I'm an owner who has struggled with both the building's management and board since a faulty oven caused a fire in my unit. Because of house rules, I was not allowed to use my insurance company for structural repairs. Instead, the management company Metropolitan Pacific, represented by Arthur Baxter, was given free reign to choose their contractor. According to Mr. Baxter, the contractor they chose, M. Marin of Long Island, approached them with a contract where the building would not have to pay a deductible, doing the work strictly for insurance payout; this is where the building's management clearly demonstrates its willingness to make questionable fiduciary decisions that directly affect the owners. In terms of compensation, Mr. Marin clearly wrote it was only for insurance compensation only - I can only suggest the management willingly ignored their fiduciary responsibility by accepting such an offer in light of the work these contractors did. Not only did the contractors damage common property (the balcony), but apparently management let them illegally use it for storing waste and power tools otherwise forbidden in the HOA rules. Other things the Marin left unfinished and is refusing to repair: the fire remediation was never done properly - the twice painted ceiling is cracking a second time; I have cracks in the walls over all 5 door frames in the apartment that extend from frame to ceiling; I have hardwood floors that were never leveled; the contractors never finished their plumbing work; no cabinet was hung level, and they damaged the drywall in the process and refuse to fix it; all the taping on the ceiling is falling off; and that's just for starters. Management, complicit in the hiring of Marin without considering his responsibility to unit owners and agreeing to a contract that would knowingly not pay the contractors the amount required for correct repair, refuses to do anything more. The board may also be as complicit, as they have put off meeting with me, their constituent, for weeks. So beware - if you are looking at this building, you are looking at a poorly run and ethically questionable management and leadership. I think my own experience serves as a warning to anyone who thinks this building is "reasonable" for the area in terms of cost... its only "reasonable" because people are willing to sell units for less to escape the poor, failing management of the building. Had my real estate agent done his due diligence, I would have seen the mountains of violations and recurring fines and avoided this place (make sure your realtor checks into the history building violations - you'll be in for a shock!). This condo is a money pit because of a leadership void. That's not to mention how the overall condition of the building has degraded considerably over time, the high cost of heating, the fact there is no nearby shopping, as well as the services lost over the years. If you can afford it - look elsewhere. If you can find a bargain and you don't mind living here for a few years before then renting it out and moving elsewhere (as more than half the owners have done) it might be a worthwhile investment. read more