________

Simply put: If the boards conduct was professional, serious and legitimate the minutes would be open to all and a proud display of their hard work. The only way for their secrets to be kept under wraps is for all of them to stay in power.  Upstanding new board members would expose everything.
_____________________

I guarantee we are not permitted to read the minutes about Condo business because we would learn about all the things that are not "valid due to the passage of time."  No doubt the accounting is a mess, there is no problem solving or follow through on condo issues and we would see that at no time does the board ever discuss ways to bring down costs. The minutes are a referendum on terrible sloppy management by TCM and the board of managers. 

______________________



I think $3400 for Social Activities for one month is nuts. I also think Misc. Admin Serv for  $5111 is suspect. That vague monthly expense can end up costing the condo more than $50,000 in Misc. Admin Services per year and no one knows what that is.  Now multiply that by many other vague expense categories and Estates ll has spent  millions of dollars and the residents will never know what that money was for. And that's the point of these meaningless expense charges. If the board doesn't want residents to think something untoward is going on with the money they should give the residents clear financials.  I'm sure the money is all over the place, with too many expense categories for the purpose of creating confusion, which makes it impossible to follow the money flow. TCM nets nothing for managing Estates ll which is suspect. 

$850 per month brings Estates ll $1,815,600. I am sure many of us could figure out a way to manage the property very well and also sock away savings with that yearly income, but the board wastes money. I do not believe the residents needed the last two maintenance increase. Estates ll is not a massive development,  the board just spends too much money and the vendors are too expensive, except for TCM who nets nothing to manage Estates ll.
__________________

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU:

I'm appalled by the extent to which the condo board is going to keep us from obtaining information about our condo. It's no surprise books & records were relocated to Bellmore, given their obstructionist tactics. I can only speculate on the dishonest methods they're using to deceive us all. The money spent on legal fees is obscene. We are funding the boards deception. 
__________________

In the board president's email to our community he mocked the nostalgic yearnings of long-time residents who long for the "good old days" as sentimental and unrealistic. As someone who has lived in this community for a long time and witnessed firsthand the decline, I can understand why they feel that way. But I believe Rick Saccullo's skepticism is unfair and misguided. In fact, I think Rick Saccullo, the board president, is particularly nasty and dismissive in his treatment of those who hold on to memories of a bygone era when the board was nice to residents and we could all go to the board meetings to listen.
__________________

I read the letter from Cindy Davidowitz when she was president. I have a question for the forum:  Does valid mean legal?  The wording on most of the correspondence from the boards seems to tilt toward deception. It is not lost on me that the board never said the capital fee was legal, they cleverly stated it was valid and used the word attorney to give it more weight. 
____________________

I am writing to express my deep concern with the lack of transparency and accountability that has become all too prevalent in our neighborhood. I believe it's time for the board and management to start being honest with us about what's really going on. The constant lies and half-truths have eroded my trust and the trust of many others, and it's high time that we are given accurate information.
_______________________

The motto of the board appears to be "the truth hurts" because they have mastered the art of dodging reality in their communications with us.
_____________________

It's frustrating to think about how much time and energy the board spends crafting emails that are vague and unclear, when they could be using that time to address the real issues facing our community. Instead of sugarcoating problems or avoiding the truth, it would be refreshing if they focused on honest communication. If the board devoted as much effort to solving the condo's problems as they do to writing misleading emails, I'm sure we would be in much better shape.
___________________

It's interesting that Cindy Davidowitz has pavers in her backyard that match the pavers in the pool area but she left the front walkway of her home concrete. Most people do their back pavers and front walkway pavers at the same time.  I wonder if this has anything to do with the stink made over her free condo landscaping.
__________________

Re: "Valid due to passage of time" 

The board never states the capital contribution fee was legal due to the passage of time. Why do we need bylaws if the passage of time is all it takes to make something valid?
____________________

Save a tree, can the monthly news letter
____________________

I don't think someone who moves here from living in a house should become president of a condo until they have lived here for tens years. You wouldn't  hire someone with no experience to run anything but that is what goes on in Estates ll.

_____________________
 

 I've seen how the condo board uses its attorney to bully and intimidate residents who disagree with them. It's like they're trying to maintain a dictatorship, where only their voices are heard and everyone else is silenced.

_______________________

Rick Saccullo has shown us he is spiteful and makes up lies to settle his personal agenda.  Too many lies to count but I want to try:

- His email update on Manhasset Crest went "into the weeds"
- A resident had a decades long problem with Ely Zaken
- The Capital Fee was legal when is wasn't and time barred from disputes
- The parking spots on Eagles Crescent are legal but the resident parking in them is illegal
- Manhasset Crest
- The delay to the club house project
- Altered the name of the $5000 from original proxy to amendment

______________________

Rick Saccullo is awful. He sends us emails complaining about the anonymity of the website while at the same time shows us all why the creators of the website felt the need to be anonymous. The emails Rick Saccullo sends to all of us are ugly and using resident's addresses in my opinion is threatening.  There's a viciousness to him I find disturbing. 
______________________

I enjoyed reading the breakdown of the News/Propaganda Letter. 
______________________

I am baffled at any board members moral high ground when they are the reason condo information is located in Bellmore hidden from the residents. I think they are bad for the residents. I don't trust them.  
______________________

Three Monkeys:
After paying Daniella's full package TCM is in the negative. TCM manages Estates ll for less than $0
_________________

Three Monkeys:

Does the board have a sound explanation for the fact that after Daniella gets paid, along with benefits, payroll taxes, bonus, etc. TCM makes $0 managing Estates ll. How come the residents can see it so clearly and board of managers have question marks floating above their heads. 
_________________

Re the TCM manager suing Estates ll for $1,000,000:

Am I to understand that TCM is smart enough to ask the board to indemnify them incase of a resident lawsuit and the board is dumb enough to agree but even dumber not to demand the same of TCM. Why didn't the board have TCM indemnify Estates ll from a TCM lawsuit. We'll do it for you as long as you do it for us. Protect TCM at all costs, but why? makes TCM so special that the board would agree to those lopsided terms?
________________

Does Ely Zaken still have a condo credit card now that he is off the board. I would like one too. 
________________

To the resident who expressed displeasure in sharing their backyard with the gardener on a Saturday: 

Silly peasant, how dare you express annoyance with anything this board does. What a fool you are to think the board would put residents first above a TCM vendor's need to work on Saturday.  How could a mere resident think condo work should be done during the business week. Another quality of life issue down the drain at Estates ll, courtesy of your board. Why would the board tell the landscaper it's Monday thru Friday or we find another landscaper.  We only pay the landscaper/snow remover a mere quarter of a million dollars, so Estates ll really has no leverage, with those bargain basement prices we pay. You are allowed one day a week of privacy in your backyard. Sunday is funday. The rest is crappy business as usual around here. Last man on the Totem Pole. 
_____________

Re: Rose thorns

I noticed over the winter while walking past the area that borders Hamlet Estates had a mess of brush and branches stacked up high. It's a real mess. The thought of someone who lives here purposely trying to hurt a resident is very concerning.
______________

Is anyone else under the opinion that the board  worries more about keeping TCM and their vendors happy more than they do about the residents. Why does the board keep forcing us to believe TCM is great. They get paid to do a job. The board has never addressed the real issues residents care about. I don't get it. 
________________

I would like everyone to know the place where some of us used to feed the kittens had rose bud thorn branches brought over from somewhere and placed throughout the area. Only a deranged person would deliberately lay down all those rose thorns to hurt the kittens and the people wanting to feed them. I tried to move them and was cut up as were my jeans and a coat. I got all tangled up in them. If I wasn't wearing glasses a thorn would have poked my eyeball. I wonder who would do such a thing?
_______________

Whether you like the residents club or not what is evident is that the people behind the website are spending considerable time and resources because they obviously believe in what they are doing. Contrast this with the board who takes from us and hides information from us. 
______________

So it seems Ken Deutsch was right, the amendment was changed from the proxy.  The board lies about big things, they lie about small things. At this point we cannot believe anything coming from the board. 
______________

Whose idea was it to bring TCM here. The reviews are atrocious.  Well deserved. 
________________

I am of the opinion the board of managers lies about everything.  I just want them to know we know.
_________________

Re time limit to question a fee: 

Another nonsensical statement by the unethical board . How is there a time limit to dispute a fee?  What is this made up time limit the board is referring to?  This is a fee that only applies to new homeowners in Estates ll, so how can someone who does not live here dispute the fee during the made up time limit to be able to dispute the fee. What BS. The fee is either legal or not. The board along with TCM really play the residents as fools because we are fools as long as we keep them both around. To all my neighbors...don't complain if you don't demand a change.
________________

It would be nice if the board announced in the monthly news letter that they had a meeting with TCM to discuss improvement of services. But I won't hold my breath. I want better management. 
_________________

Residents think Estates ll is a filthy disgrace and we want better. No way the siding will ever be properly cleaned. They don't use detergent to wash the siding. Water is not enough when the siding become as dirty as it has around the neighborhood. We would never have allowed our houses to get this dirty.  If this wasn't gated the town would fine the homeowner for failing to keep the property clean.
________________

I asked my attorney to follow the website. He told me there was a resident a few years back who asked for the capital contribution fee back because there had been no capital improvements in Estates ll while they were living there. That means the money was sitting unspent and when they sold their home they wanted the capital fee returned. I thought this was interesting information.

