Preparing for Local Law 97
Top 5 Tips on How to Get Your Building Ready for New Emissions Standards
New York City's Local Law 97 is set to go into effect in 2024 and is aimed at reducing carbon emissions from buildings over 25,000 square feet. To comply with the new emissions standards, building owners and operators need to start preparing now. Here are the top 5 tips on how to get your building ready for Local Law 97:
Spring Cleaning
Bike Storage Edition for Co-op and Condo Buildings
As the weather starts to warm up, many people are getting ready to bring out their bikes for the season. For those living in co-op and condo buildings, this can pose a challenge when it comes to storing their bicycle, unless the building has a proper bike storage space. Although CitiBikes are the preferred choice for team Folson Group, it is not for everyone. Adding a bike storage room creates an extra amenity that increases property values.
Illuminate Your Building and Your Bottom Line
Local Law 88's LED Upgrade Deadline
As a co-op or condo board member, you're no stranger to making decisions that benefit both your residents and your building's bottom line. One such decision you'll want to consider is upgrading your building's lighting to LED fixtures, and you'll want to act fast: Local Law 88 requires all buildings to make this upgrade by December 31st, 2024.
While the law applies to all buildings greater than 25,000 sq ft in New York City, it's especially important for co-ops and condos with common areas such as hallways, basements, and stairwells that are typically left illuminated 24/7. Making the switch to LED not only helps your building meet regulatory requirements but can also lead to significant savings on your electricity expenses in the long run.
When to Consider Remeasuring Your Building
A Look at Local Law 97 Compliance
New York City's Local Law 97 has put in place strict regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from buildings greater than 25,000 square feet. While this is a positive move towards a more sustainable future, it also means that building owners are at risk of significant fines for non-compliance. As a result, many building owners are considering remeasuring their properties to avoid penalties. However, the decision to remeasure is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of several factors.
Green Living in the Big Apple
5 Simple Ways to Save Water (and Money!) in Your NYC Co-op or Condo
Everybody wants to do their part to chip in and help save the planet; particularly if it helps them save their own money! In the past, we’ve offered many useful tips on reducing electrical consumption. While it is generally understood that electricity and water don’t mix, we are going to ignore that and follow up with tips on saving water (and of course, money)!
Out with the Old
Can New Garbage Setout Times Save New York City from Its Rat Infestation?
New York City's rat problem is infamous, with the rodents running rampant in many areas of the city. In an effort to combat this issue, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced changes to garbage setout times, effective April 1st, 2023. The current setout times of 4pm - midnight will be revised, with new times for different types of waste.
Term Limits for Co-op and Condo Board Members
The pros and cons
Cooperative and condominium communities are unique in their governance structures. Instead of a single homeowner being responsible for their property, a board of directors is elected to manage the affairs of the entire community. These boards are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the community, managing finances, and making decisions that affect the entire community.
Cutting the Cord
Why Condo and Co-op Boards Should Reconsider Cable Bulk Agreements
As a co-op and condo efficiency consultant, we analyze our clients’ operating expense and income line items as well as their contracts. When we hear that they are in a cable bulk agreement, we immediately review it to get the end date so that we can cancel it at the earliest possible date. Why? Because it’s a losing proposition that is very expensive for most buildings.
Short, Sweet, and Productive
The Ideal Length for Your Next NYC Co-op or Condo Board Meeting
As a member of a New York City co-op or condo board, you understand the importance of conducting regular board meetings to manage the operations of your building. However, finding the balance between covering all the necessary topics while not stretching the meeting out for an unreasonable amount of time can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the benefits of keeping your NYC co-op or condo board meeting time less than one hour for optimal efficiency and productivity.
Five Smart Technology Options to Make your Home More Energy Efficient
Technology is advancing rapidly, and now anyone can have access to all kinds of innovations in the comfort of their own homes via smart home technology. In fact, smart home devices, which include things like smart speakers, smart security cameras, smart appliances, and more, are expected to be found in many more homes in the next five years. After all, improving the home has become a big focus in recent years, with more people wanting to increase safety and convenience by digitalizing their living spaces.