Category: Uncategorized

West Gate House is featured in a New York Times real estate article on “Controlling Steam Radiators.” Many thanks to Board member Jane Maisel for highlighting our recent NYSERDA efforts!

Read full article here

During this weekend’s record-breaking cold, a number of residents in 870 reported having inadequate heat. While radiators were cycling on, they were not staying consistently hot enough to adequately heat apartments. In response, we had plumbers to the building on both Sunday and Monday, who made some small repairs and setting adjustments. We’re currently looking at making further improvements to the system’s timer in 870. If you have any concerns about your heat and radiators, please contact our Managing Agent, Howard Landman, at 212-483-0700 or hlandman@sirenmgt.com

On a more positive note…electronics recycling! We recently learned from the City of New York that since enrolling in NYC’s electronics recycling program, our building has contributed to 480 pounds of electronics recycled in 2015. We thought those of you who contributed would be interested in this accomplishment!

– Board of Directors

NYC’s Department of Design and Construction announced that no water will be available in either 860 or 870 on Friday, February 5 starting at 10PM. Water interruption will last until Saturday, February 6 at 10AM.

The water is being turned off due to a capitol construction project to install new water mains on Riverside Drive. Weather and field conditions permitting, the shutdowns will being at 10PM on Friday, 02/05/16 and end at 10AM on Saturday, 02/06/16. The interruptions will last for approximately twelve (12) hours.

Once water service is returned, it is recommended that you run COLD WATER ONLY through your faucets, sinks and tubs for a few minutes until the water appears clear. In addition, water may have the odor of chlorine due to the pipe cleaning process used during water main work. This will dissipate over time.

Please plan ahead.

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors announces the passing of long-time West Gate House resident Hannah Ernst.

Hannah held the honorable distinction of being the building’s longest-tenured resident. Before any of the current residents of West Gate House made this building our home, Hannah was here.

Those of us who knew her will miss her spunk and spirit, her admirable drive to continue making it up the steep 181 hill during her daily walks, and hearing about her childhood memories of Germany as well as her recollections of Washington Heights when it was a thriving German Jewish neighborhood in the 1930’s.

The Board of Directors is collecting notes, cards and letters for the family to deliver on Friday, January 29. If you are interested in sending a personal note of condolence to the family, please contact Jenny Castillo Cato at jczouzou5@gmail.com or Jane Maisel at jsmaisel@gmail.com

– Board of Directors

The Board of Directors would like to inform all residents about recent water maintenance issues in Washington Heights, which is causing discoloration to the water in both 860 and 870.

Based upon information we’ve received from the Department of Environmental Protection, the condition seems to be associated with DEP’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Distribution operation at W. 179th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. DEP was performing a valve operation, which seems to have resulted in water discoloration. The problem is not specific to our buildings.

DEP’s Field Operations are aware of the issue and are flushing hydrants to clear the water. If you’re still experiencing discolored water, DEP recommends that you let the water settle before drinking. Boiling and filtering are not needed. Additionally, the DEP recommends that you not wash your clothes in any discolored water as it may stain them.

The Board will continue to post updates regarding this issue as we receive them from DEP.

– Board of Directors

You are invited to the annual West Gate House holiday party! All are welcome.

Sunday, December 13th
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Lobby of 860 West 181st Street

Please bring your favorite sweet or savory treat to share with everyone!

The West Gate House annual meeting of shareholders is Wednesday, December 9 at 7:30pm in the lobby of 860 West 181st Street.

It is important that you personally attend the meeting or, if unable to, deliver your proxy so that an effective election may transpire.

Have an opinion about the building’s management? Interested in having a voice? Run for election to the Board of Directors!

If you have any questions or would like to submit your name for election, please contact our Managing Agent, Howard Landman, at 212-483-0700 or hlandman@sirenmgt.com

Our building’s plumbers are still in the process of adjusting the boilers so that they give the right amount of steam. As soon as the weather gets cold again, the plumbers will continue to make adjustments to the boiler.

As some of you know all too well by this point, our radiators have been receiving too much steam. This is the reason why the TRVs have not been able to keep the radiators cool, even when set to the lowest setting (which is next to the symbol that looks like a snowflake).

An important reminder: please check your radiators and make sure that the hand valve (this is the hockey puck-shaped handle) is in the ON position (turned fully counter-clockwise.) If residents close their radiators, the system will not work properly and it will slow the process of finding the right setting for our boilers. If you are not sure if your radiator valve is on, please ask Sam or Roberto to check it for you.

We realize this adjustment has required patience. Every building is different, and the process takes some time. But when it is fixed, we will have a more efficient and comfortable system at a lower operating cost to the building.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the mechanics of how a TRV works, a video featured on This Old House is a helpful resource.

Feel free to email the Board at wghpresident@gmail.com with any questions. You may also contact our Managing Agent Howard Landman at 212-483-0700 or hlandman@sirenmgt.com if you continue to have problems with the heat. We will pass your valuable information along to the plumber.

Thank you,
WGH Board

The 860 stained glass window arrived this past week to be finally installed (after not one, but two trips to the restorer’s). Upon arrival – and much to our collective chagrin – we learned that the stained glass window somehow became damaged in transit. It has now been returned once again for repair, and we’re waiting on news of a revised completion date.

We realize that this has taken far longer than expected. Like many parts of the lobby renovation project, this is unfortunately another example of something that was simply beyond our control.

As always, you may contact the Board at wghpresident@gmail.com with any questions.

– Board of Directors

During this past weekend, both 860 and 870 experienced a number of heat-related problems which the Board is working to mitigate in partnership with our building’s super, handyman and plumber.

In 870, the heat came on however several apartments reported too much heat and/or leaking radiator valves. In 860, the heat did not come on at all. As this was the first time that our heating system was fully tested since installing new radiator valves (“TRVs”) and making other major improvements to our boiler, we learned where it is necessary to make further adjustments to the heating system. Our plumber will be visiting both buildings to ensure we make those necessary modifications.

In the meantime, if you see steam or any water dripping from your radiator, this indicates a leak which requires immediate fixing. To report any radiator or heating issues, please send an email to the Board at wghpresident@gmail.com. Please include “Steam Leak” or “Heating Issue” in the subject line.

In addition, the Board will be distributing a TRV informational guide sheet later this week.

The upgrades made over the summer will have long-term benefit to our energy costs. We appreciate your patience as we right-size these upgrades and continue to fine-tune our heating system requirements. As always, you may contact the Board at wghpresident@gmail.com with any questions.

– Board of Directors