________________

The board has a disturbing relationship with management
________________

The board is incapable of being direct and honest. Everything is a song and a dance to cover up an indiscretion and that's why the meetings are closed and the minutes are under lock and key.  There must be a board member willing to blow the whistle on all of this. I hope the new board member gets sickened by the stench and does something honorable for his neighbors. The residents who turned down Rick Saccullo's offer to replace Zaken were smart, they didn't want anything to do with the stench of the board.
________________

I'm pretty sure the board committed fraud with the help of the attorney to alter the actual amendment from the proxy, the residents signed approving the bylaws amendment. If the board wanted to change the wording from the original proxy the board should have sent out a new proxy. Something made the board change the wording after the fact.
________________

Re: Three monkeys

If our books and records are maintained at the same level of sloppiness and lack of care our grounds and homes are then the finances have to be a mess and there is no way this board is capable of tracking the money. The trust and admiration they continuously show for management is sophomoric. This is a business relationship and should be treated as such.
__________________

Why can't the board of managers find another company to manage Estates ll?  It's not working lets move on. This is not a personal relationship and Rick Saccullo keeps writing about it like it is. It's disturbing and infuriating at the same time.
___________________

I received a letter from Justin Buchel telling me if I kept asking questions of management I would lose my right to send emails to the board/management. I was told the right to send emails was not guaranteed under the bylaws and I would have to go back to using regular mail. How do you like that?
_____________________

Re: money spent on small claims

The board uses attorneys to intimidate residents. If the board knows hiring an attorney for a small claims action is not possible then the board is forced to resolve the problem with the resident. If the board enjoys washing their hands of their fiduciary responsibilities then they can waste money on legal fees while forcing a resident to go up against an attorney versus a fellow resident board member. It's ugly. They spend almost five thousand dollars when they should have spent nothing on a small claims action. That's a lot of money for a nuisance case. I can't imagine what they are spending on Manhasset Crest.
___________________

Why is it while enjoying my back yard on Saturday I have to see one of the gardeners spraying the weeds. It' s terrible. Condo work should take place Monday through Friday. That's how you run a condo.
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It would be nice if Rick Saccullo would stop praising Daniella like she is working for free.  It's weird how he fawns over her in his emails. She is a paid employee and she could do a better job. Daniella is not doing any of us any favors. She keeps telling me my siding is going to be cleaned and she doesn't seem to care that she keeps telling me that while it never gets cleaned. Every time I ask she responds like it's the first time I have asked. I think she's checked out. 


I've been waiting 2 months to get my siding cleaning. I am at a loss.

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 I think TCM is a disgrace to all of us. We see what is happening. I came from a home and like everyone else I thought living in a condo would be less stress. What a joke. It's only less stress if you pay for everything and don't mind doing it. But when I had my home if something was broken or something needed cleaning I did not have to wait for months on end for the cleaning or repair to get done. I took care of it because I cared about my home. TCM & the board are in bed together.

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I read the emails from Justin Buchel esq. There is a serious conflict of interest with these emails. It is so inappropriate for the attorney to help TCM in their efforts to ignore resident questions. Justin Buche's job is represent the best interests of the condo and the residents. What is going on with the shield for TCM.  Estates ll has become total corrupted by using TCM vendors and by having a disgraceful on the take board of managers. In My Opinion. 

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Rick Saccullo is the face of pernicious anti semitism.  A person does not reference anything holocaust in a light playful manner unless there are disturbing issues with that person.  He should not be the president of Estates ll.

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What Saccullo is claiming is harassment is in reality concerned residents bringing the Board to task to the improprieties and mismanagement of our community by the board. Saccullo  can’t ever admit he is wrong . Shipping container 
No clubhouse for 6 plus months 
Address light fiasco
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The Condo's attorney is supposed to help the board follow the bylaws, not contort the bylaws and the law to fit into the boards agenda of secrecy.  I agree with a previous comment. There is sleaze all around us here.
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Is it asking too much for the board to hire a management company that does not have the worst reputation on Long Island. What about due diligence.
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I know Rick Saccullo and the man is mean, through and through. Can't get rid of him soon enough.
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After reading through the web site it's painfully clear Estates ll is regressing instead of improving. Only obstacle is the board. Something's rotten there.
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People on the board are not business people. It makes no sense to offer a quarterly bonus to the security guards. Who else gets a quarterly bonus? These people are just having a blast waisting condo funds. 
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I received the same letter the other resident received, from the Condo attorney Justin Buchel, telling me management does not have to answer my questions.
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I can tell everyone based on my own experience Rick Saccullo is one of the nastiest people I have ever met. He does not have the temperament to be president of Estates ll.

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I'm a resident and I've been reading the web site but didn't become a member until now, as a way to show my support.  I also wanted to read the past minutes.  Thanks 
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Obviously something is wrong with Rick Saccullo. I can't understand how he became president. He's a mess. I hope there are seriously repercussion coming for him and the entire board who allows this disgusting behavior to continue. 
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Rick Saccullo is feeble minded and he should be removed as president. He's destroying Estates ll and seems to be having fun doing so.  

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Rick Saccullo is out of his mind.  We won't know for years all the damage he has done to Estates ll.  I have serious concerns about the board of managers because it's their job to remove him. Saccullo is incompetent this is serious. 

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Our stupid president has done it again. Did it ever occur to him that residents are fed up with the board doing as they please. I am going to assume resident Mike Temkin has had enough with the board beaking  the rules that we respect. We move here for order, conformity and the rules and bylaws that are supposed to keep everyone on the same playing field. If there are rules for guests at the pool then follow the rules. Estates ll pool is not a community pool and there is a limit to how many guest residents are allowed to have. If the board member who wants to entertain their entire family doesn't like the rules they should move somewhere else. Why would this dope complain about pictures and then send us all these picture.




Every day for years we see Ely Zaken working in Estates ll & he reveals himself.  When you know you know.
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I just read the Board Hides in the Darkness.  The article does an excellent job of highlighting how corrupt the board of managers is.  I knew they were hiding bad acts when I learned residents are prevented from reading the minutes. The ability to read minutes is clearly stated in the bylaws. 
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I have noticed once something breaks it stays broken.  Why isn't Daniella driving around making notes and fixing what needs to be fixed. The broken cobble stones are still broken, there are dented garage doors that have been dented for a long time.  Sad state of affairs when things only go one way and unfortunately for us it's down.
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Does anyone on the board have a working set of eyeballs. Can't they see how bad the place looks. They must be getting compensated one way or another not to care. That's the only way to explain why there are no improvements.  Thank you for posting this.
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I have a question.  Why do the dented garage doors stay dented?  Doesn't someone have to fix them?
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I just finished reading some of the articles on the website.  I can't stand the deterioration of Estates ll. You have to be out of your mind to think Estates ll should have a shipping container  front and center. I want to thank the buildings and grounds committee head for the deterioration of the buildings and grounds. I heard they are storing garbage room spare doors in that container. Spend money on an expensive shipping container to store $300 doors. Stupid is as stupid does. Thank you Mr. Junk Yard.
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May 22, 2024
I am the wife of the resident Stephani Michele says is stalking her. I am here to set the record straight. This woman called MY HUSBAND twice asking him to do her a favor. He said he could not and now she accuses him of stalking her.  
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Website is so good. It should win some kind of award for journalism mixed with some gossip. My morning coffee with the voice of residents is how I start my day. Get ready for another warning email from the Board of Mis Managers. 
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RE email:

"To ensure board members act with integrity and professionalism, the Board of Managers are required to follow a  Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct was established about a decade ago whereby all board members are required to sign and abide by this Code while serving on our Board of Managers.  This is proof the Code of Conduct was implemented more as a tool to control dissenting voices than an assurance board members act in a professional honorable manner.  The bylaws provide for all of that, making the CODE redundant and misleading to new board members. The Code of Conduct forces board members to keep secrets from their neighbors. That's how the club house renovation stayed a secret. If a board member told their neighbor about the project  they could be thrown of the board for breaking the Code of Conduct. Code of Conduct is really a CODE OF SILENCE and it runs counter to the bylaws which call for no secrets."

THE CODE OF CONDUCT IS A TROJAN HORSE! 
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Re: Email correspondence

Our board is a bunch of lunatics. One person can't control his temper; another board member thinks residents are stalking her.  I can't tell you how many times I see cars pulled over with someone talking inside the car, obviously on a phone call. Estates ll has so many dead zones that if you pull into the gate and want to keep talking you have to find a spot that has service. Happens all the time.  
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Re: The email pictures of Cindy Davidowtz' landscaping

I have old minutes from when Cindy was president of Estates ll.  The minutes have contradicting statements from Cindy about her free landscaping.  Now we know what all those landscaping extras are, they must be free landscaping for certain board members.
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Re: Babysitting

Why don't we all ask to see the books and records so Daniella has to drive to Belmore all the time, or maybe will they make a bunch of us all go together and then each resident can have a TCM employee sit withus. They are disgusting people who are up to something illegal otherwise this would not be going on.  Shamed on Daniella for participating in this. 
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Very disturbing front page. I understand someone has to make a living but I do wonder about Daniella. How can she bring herself to drive to Belmore and sit next to someone probably old enough to be her parent and demean the resident. I believe we have all had moments where we had to take a stand or we had reached a  point when we say to ourselves...enough is enough. It makes me wonder what she was told about her job duties.  What serious property manager would do what she does? A real property manager would have moved on by now to a property they actually manage and happily walked away from babysitting the people she is supposed to provide a service for. 
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No one knows what they are doing here. Daniella and the Board should be required to read the bylaws everyday.
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I noticed from Searrintown Rd the homes in Estates ll that face the street are absolutely filthy. The longer the dirt piles up the more difficult it is to get our siding clean which tells me they are letting the siding get so dirty it will have to be replaced. It's all intentional so people can get a little extra.
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The small minority of residents who sit on the board are driving Estates ll into a ditch.
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The board lacks self awareness. Some are upset with the articles on this website, boo hoo. Why don't they go through their emails and re read how nastily they treat us. 
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Just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate all work that goes into these articles. I'm a new resident and this website has been a great source of information.  
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Re Club house
It is astonishing the money being spent on designer fees and custom furniture for a public space  when we have Arhaus down the street. The furniture is beautiful and they provide free design services.  Board members are clearly enjoying themselves on our dime. Do what you want with you own money but when spending other peoples money you better be careful.
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Its' good to lock resident comments, now I can say what I really want to say. The news letter is a farce. The corrupt board has no intention of sharing any condo information with the residents and we all know why.  We know what's going on.  
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They lock us out of the board meetings, stop sending us the minutes, move the minutes to Belmore and we are not suppose to think there is corruption taking place here.  
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Stephanie Michele has no business being on the board and heading up any committee when she has no idea what she is doing.  Forcing a resident to pay for repairs the condo is responsible for is reprehensible. 
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"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." Abraham Lincoln 
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Great front page article. Stephanie Michele really needs to get it together. How many of us is she giving contradictory information too.
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If you ask me, the fiscal irresponsibility taking place here is worthy of a legal action. No one knows what they are doing around here, I can't believe it!
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Buildings & Grounds:

Whose job is it to keep Estates ll properly maintained?  How can a Condo deteriorate to this degree and no one is held accountable.
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Does anyone out there remember anything about the maintenance increases?  I sell real estate and Estates ll is the only condo where I can't get simple answers for the buyer.  This is bad for the seller and buyer.  Lawyers will advise clients not to purchase a condo in a development where answers to simple questions about maintenance fees aren't forthcoming.  This kind of news spreads fast and brings down the perceived cache of living in Estates ll.  An Estates ll website would really help get information without having to contact the board.
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Am I to understand  In the age where all information is available at the touch of a key pad this dysfunctional board makes us wait for board meetings to get answers. These old farts have got to go and take the disfunction with them.  No wonder we have so many maintenance increases.
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In response to the question about maintenance fees:

I think we have had 4 or 5 fifty dollar increases since 2017. Hope that helps. It's time for the Estates ll website to launch.
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Re: letters to and from the board.

It's unbelievable to me what is going on here. Are Rick Saccullo and Ely Zaken really using unlicensed contractors to work in Estates ll?   How are they getting away with this?
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We have had enough of this board. I don't know why these people have decided to take on the day to day job of managing Estates ll and turn management into nothing more than an assistant to the managers position but it has been down hill for our development since. They don't do what they are supposed to do; they don't know what they are supposed to know; they don't manage Estates ll and they don't tell the truth.   
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Re: Zaken resignation article:

"Hopefully in the future the board will take a more honorable and proactive approach"  
The only way this happens is with new board members. The current board is a disgrace to Estates ll.
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Re Code of Conduct

Rick Saccullo sent me an email in his capacity as president of Estates ll calling me a sociopath. A clear case of projection.
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Re the board:

My opinion these residents have damaged Estates ll while on the board and should never get back on the board: Rick Saccullo, Cindy Davidowits, Alan Rothenberg, Alan Friedlander, Ely Zaken, Debbie Resnick, Marcia Copper. Keep these people away from our Condo board.
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DO NOT SIGN THE CODE OF CONDUCT! No where in the bylaws does it state a board member is obligated to sign a made up document that has no standing.  If you do not sign it you do not have to abide by it and they cannot force you to sign it. Get on the board and tell all residents what you see. That is how we take back the condo from this unethical majority. 
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The Code of Conduct is not what it seems. Our by-laws already provide a comprehensive framework for governing the behavior of board members. The Code of Conduct is not only unnecessary but it serves as an instrument to control the board, rather than promote transparency and accountability, because it allows the board to take action against any board member who shares information about board activities with their neighbors.  Information we are entitled to know. That's how they kept the club house a secret.
 

The Code of Conduct is used to silence dissenting voices and maintain a status quo that does not benefit the residents of Estates ll. Instead of promoting secrecy the board should simply follow the by-laws that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within our community. 
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Re: Ely Zaken's resignation:

The board didn't tell us about the resignation because they are looking to replace him with someone who won't mind all the shenanigans they do and they certainly don't want any volunteers they can't control. Just like the elections. It's all about control.
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The residents need legal representation. While the board ignores rules and bylaws when it comes to themselves, they twist and contort the rules and bylaws to control us.  I declare residents do not have to follow any rules until further notice. 
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About the elections: It looks like at least half the board is there illegally.
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The board of managers have the same fiduciary obligations to the residents as corporate officers have to their share holders. If this was a corporate setting the shareholders would remove this board immediately and they would be escorted out of the building by security. 
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I just realized why the board won't put up a website. A website keeps information up indefinitely, so if you want to fix an election or have a board member serve more than the allotted time a website gives the residents information as to who has to run and who has to leave.  The board does not want residents to have any meaningful information so the website would look like the vapid new letter. 
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I have a feeling we the residents would be furious if we could have a  forensic accountant go through the books. No one is watching the money. It is a free for all at our expense. Does anyone else wonder what the board is hiding with that meaningless graph of expenses they put in the news letters. We all know there are numerous lawsuits the condo is involved with yet they never mention the legal expenses for Manhasset Crest.  That's our money.
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I read about the board members who have over stayed their terms on the board last night and had to leave a comment. Ely Zaken did not run for a second term. Not only did he not run for a second term, I am sure he should have left the board years ago. He has done this before. Something must be done to break the hold these people have on the board.  We must get new people on the board assuming we can ensure an honest election and that could be impossible with the current board running the election. I hope every residents reads my post and decides to get involved.  
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Re the Condominium Act & Election Integrity:

I don't recall any of our long time board members running for re-election. I would like to know which 2 board members where supposed to leave the board 2023.  Maybe the board can address this.

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Regarding the posts about filing complaints with the NY BAR:

I believe there is an attorney on the board of managers.  There should be complaints with the NY Bar filed against Donald Feldman as well as the Attorney for the Condo.  People tend to listen to the opinion of lawyers in a board situation, even bad lawyers. It gives them a sense they can do as they choose as long as the lawyer on the board tells them it's ok.
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I believe the decline of Estates ll began when Cindy I like free stuff Davidowitz became president along with Alan I'm mean and miserable Rothenberg as her VP. We have hit an all time low under Rick I'm the worst president in Estates ll history Saccullo.  Then there is Ely I have my hands in everything, jack of all trades master of none, Zaken, who has been on the board since he moved in and never leaves.  Alan Rothenberg terrified my young children when he yelled at them in front of me.  Cindy Davidowitz is the person who shut the residents out of the board meetings. These people must never sit on the board of managers again. Stephen Fanuka replaced Zaken
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In response to the comment about filing a compliant with the NY Bar association: The residents should also call the Attorney Generals office because our rights as home owners/shareholders are being trampled. A resident was able to uncover Ely Zayken's expired license by calling the Dept of State. We have to start using what ever resources are available to us. If enough compliants are filed something will be done on the residents behalf. 
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This comment has to do with the April 2024, News Letter.  I am angry that the board will allow their contractor -for the club house- to leave the dumpster in the parking lot over the weekend, in plain sight, when residents have to go to the trouble and expense of having our dumpsters removed every Friday.  This board is  sickening. 
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Seems like the only repairs and maintenance that get done are when they have to spend our money. I have deep concern regarding the way our board seems to constantly find ways to waste our hard-earned money while basic maintenance & safety is neglected.  

The filth on the siding is a sign of a board that isn't doing its job.  The holes in the ground with the wires should have never been left uncovered. It is alarming to see how little importance is placed on simple yet crucial safety precautions that could prevent accidents. 
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I have been studying the bylaws and have concluded our board is drunk with power they do not posses. The board makes and breaks rules at their own discretion and while doing so are violating the Estates ll bylaws.  The board cannot make a rule that violates and contradicts the bylaws and the board does this too many times. 

9. To make such reasonable rules and regulations as permitted by applicable law, statute, declaration or by-laws and to amend the same from time to time, and such rules and regulations and amendments shall be binding upon the Home owners when the Board has approved them in writing. A copy of such rules and all amendmnents shall be delivered to cach Home Owner;

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Just read the Condominium Act page. Every resident should file a complaint with the NYS Bar against the condo's attorney.
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Please post my letter:
 

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the way the board is managing Estates ll. It has become clear to me after reading the website that the board is not effectively maintaining the property and are instead prioritizing their own interests over those of us the residents.  Making matters worse, for some reason the board promotes and approves things that actually makes Estates ll look worse.  

The property is becoming shabby and unkempt, and it is clear that necessary repairs are not being made. This negligence should be unacceptable because it reflects poorly on the overall image of Estates ll.  How can any board member think a shipping container belongs in plain sight. If there is need for more storage, and I can't imaging why there would be, then their job is to fill the need without hindering the appearance of our neighborhood. It feels like these board members are living out their fantasies at our expense. 
 

I am particularly concerned about the use of the Condo attorney to prevent residents from accessing important information and receiving necessary repairs. It is absolutely unacceptable that our maintenance fees are being used to fund a lawyer who works against us rather than for us. This lack of transparency and cooperation is completely unjust.

I am also very disturbed by what I read about the past election. I have heard rumors that residents who do not vote have their empty ballots filled out by the board to ensure that their preferred candidates are elected.  

Instead of sending emails warning us about this website, I wish the board would address some of the issues brought up on this website. Why are the address lights taking so long?  Why aren't the residents allowed to listen to the board meetings, even if just through a zoom link? What are the legal expenses incurred from resident issues?  What is going on with Manhasset Crest and what are the legal expenses from that?  Why did only one board member leave the board last election, when three people were supposed to leave the board and why does the board keep telling us they are working on a website? 

I am deeply frustrated by the current state of affairs at Estates ll.  I personally will always vote and I urge my fellow residents to do the same.  I am even considering running for the board.  I hope my letter serves as a wake-up call and motivates my fellow residents to get involved.  We deserve better than what we are currently experiencing, and it is time for a change.

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In response to the article on the elections:

In my opinion we have some board members who may be living over their heads. I don't think some of them can afford to fix up their properties without help from their positions on the board.  Some on the board are trying to keep up with the Jones' but they don't have the finances to do so.  I really believe that is why so many of them keep returning to the board. They needed it.
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Everything that takes away from the conformity of Estates ll  makes the community look cheap. Some people have flags flying and some don't. Some of the flags are worn and look terrible. I think the flags should only fly on special holidays. The three eyed monsters over some garages are just awful. These things along with the massive shipping container do not add anything to our once lovely community.  How unfortunate for the rest of us our board leans  low class.
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Is the picture of the parking notice real?  I initially thought it was a joke. 
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The condo sent workers to my home and I asked to see their license.  Then I get a letter from the Condo's attorney, whose salary we pay, telling me I am not allowed to see the license of any contractor.  Make it make sense. The lunatics are running the asylum with our money. 
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I think the residents need legal representation to correct these problems. That should be the conversation we all talk about while walking around. There are too many serious issues like the elections, no access to meaningful financial information and repairs being denied, to fix on our own.
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If there weren't low standards at Estates ll, as accurately depicted on this website, there would be no standards at Estates ll. 
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The nasties on the board hate the residents and they are ruining the reputation of Estates ll. People are talking about how nothing gets done.  We need new board members.
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I agree with the last comment. If you want change you have to effect change. Having the same people in the same Board positions will not result in change. You should reach out to the residents and ask if they would be interested in serving on the board or consider forming your own board. 
Regardless thank you for letting the community know what's going on and thank your for your time and effort. 
I will be emailing the residents club to let you know that my husband said he is willing to serve. 
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Dear residents club,
While you have shown all the misdeeds and apparent poor management in the Estates ll, how are things going to change if you don't like the people on the board? What are you doing to change that you should put your money where your mouth is?
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Re shipping container: Why has Estates ll acquired so much junk that it requires a shipping container to store it in. We hire outside vendors who have their own equipment. 
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It's the one year anniversary of the board member's letter from the Department of State. I bet that doesn't happen at all the other condo's. Rick Saccullo is right, we really are special and unique.
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I noticed in the front page picture the stack of ladders on top of the shipping container and the one ladder that was leaning up against the shipping container have been removed. The Residents Club is good.
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Rick Saccullo gets an entire new roof while the rest of us can't get anything fixed.
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It's so amazing how the president of  ESTATES ll is always comparing our great community to other condominiums in the area. I guess he is right we are very
Unique, we are the only condominium including Gracewood, the Links, Acorn Ponds amongst others who have a freight container sitting between our entrance and clubhouse for all to see. 
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We the Residents are furious!  The board accuses the Residents Club of everything they themselves are doing. They hide in the darkness and they hide behind Daniella.  We have no idea what is  going on in our community.  They have to be delusional not to see the hypocrisy of accusing a website of operating in the darkness after closing down the once open and honest board meetings. The board secretly squanders our money and the board is more loyal to the vendors and management than they are towards the residents.  We can put 2 and 2 together and figure out why.
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Our parking lot is not meant to be used to store snow plows. There must be some ordinance to back the residents up. This is not a commercial property yet we have heavy machinery and a shipping container as permanent structures on our residential community.  The dumpster should be moved back to where the shipping container is. Something must be done.
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April 13, 2024
Opinion piece from a member of the the Residents Club  
             
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the incompetence displayed by the condo board in leaving a snow plow and shipping container in plain sight for all residents and guests of the community to see. This careless action not only detracts from the overall appearance of the neighborhood but also poses potential safety hazards.

The board's inaction in removing the container and snow plow shows a complete disregard for the homeowners in the condo. Such negligence will inevitably bring down property values and tarnish the reputation of the community. It is unacceptable for those in charge to make such terrible decisions that reflect a lack of consideration for the wellbeing and aesthetics of the neighborhood.

This lack of action is not only irresponsible but also classless. It is imperative that the board takes immediate steps to rectify this situation and remove these eyesores from view. The residents and guests of the community deserve better than to be subjected to such poor decision-making by the board of managers.   
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Estates ll is becoming infamous for having a terrible board of managers who are lazy, power hungry, secretive, combative and don't know how to manage a condo. The web site didn't do that our neighbors on the board did that.  And they have reduced the job of property manager to a paper pusher. 
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One board member wants to buy a shipping container and no one pushes back. Group think.
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My friends at Whitewood, which is managed by total community management, also have a snow plow sitting around and they hate looking at it.  I believe management must own the landscaping company and they use the places they manage as storage facilities. 
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Regarding the email sent by the board: We as residents have every right to express our displeasure with certain aspects as to how the condo is run. There is no reason for us to have a snow plow in the parking lot and there is no reason for a shipping container, that is usually a temporary fixture on a construction site, to become part of the Estates ll buildings and grounds. It's not right and the board, who are supposed to represent us, should understand this. The board only represents themselves and each other. 
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Re Shipping container. I want to know what's inside. Guaranteed it's filled will all the junk Ely Zaken has purchased with his condo allowance and it's stuff we never needed and is no longer used like the mulch machine, which is very expensive.
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Regarding the boards email:  I don't care what other Condo's or HOA's are charging for maintenance. Before TCM we had much lower maintenance and the place ran better and looked better. That is just a fact.  With the lower maintenance the Condo managed to have a ton of money in reserves. Higher maintenance leads to waste, fraud and lower property values.  BUT none of this can happen without a compliant board of managers. The whole bunch is rotten.
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The shipping container has Ely Zaken's name written all over it.
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Shipping containers are expensive. What are they storing in the ugly green dented monster of an eyesore. I especially like the ladders stacked on top of the shipping container. 
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I have a tree issue I was assured would be taken care of. It has been one year and nothing has been done. I am sure many of us have similar stories.
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I bet the creators of this website have made a fortune selling 176 email addresses to a nefarious corporation.  
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So the board does not want an audit, open board meetings, to allow us to look at the books and records and to make repairs for the residents in a timely manner. Got it.
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Not too long ago a board president gave all or our personal information to his friend who lives in Estates ll. This resident had the names of our adult children, if we had a mortgage, if our home was in a trust and everything else we had to turn over to the Condo. The resident bragged he knew everything about everyone who lived here. We found out about it accidentally and the community was furious.

WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE BOARD DOES WITH OUR ACTUAL PRIVATE INFORMATION AND NOW ITS ALL IN BELMORE WITH NON RESIDENTS. 
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I believe it's the boards fault management doesn't perform as well as we all would like.  Daniella has her hands tied by a micro managing incompetent board. IMO.
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When is the board going to stop embarrassing themselves and stop warning us about a website. What are they so worried about? I know it isn't our welfare.
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I don't blame anyone for wanting to be anonymous with this vicious board of managers. Ken Deutsch asked about the contractor's license who is working on the club house, because he thought it was strange that they were not installing new sheet rock, and they sent a letter to everyone blaming him for the clubhouse permit problem and delay.
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Excuse me but are we not permitted to disparage management or the board if we believe things aren't  done properly. Who do these people think they are? 
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One would think if the board was concerned with property values they would make sure the first thing potential buys don't see when they drive in is a shipping container, snow plow and dumpster. Along with the mess behind the tennis courts.  Lowering the maintenance is a great way to increase property values. I hope Stephen Fanuka makes things better.
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Re the boards third warning email. The post card did not make any accusations, it only stated what they hope to achieve. I see nothing wrong with that. What's wrong with this board?
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For a board that supposedly does not benefit financially from being on the board they sure act like they are trying to hold on to something when they disparage the residents club. 
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WHY DOES THE BOARD KEEP REFERRING TO THE CONDO AS AN HOA. ESTATES ll IS  NOT A HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION. WHAT A BUNCH OF MORONS.
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I really think the board was talking about themselves in their email to the residents. Hide in the shadows....the board hides from us all. We can't see them or meet with them. The monthly news letter hides what they are doing with the Condo money.  The board keeps secrets from the residents. They did not tell us about the club house for one year while they had to be spending money behind our backs. We had no idea if they made deposits on furniture, etc....It was only in the latest news letter that the clubhouse showed up in the expenses. 
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Wow.  We get a post card from the Residents Club with some great things on it and the board looses their collective minds. I like what the post card states and I hope it happens. Too bad the board didn't show us something other than gloom and doom in their response to the post card. Let us listen to the board meetings you cowards.
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Why hasn't the board of managers sent us an email about the address lights project. I still don't have my address lit up.
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Regarding the boards third self serving email. As they stated, it has been six months since the website has launched with no resident loosing their life savings in a scam;) The board should look in the mirror. It is no surprise we have "disgruntled residents" at Estates ll.   I wonder how they can look at the front page of the Residents Club, that correctly depicts the state of affairs at Estates ll, and still have the nerve to warn a bunch of ADULTS about a website that has clearly had a positive affect on Estates ll. 
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Response to the boards email:
Another cautionary email from our wonderful and caring board of managers. Why can't the board react this fast when it comes to improving the Condo.  The board does a terrible job looking out for our property. They have reduced Daniella to a paper pusher versus a real property manager. " I have to ask the board." I'll send your email request to the board." "The board will discuss it at the next meeting." 
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Estates ll is a  mess.
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Estates ll didn't always have an ugly shipping container in the parking lot.  Low class all the way!
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A BETTER BOARD OF MANAGERS WOULD GET BETTER SERVICES OUT OF TCM.
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Management, who ever that is these days, along with building and grounds, should be walking the property with the landscaper looking for the problem areas. That's how you manage a property. When was the last time any of us saw anyone from management and the board walking the property. You don't wait for a website and residents to complain in order to have community problems addressed.  
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Just like TCM has their preferred vendors they also have preferred board members.
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It is not lost us that we have not benefited since TCM became the management at Estates ll.  Shutting the residents out of the board meetings while at the same time withholding the minutes and not sending out the proper financials do not benefit us.  We also know that none of this could have happened without the boards approval.
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This is a comment on the board meetings:  We have a place in the city. The board meetings are always live streamed so who ever wants to listen in can.  I see no reason why the board can't make that happen.
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My dog has been hurt two times from stepping on the acorn shells.  Thank you for bringing this problem to the forefront.
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Great email on solutions to the tracks in the overly saturated grass.  
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Problem solving and hard work are what's missing at Estates ll. Everything is "beyond the boards control."
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WHAT DOES THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE DO? THE RESIDENTS CLUB IS THE ONLY REASON THEY ARE CLEANING UP ESTATES ll.
________________

Does the board of managers ever demand more from TCM?  From the looks of it TCM has no concern they could be fired.
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Simply put: Estates ll is not properly managed. 
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As I look around Estates ll and I look at the pictures posted on the website I see a lack of care, professionalism and a lack of refinement. Throw a tarp over it and no one will notice. It's very low class. 
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Re: building and grounds pictures

We spend a lot of money on landscaping extras. What are we paying extra for?  The place looks terrible.
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This is a comment on the upcoming email about open board meetings: 

I look forward to reading the email and learning about all the years the residents were able to attend the meetings. I would like to know who was on the board when they decided to shut the residents out.  People shouldn't change a decades long tradition that promotes transparency.  I think it's  about secrets and control. I would also like information on when the minutes were distributed every month. Thank you.
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I am impressed with everything the Residents Club has accomplished in a short time. The board had no business trying to paint this website as something nefarious. I noticed yesterday the snow plows have been moved out of the parking lot.  The question is why don't the people in charge bother to do these things before the website makes a point of it. The great thing is it looks like the Residents Club and the Condo are working together and the place looks better.   Kudos to both.
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Estates ll has a very similar story to the one mentioned by a resident about their east end condo. A few years ago we had a new resident run for the board and get more votes than residents who have lived here a long time. No one knew who he was. This new resident won the election and after a few years on the board he moved out. We will never know what this resident saw while on the board that made him leave so soon after he moved in.
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I appreciate the work that goes into this website. Thank you.
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I received Ken Deutsch's email response to the board's news letter. This board used a resident as a scapegoat. I personally want the building inspector to inspect the building. Estates l has mold. 
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re upkeep of Estates II

Three years ago I have asked for my gates to be painted they look terrible and no response
______________________

Our driveway was cut into in order to build water vessels for the construction next  door.  After much complaining, only half the driveway was fixed. It looks absolutely  horrible,  and the old cement that was left in the driveway is now breaking.
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We own a condo on the east end of Long Island, the condo board and the management have been tampering with elections to do away with board members that rightfully challenge their actions.  In addition to this there were brand new owners on the ballot that never even showed up for the meeting. None of the homeowners knew them yet somehow they had all these votes.
_______________________

The windows at the club house are blacked out. They are up to something in there. 
_______________________

Why did the board defame Ken Deutsch?
The board knows Ken Deutsch would have Estates ll running more efficiently for less money and they hate him for it.  Ken is the person many residents call when they have a problem getting things done. 
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Re: Ken Deutch's email.
I received Ken's reply letter in my email. I hope he gets a retraction but I wouldn't hold my breath.
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Re: expenses in Feb news letter:
Estates ll is a piggy bank for a few. We the residents have to do something about this.
______________________

EXCUSES ARE THE TOOLS OF THE INCOMPETENT.
______________________

Re: the board
Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.
_______________________

According to the news letter: the board consulted the inspector May 2022. That's a long time to keep the renovation or superficial whatever a secret from all of us. They can't really be that surprised he stopped by to look around.
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The entire board of managers has to go. They are a liability. 
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As we all get Ken's real estate flyers in the mail because he sells Condo's here...another lawsuit caused by the idiots on the board of managers. They have defamed him.
______________________________

Ken Deutsch is the hero Estates ll needs. Any resident the board dislikes this much is doing something right for the residents.
_______________________________

It seem like we, the estate II, residents has plenty of honest people capable of running this condo complex fair for all residents.
 

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ESTATES ll HAS A COMBATIVE  BOARD OF MANAGERS. IT'S US AGAINST THEM!
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Rick Saccullo and the rest of his followers on the board who have decided they are so different from us that they can dictate that we aren't allowed to know anything about the Condo unless they say it is ok are disgusting. Who do they think they are to tell us we cannot read the minutes and who decided our records should be in Bellmore.  The board is in violation of the Condominium Act and it is time to do something about it! 
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Estates ll has plenty of honest residents who are willing to put in the work to turn this place around. If the residents want to read the minutes and attend the board meetings all we need are different board members and to get that we need honest elections. We don't have honest elections anymore.
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I spoke to someone who owns a reputable management company and asked him if his company could afford to manage Estates ll for the price we pay TCM with a full time employee on premises. His answer was a hard no.  I was told even without an onsite property manager our management fee is low. 

Our costs have gone up because TCM makes lots of money with their vendors.  TCM probably owns the vendors.  This is a board of managers problem. They are terrible managers who lack  business skills and/or they are unethical. It's not uncommon to learn a board who has isolated themselves from the community and does not release condo information is up to no good and we do not have an onsite manager because Daniella has to run everything past the board. That's not management. 
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"Estates ll has not benefited from the experiment of using a management company." 
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I am still in disbelief that Rick Saccullo board president had the nerve to tell us that the clubhouse renovation was in the works for one year and we knew nothing about it.  The board had twelve newsletters they could have told us about the $300,000 renovation. The board is the problem. New board no problems.
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If the board doesn't listen to the residents and open up the board meetings, allow us to read the minutes and get rid of the management company model then the residents will get rid of the board. The board serves the community.
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The Residents of Estates ll WILL NOT BE TOOTHLESS TIGERS!
___________________________

What has happened to Estates ll since the arrival of TCM is appalling.  The board of managers is to blame.
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Two residents who serve on the Estates ll board also serve on the village board. They would know immediately which resident of Estates ll walked into the small village office to file a complaint and that is why no resident would do it.  The inspector is here all the time. He saw the club house roped off and went in. 

The email is another attempt by the board & TCM to cover up their incompetence.
______________________

Did the geniuses on the board really think they could pull off a clubhouse renovation in North Hills without having the building inspector stop by. 
_________________________

My detective skills have been on overdrive since the boards last email about the anonymous complaint: 

1.) Ely Zaken would have pulled the video feed from the village office immediately, to see who walked in from Estates ll and they would have used the residents name in the email. It's goood Stephen Fanuka replaced him

2.) The inspector would not use the word he when describing an anonymous complaint. The inspector would have said "a resident from Estates ll" or  "someone from Estates ll"'... Therefore the story in the email is a fairytale, made up to pass the blame for the renovation delay onto an imaginary person. 

3.) If the board's story about the delay is true ( I personally doubt the boards ability to be truthful) the  reason for the delay is the previous renovation. If the kitchen and bathroom renovation  had the proper permits there would be no delay. The board of managers are to blame for the delay.  Some of the same board members who handled the kitchen and bathroom renovation are on the board today. The inspector saw a gas cook top in the kitchen  and he knows the original kitchen had an electric cook top. This is nothing like an IRS situation any resident would find themselves in- but nice try.
___________________________

I wonder if the inspector noticed some of the windows during the kitchen remodel were installed with no locks on them.  That was another scandal. Don't know if they were replaced or not.
___________________________

Comment on the email that highlights another management failure:

Should we be surprised that the same people who couldn't figure out how to execute the address lights project are having problems with the clubhouse renovation. The clubhouse as it stands now looks like a construction sight. Stephen Fanuka should know better Of course the building inspector was going to take a look around. Maybe that is why they didn't initially rope off the clubhouse. Maybe the board wanted to keep it on the down low trying to avoid the building inspector.
_________________________

Pretty sure Ely Zaken was in charge of that kitchen and bath renovation. It makes sense he would be since he installed the security cameras. He always has the board of managers eating out of his hands. 
____________________________

The boards most recent email highlights how critical it is to have a competent board of managers. They renovated the kitchen & baths w/o permits.  Looks like history is repeating itself. 
_________________________

As we all got the email from the board about the club house problems. What is an additional specialty license?  If the contractor has the proper license then why isn't new sheet rock and insulation part of the $300,000 job?
_________________________

Can someone tell me why the driveways all look like puzzle boards?  People who don't know what they are doing, making stupid decisions, drive down property value.   
_______________________

Thank you to the resident who shared the letter from the Department of State.
_______________________

Comment on the board of managers email to the residents:

I have been thinking about the email we received from board members.   I haven't read one thing on this website that sounds like a rumor or a lie.  Someone commented on the fishy accounting we got in the last news letter.  We are all thinking the same thing. 
_______________________

Comment on board of managers email to residents:

I am always leery of any organization that sends an email stating they are looking out for me. 
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Comment on clubhouse:

I was waiting for the board to send an email stating the contractor working on the clubhouse is licensed in Nassau County and show us the bidding process but they didn't. 
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Comment on clubhouse:

I would like to see a plaque in the club house with $300,000 on top and every board member's name underneath. When the draft by the windows gets worse and the old insulation rots behind old dry sheet rock and the heater has to be turned up to 80 so people don't freeze, we can all remember in infamy the people who decided out of all the qualified contractors in Nassau County they would hire a contractor not licensed in Nassau County.
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Comment on survey:

Poor management by TCM and their friends on the board  is a quality of life issue.
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Comment on survey:

"Our development has changed since TCM came here. Am I allowed to say that?"  Amen
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I have friends who live in Maples Run and the Hunt Club, both are TCM run properties. Their maintenance keeps going up and they get nothing for their money. They both want to move. This company makes so many people unhappy.
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Comment on survey:

If the board ever manages to put out a website they should ask the residents if they want to get rid of TCM and when everyone says yes....DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
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Comment on the survey:

 I think the residents of Estates ll have had enough.  Our development has changed since TCM came here. Am I allowed to say that?  
__________________________

I am waiting for the board to send out a detailed letter disputing facts on this website instead of vague disparaging comments.
__________________________

Comment on website response:

I hope the Residents Club breaks up the cozy relationship between TCM and the board of managers. Why are residents paying TCM's legal fees.
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This is a comment about the survey:

I tried answering the part of the survey about unresolved repair issues and while I was listing my unresolved issues I was cut off. I guess I had too many. 

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Please post:

As much as I enjoy reading the website, I never thought I would bother to leave a comment.  I don't want to reach out to the board of managers directly. I know from their email the board reads the information posted on the Residents Club website. I recently renovated my condo. I want everyone to know the deteriorated rotted out condition the old sheet rock, some of the sub flooring and some studs were in.  It makes no sense to spend $300,000 without using some of that money to replace sheet rock, etc. 
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Thoughts on recent email:

The board can’t imagine neighbors coming together to start the Residents Club for the sole purpose of trying to make things better.  Which apparently conflicts with the board’s agenda or they wouldn’t be so threatened by it. My advice to the board is to forget about the website and focus on what you are supposed to be doing. 
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It's clear the residents are dissatisfied with the way things are going and would like to see some changes. It defies logic the board won't  acknowledge this and start doing things differently. 
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Re: Ely Zaken and the Dept. of State

It's troubling the board will not address Ely Zaken and his department of state letter, especially after the email they sent to us.  He lies and the board has his back.
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Re: Old Sheet Rock & insulation

What kind of contractor/design team would leave 45 year old sheet rock and insulation. Many benefits of new insulation. What's behind the old wall paper?  Stuff that should be ripped out. Sheet rock & wood studs dry out. The nails will pop. Sheet rock does not last forever.  Get ready for another first floor renovation in a few years.
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Club House Renovation:

I just looked over the club house renovation page and noticed for $300,000 we are not getting new drywall or insulation. The insulation is over 40 years old! The sheet rock is over 40 years old so the nails are going to pop out through the new wall paper at some point, regardless of the skim coat.  It's cheaper to replace the sheet rock. Why would a contractor keep old dried out sheet rock and 40 year old insulation? There is no good reason for this.  I can't imagine the condition of the sheet rock after the wallpaper is taken off. 
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This post is in response to the email I received from the board of managers:

The board has once again shown they are incapable of making wise decisions. One way to send all the residents of Estates ll to the Residents Club website is to tell people about it. Well done!  I am waiting to see what's about to come, based on the new head line, about the renovation.
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There is only one group of people who cost residents money, don't properly fix driveways, don't check/replace old run down areas like decks, concrete walkways, don't wash green filthy siding, don't put drains in ground where they are needed, keep secrets about money, keep secrets about minutes & shut the residents out of board meetings....its TCM and the board of managers.  Since TCM came onboard all I hear is "the lawyer says it's your responsibility to fix this and that."  Right out of TCM's playbook according to all the yelp reviews.
________________________________ 

I received the email from board:

     Pretty disgusting display of desperation from the board of managers. Why are they trying to undermine this website with innuendo and no mention of any incorrect information posted on the residents club. The legal term for this is tortuous interference. 
    Every time they raise the maintenance they bring down the value of my home. It was not that long ago my maintenance was $650.
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This is a comment about the email sent out by the board of managers. 

The board did not address anything on the web site. What about the letter from the Department of State. A resident took took the time to send the department of State a letter about a board member (Ely Zaken) lying about having a proper license and profiting from his position. Something none of us would have known about if not for the Residents Club. A person has to be really upset about something to send the government a letter inquiring about a board member. 
____________________________

Re: board's email 

It's hard to understand how all the  YELP reviews on TCM don't concern the board of managers and how that reflects on Estates ll. Everyone uses YELP.


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I read through YELP. 2020 is the only year a handful of people, one after the next, give TCM fives stars. Clearly fake reviews to offset all the one star reviews. 
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I have serious concerns about how money is being spent. That's normal. What's not normal is receiving an email from a Condo about a web site when it's how the Condo is managed I'm worried about.
______________________________

Re: Email from board of managers 

The board just raised our maintenance and spent $300,000 of our money without any advance notice and we should worry about a web site! 
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New member here. I joined because the board of managers warned me not to. 
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The geniuses on the board of managers don't realize they are actually promoting a web site they want to discourage people from using.  
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THE EMAIL I GOT FROM THE BOARD IS TRANSPARENT UNLIKE THEIR ACCOUNTING

What are Misc Admin  Serv for $5111

________________________________

I guess after the January News Letter and the comments about the accounting the board wants the web site to go away.
_____________________________

We really need younger people on the board. Don't they know people can read a web site without giving out any information.  
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1/30 email from the board:

I'm more concerned about my wet soppy grass then a website that tells me all the things the board does not want me to know.  
________________________________

I read the letter the board of managers sent to every resident using our email addresses. I don't like getting emails like that and I have no control over what the board sends to me.  

The way I see it if you don't like the site don't go on the web site. 
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In response to the 1/30 email sent by the board of managers:

The families behind the Residents Club is the worst kept secret in Estates ll. Power to the people.
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Great survey. Excellent questions. Look forward to the results.
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I have a feeling the board will stop sending the Estates ll Newsletter because the Residents Club allows us to express out loud what we have all been thinking for a very long time. The Newsletter creates more questions than answers. 
____________________________________
 

Would anyone run their own houses this way?


_________________________________

Mike Frielander has been the treasurer for a very long time. Only he understands his accounting methods

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I think the Estates ll News Letter was created to mimic the minutes we used to get in our mailboxes every month. It's a tick of sorts because it's the only thing we don't get through email.  Estates ll residents for decades received the same minutes the board members receive. 
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Estates ll January News Letter:

The letter is all filler and fluff.  I learned nothing except the club house will be closed.  Daniella already addressed that in an email.  Just a guess, someone on the board has a friend who services fireplaces. 

The board could have informed us about the recent fire at Acorn Ponds.  Estates l sent out a very informative email to their residents explaining what caused the fire and what to do to prevent the same thing from happening.  

No mention of the address lights and resident dissatisfaction with the process.   

Any discussion about trying to bring costs down?  What about votes? Do they vote on anything anymore? We used to read about the votes and who voted yes and who voted no. We used to know everything. 

My take away is the board meetings are unproductive. Maybe if we could sit in on the board meetings the board of managers would actually talk about condo business. Then they would have something to write about
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 Fake transparency. Meaningless information. Mike Frielander treasurer what are you doing?
____________________________________________

In the Estates ll New Letter the board says they are considering a turn signal traffic light just like Estate l. Estates ll always follows Estates l. If Estates l doesn't do it first Estates ll doesn't do anything. Interesting to read once the board has more information about cost and timing cycle they will allow us to have input. Where was that attitude when they decided to spend $300,000 on the club house behind closed doors?
 

Estates ll News Letter: The board is beating a dead horse. Enough with the cats. I notice they didn't mention how they deceitfully moved the bird feeders instead of getting rid of the bird feeders in the news letter.
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Mr. Zayken moved to Estates ll and this happened. Iron chains around the trees, hung a hammock, painted white lines in the street, hung things from the trellis, piled up wood, put table & chairs on grass & stuck cheap plastic fan in the ground just to mention some of it. He was the first person to ever drill into the siding and install a camera. All in breach of the governing documents. The board changed the rules so he could keep his camera. Now we have cameras, ugly flood lights and flags drilled into walls every where.   Residents used to take pity on his neighbors because they had to look at the junk every day. But it has finally paid off because they are the only cul-de-sac to have all of their addresses lit up.
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Someone should remind Mr. Zaken he has a back yard he can put all of his stuff. That's what the rest of us do.
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I think the ll in Estates ll stands for double standard. Board rules and resident rules.
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Why are board members allowed to break all the rules with impunity?  No one should follow the rules of Estates ll.
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I still don"t have my address lit up and no information about when that will happen :(
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I never realized how much damage a board of managers can do to a Condo. We need new people and there should be requirements to becoming president. If a person moves here from a house they have no experience with how a Condo works.  In my opinion a requirement to become president should be a minimum of ten years living in Estates ll. 
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It's very good that TCM is now managing Estates l because now we can compare the service. Estates ll will get better or Estates l will get worse. Either way there will be a change for one of us.
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Conflict resolution is a foreign concept here. Gaslight, ignore or intimidate.
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Why is the board member who is pretending to be something he is not still on the board? This board member is still working on the Condo and NYS should be made aware of this. The resident tried to do everything right and follow the rules. It's always the residents who pay the price for bad managers.
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Am I to understand that a resident applied for the proper paper work from the Condo to install a flood light and the board of managers used their position to take the job for themselves. I wonder if Mr. Zayken told them he could save them money by allowing him to install the light?  
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The board of managers displays inconsistency in their decision-making process, applying rules selectively. 
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Is there any bylaw the board is not violating. Board members are not to profit from their position on the board of managers. 
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I heard about the board member charging a resident for the light last spring. I was told they didn't reimburse the resident for the code violation fine. I wonder how many other homes the board profited from?  Telling residents you are capable of doing electrical work for them under the guise of saving them money is reprehensible.
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I don’t care who is managing Estates ll. The records belong in the club house and in the cloud. It’s 2024 there are soft ware programs for running condos. Every invoice should be scanned and entered into the computer along with the minutes. Any hard copies (who keeps those anymore) should be stored in the club house lower level (at least it’s good for something other than housing rats). 
 

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How dare the board of managers make one of us drive to Bellmore only to be told he cannot read his minutes. This abusive treatment of residents is unbelievable to me. 
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I have been trying to get approval for arborvitae privacy trees since I moved in. I was told to submit a drawing of the trees around the property and it would be discussed at the board meeting. Month after month the same thing. Still no approval and I never hear back after a board meeting from anyone. 
 

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There is an unfortunate sense the board rather spend time trying to hide information from the residents instead of doing the good volunteer work of making Estates ll better.
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Even if Estates ll develops a web site I doubt it will help move things along. We send emails to Daniella who in turn has to send them to the board. If the board does discuss your problem at the board meeting you will never know it becasue they don't get back to you.  If you happend to run into a board member and ask them a question they refer you to Daniella. The same thing will happen with a web site. 
_____________________

Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Reopen the board meetings and bring back the Condo's records from Bellmore. If the board no longer wants to distribute the minutes they should at least bring the minutes back to the club house and assure every resident they are welcome to read them. Estates l residents can read their minutes.
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Cindy Davidowitz was the President of Estates ll when the residents were locked out of the board meetings for the first time in thirty years and when they stopped giving us access to our minutes. These are her policies. She tells people she did this because people in the audience were disruptive.  Everyone understood we could not participate in the board meetings. It was nice to sit and listen.  It's wrong be a new resident and change a thirty year tradition. I thought Rick was going to bring the sanity back to Estates ll.  
_______________________
 

We can't go to board meetings anymore. We don't get minutes any more. The monthly news letter is nice but it should be in addition to the minutes, not a replacement of the minutes.
_______________________
 

Post from Ken Deutsch:

When they stopped sending us the minutes I asked to read them and I was told I had to go to TCM's office in Belmore to read them.  I drove to Bellmore to read the minutes and was told I cannot read them. TCM they told me our minutes are private. I used to be in the board and we always distributed the minutes. When I left the board the minutes went under lock and key. 

______________________
Feel free to post, thank you.

If our board of managers is this inept and deceitful in managing simple projects like the address lights and bird feeder issues, can you only imagine what must be going on with bigger issues such as:
 

• $300,000 Redecoration of the Clubhouse
• $300,000 Security Contract
• Manhasset Crest Negotiations
• Lawsuits, Legal Matters
• TCM Contract
• Insurance Costs
• Employee Matters
• Vendor Contracts
• Etc. 

No wonder they won't post board minutes or allow open board meetings or welcome outsiders to the board.

Doesn't pass the Smell Test.
_____________________

Let me get this straight, someone for years has been quietly taking care of some cats and one board member decides they don't like it so the entire board decides to throw their weight into stopping it even though they themselves breech the bylaws. 

And now the board looks ridiculous because they relocated bird feeders instead of just throwing them away. 

Can't make this stuff up. 
_____________________

About the lights. I notice  after the board and their friends had their addresses lit up around one year went by where no one else had their address lit up. Who wouldn't be upset by that?  I think the only reason they are actively trying to finish the project is because of this web site shaming them into doing something. That's my opinion.
_________________________

Poor Board of Managers. They have the power and now the residents have a website.  I wonder why residents would create this web site. Could it be because they were sick and tired of being mistreated. The board could have put up a web site but they don't come up with a lot of innovative ways to manage the place. For that matter neither does TCM. Estates l has had their web site up for a while.  The board has the ability to make changes for our betterment. Stop telling residents they have to pay for repairs, get back to residents in a timely manner, finish the lights and try to bring down the cost of our vendors.
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I miss the board meetings. They were never packed with residents but we liked knowing we could pop in if we wanted to and it was something we would talk about. Are you going this month? Did you go to the meeting last night? Anything interesting happen?  The meetings were professional and prior to the meetings a resident could request to speak to the board face to face. A lot of issues were quickly resolved this way. Board meetings were always in the evening so all could attend. I don't see how the board could think locking residents out of board meetings would be received well by the community.  Many residents chose not to attend the meetings because they knew they would receive the full minutes of the meetings in their mailbox. They board put an end to that as well. 
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Jan, 13, 2024.  I am surprised at the board's blatant hypocrisy.  I received an email Friday Jan 12,, 2024,  telling me I can't feed the kittens and no one should hang bird feeders.. Our feral cats don't bring rodents they keep the rodent population at bay.  NYS state law and Nassau County law state it is legal to feed feral and stray cats.    Birds leave their droppings all over the place. They make a mess.  Our board of managers made a point of telling us they would remove the bird feeders at the club house.  Today we learned the board of managers  did not remove the bird feeders they simply relocated the bird feeders to a less conspicuous area around the club house.   So the board won't even comply with their own decree. I guess even they realize how foolish this has become. But deceit is never right.
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The board of managers continuously exhibits a lack of judgement and  relies too much on the Condo's attorney. $300,000 on club house while the lower levels rots, maintenance increase, rehiring the twice fired Maximum security  and the more than 2 years to complete the  simple project of the address lights, just to name the most recent debacles. They are incapable of making wise decisions and the attorney's motives are questionable.  The attorney was asked at the budget meeting if he advised the board to put minutes into the monthly news letter and he replied he did not remember.  All must go. The Condo needs a clean slate.  The residents want better. The Condo is not theirs the Condo belongs to us. There are more of us than the 9. 
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This place is unbelievable. I cant believe what is going on. Thanks for all the reporting.
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As residents, we all deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy. It is essential that we foster an environment where open and constructive communication is encouraged. I believe it is important to address any concerns or issues in a respectful manner, allowing for a productive dialogue that benefits the entire community. It is unfortunate that Stacey Kandel from TCM began this confrontational form of communication that has since been adopted by the board of managers. 
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Receiving a letter during non-business hours is an intrusion into personal time and it reflects a lack of consideration and professionalism.
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Received from a resident


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DEAR RESIDENTS BOARD,
I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT EAGELS CRESSENT RD HAD ALL THEIR NEW NUMBERS PUT IN WHEN MOST OF THE OTHER HOUSES DON'T HAVE THEM. TWO OF MY NEIGHBORS HAVE THEM BUT I WAS NEVER ASKED IF I WANT THEM.  I DROVE  BY EAGLES CRESSENT TO SEE FOR MY SELF AND WAS IN DISBELIEF TO SEE ALL THE HOUSES WITH THE NEW NUMBERS.THANK YOU FOR POINTING THIS OUT. IT IS HORRIBLE OF THE BOARD MEMBERS.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT IS GOING ON AND THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT. 
YOU CAN PUT THIS ON YOUR WEB SITE. THANK YOU.

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Any board of managers after performing due diligence on TCM and reading all the negative reviews on line and after learning they have a D rating with the Better Business Bureau still decides to hire TCM has only one reason in doing so.  Their reputation proceeds them. 

When TCM came here we got a $3000 per home  assessment  that brought in an extra $534,000, that we did not need. We had almost one million dollars in reserves before the assessment. Our money has vanished under TCM and the board members who won't leave the board.

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What a telling article on the house number lighting.  Your article is wrong because the project is complete.  All sixteen homes on President's street is complete, and essentially all board members since the project has started have had their number-lighting installed. 

As far as the board is concerned its A JOB WELL DONE !
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What do we need TCM for?  The board of managers had taken on managing the Condo. Daniella handles the day to day business so TCM seems redundant at this point.  
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That poor girl daniella. can you imagine what she must think of when she drives home for the night.
Having to deal with these people..She is either LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY or CRYING HER EYES OUT!

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Any condo board that sends a letter to a neighbor on a Saturday night is attempting to intimidate the resident. I don't like that nonsense. It's unprofessional and an intrusion on the persons weekend. There is no condo business that warrants that.  
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What do we need TCM for?  We can pay Daniella directly. TCM should not have access to the Condo's money.  Who is in charge of watching the money?
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PLEASE POST THIS FOR THE BOARD OF MANAGERS

"THE ONLY THING MORE DANGEROUS THAN IGNORANCE  IS ARROGANCE". ALBERT EINSTEIN "

I CAN'T BELIEVE THE THAT ARTICLE ON THE  LIGHTING OF NUMBERS

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I thought living in a condo would be easier than living in a house. It's so much worse. Now I have to wait and wait for a repair or approval to do something and the approval never comes. I am told it will be discussed at the board meeting and then it's forgotten about.  This is a terrible way to live.
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To the Resident Club, I am blown away by the excellent article and the calculations. Only 28% of us regular residents have had our homes lit up over the past 2 plus years. They are spending $300,000 on the club house. What percentage of us use the club house and what percentage of past and present board members hang out there. This is infuriating. We demand to have our lights finished now! The board has no credibility.  

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Regarding cat feeding post below:

So the board is "determined to keep the residents safe". Hmmm... I don't think any cat has bitten a resident like what happened recently where a leashed dog bit a resident and medical attention was required.

And, if they were concerned for resident's safety, why are we on year 3 of the illuminated house number project that was to expedite emergency response time????

This board is full of (Sxxx) malarkey!

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There isn't one lawyer worth anything who would allow their client (the Condo) to indemnify a management company from lawsuits. 

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Rick Sacullo has to make sure his free landscaping is not taken away by Toll Brothers who want their land back.  We all own the common area land Rick is fighting to keep, so let's all go have a party on it if Rick wins his personal legal battle, funded with condo money.  

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Does anyone remember when Cindy Davidowitz was president of the Condo and she was gifted free landscaping by TCM. Free for TCM not free for the residents. We paid for it. Estates ll maintenance men did a beautiful job landscaping Cindy's condo.  After the residents made a stink about it she had the maintenance men remove the flowers and replant them around the condo. Cindy moved here from the south shore, she knew nothing about condo life and became president of the board. She is back on the board. Watch who becomes president after Rick Sacullo is finished using our money to fund his legal battle with Toll Brothers. Rick has to make sure he does not lose any of his backyard to Manhasset Crest. 
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To the residents club, please post but do not use my name..
I Just read the post about the board people needing a hobby. so true.  they should start an club of ex-board members and meet at the clubhouse just the same. this way they can chat about the weather and politics while a fresh board will start managing this place and treat residence with respect. They can even have the free coffee and snacks if they want.
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why do we have 3+ handymen and repairs take so long?

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Yesterday I was just a bored retired person and now I get to run a condo (into the ground). That is our board of managers. They need to get a hobby and one needs to get a real job because he obviously needs money.

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I think the Board should make a lot of New Years resolutions.  Does accountability, fiscal responsibility, transparency mean anything ?
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The resident who the board of managers won't let speak at meetings is the person I want to hear from. 
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Why are the Condo maintenance men doing landscaping for Rick Sacullo, the president of the board, during condo business hours?
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We are relatively new to Estates ll and definitely have some feelings about living here.  We want to thank the residents club for giving us some useful information and we are reading our bylaws. Thank You.

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After reading the current news letter I have concluded we have unethical management in the sense they are not up front with how TCM (our management co)  makes money from managing Estates ll and we either have a stupid board or a corrupt board. The lawyer at the meeting is a shill for TCM.

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Reading the Estates newsletter you can see the Board is taking a different approach to its newsletter.  The Board is needlessly mentioning names of the residents who ask a questions. Maybe they are doing this to intimidate residents from speaking up.  

it is obvious the resident club is affecting the Board as they are trying to put more information in there, even if its useless information.

thank you.
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the question i would like to ask you    are they all being paid
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Reply to Address Lights

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I read the recent post about the house number lites.  You are 100% right.  This project has been going on for years.   This place seems very disorganized.
 

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December 7 after 6PM the new security gate, that was installed this September, has been broken by workers being supervised by Ely Zaken.This is one reason to put an end to permanent board members. They think they know it all and end up doing more harm than good




 

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Forget about a website, I can only imagine how they are keep their accounting records,
What's a computer??  I think they use marbles.

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If TCM is so great why does Estates 1 have a website but Estates 2 has stone tablets? 

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The Residents Club is great. you publish what everyone is feeling but afraid to say publicly. I know if I speak up, i won't get repairs done in my home. Thank you for being the voice of the residents.

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 i agree, there should be a Website like this for the Estates 2.
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You can close your eyes after a board election and without looking the same names appear, YEAR AFTER YEAR>>

ELI, CINDY, MICHAEL,...What's the saying? doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of stupidity

No wonder we don't have a nice gym and lower level, why we don't have a web site, why residents are always being put down board members, why we get maintenance increases and assessments, ..the list can go on and on   

We need new people on the board, fresh ideas, a NEW FRESH SET OF EYES ON EVERYTHING-
give it a try, it can't be worse than it is

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The Board of Managers is incompetent. Not one is in the work place, they have lost touch as to what the mission is and they are completely devoted to TCM.  They brought an attorney to a budget meeting vs. bringing the accountant to the budget meeting. More wasted fees. This attorney was there to protect his client, TCM. It is crystal clear this attorney has TCM's best interest at heart. Why else would they get rid of Evan Gitter's white shoe law firm who represented both Estates l and ll for decades with nothing but high marks from the residents.

This new attorney works for most of the properties TCM manage. That is a conflict of interest.  If there is one person the Condo should not rely on TCM for it is the attorney. My guess is our past attorney would never have approved our TCM contract, that indemnifies TCM from any lawsuit concerning Estates ll and also makes Estates ll responsible for TCM's legal fees, should they be sued.   This new attorney is a rubber stamp for TCM and their vendors; this attorney is a TCM vendor.  The Condo's attorney should scrutinize management, especially since they have our money. Residents should  insist Estates ll find new legal representation immediately.  

This attorney did not tell the truth when he stated he negotiated the 30 day out clause with Maximum Security. The 30 day out clause came from the competing bid and they implemented it to appease us. If not for the cheaper bid with the 30 day out clause they never would have included it in the contract. Since there is now a 30 day out clause why doesn't the board use out clause and go with the less expensive company. 

TCM business model: Get into a condo with low management fees and slowly replace all the vendors with their PREFERRED vendors, under the pretense that they know better. The vendors start out great but slowly and purposely start to do less and less. Look at the landscaper and snow removal. We are down to one day a week. They do not maintain the back of the homes and the Condo has never looked worse, while we have never paid these kind of high prices. The landscaper farms out the snow removal to another company. Estates ll could hire those snow removers directly for less money. 

The Condo must have new board members in order to keep running the Condo efficiently and cost effectively. The residents should put and end to the same names serving on the Board. Two term limits for life, not on again off again rotation of the same people.  We need younger members who are in the work force. My serious concern is there is corruption going on here.  How else can you explain in the same year Estate l snow removal was $40,0000 while Estates ll snow removal was $130,000. And a board of managers who could care less.

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I just read your article about a website. We are in the dark ages. Its about time that our board of directors be made up of younger people who know what's going on in todays world. we need some fresh blood with fresh ideas. year after year at every community meeting its the same faces running this place.

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Thank you for publishing all the information you have on your site.  It is pretty pathetic that in today's electronic world the Estates II doesn't have a nice website to keep us informed. Props to the Residents Club.
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If we had a manager who works directly for Estates ll they would  seek out the best companies for the best prices. That is part of their job. 

We pay TCM $83,000 and out of that money TCM pays Daniella and her benefits. What motivation does TCM have to bring our costs under control.

If I were TCM I wouldn't work hard for around $10,000 profit per year. I don't blame TCM for taking the easy expensive route, they are barely making money on the Estates. (or are they).

The club house designers are making more money in decorating fees than TCM makes for managing Estates ll.!!!! 

We have very reasonable management fees, yet we burn through money on our vendors.

Where is the money? !
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I am the reason you wrote the email to the community about not feeding the cats.  I was told the board would get back to me about the cats. No one on the board called me to have a civil discussion. The only person who has been kind to me is Daniela. 

Instead the board sends a blast to the community to not feed the cats, which high lights how mean spirited and unkind the board treats the residents.  Any animal lover will understand that email was a punch to the gut for me. I had to suffer being yelled at in the street by board member Ely Zaken to stop feeding the cats. That encounter left me shaken. 

In what world can a man get a way with confronting a woman in the street. A gentleman he is not.

My husband had to suffer being yelled at in the street by Ely Zaken as well. My husband told Ely to go away and he refused. This is bullying and harassing behavior by a board member.

I feed four kittens. One lives here and three live behind the fence at the Hamlet Estates. There was a small hole in the fence so I could feed those kittens and Ely Zaken closed up the hole so they can’t come to me and I cant place the food behind the fence. I never left food out; I only feed the cats when they were standing in front of me. I spend a small fortune feeding those cats and it is my pleasure to do so.  These cats have been sterilized and vaccinated.  

You are just cruel and the worst among us. I hope the residents get wise to just how mean you all are.

Happy Holidays 

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