Secretary & Head of Clubhouse Renovation MIA 

Serious Concerns Regarding Debbie Resnick’s Conduct as Head of the Clubhouse Committee and Secretary Skips Out on Budget Meeting. No Presentation for Clubhouse Phase 2

BYLAWS: Secretary must attend all sessions of the board and all homeowners meetings and record all the votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for the purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. 

Residents of Estates II,

The Residents Club was created to be  an advocate for accountability and transparency within our community—principles that seem to have been completely disregarded by Debbie Resnick, our supposed head of the Clubhouse Renovation Committee and Secretary of the Board of Managers.

It is nothing short of appalling that Debbie could so blatantly neglect her fiduciary duties by failing to attend the recent budget meeting. These are not mere meetings—they are the lifeblood of our community’s financial stewardship and decision-making processes. By skipping out on this crucial discussion, Debbie has not only denied us, the residents of Estates II, the opportunity to ask pertinent questions regarding the clubhouse renovation costs and delays, but she has also committed an egregious act of fiduciary negligence.

As an individual who eagerly accepted the prestigious titles of Secretary and Head of a significant committee, there comes an accompanying obligation to engage with the community you represent. It is not merely a trophy to display; it is a mantle of responsibility that requires one to be present, informed, and accountable. Debbie seems to have misconstrued her role as an invitation to disengage. This type of fiduciary negligence cannot and should not be tolerated.

Moreover, it’s disheartening to witness a lack of pride in one’s work—a failure to stand before the residents, who entrusted her with these vital positions, to provide clarity and answers. Instead, she has turned her back on her neighbors, leaving them in the dark regarding matters that are of utmost importance to our community. The secrecy surrounding these renovation costs is unacceptable, and it is high time we demand transparency.

Let it be known, Debbie’s actions—or lack thereof—border on untruthfulness. We deserve leaders who are honest, involved, and willing to face the community they represent. Fellow residents, we urge you to question this level of neglect and to require better from those in key positions. We cannot remain silent while our community's resources are mismanaged and our voices are silenced.

Do we want a community where accountability is a choice rather than a requirement? We think not. It's time to hold Debbie Resnick and the Board of Estates ll accountable for their fiduciary failures. We are calling for their removal from office through a proxy vote, requiring a simple majority of 51% of Estates II residents to vote in favor of this action.

Why did the price of the staircase railing go from $9600 to $23,844

Board Caught With Pants Down-Had No Answers: 

Residents Demand Comprehensive Budget and New Meeting

DEBBIE RESNICK WHO BOTCHED  CLUBHOUSE IS IN HIDING

BOTH TREASURERS FAIL TO ATTEND BUDGET MEETING

EVERY SERIOUS QUESTION EITHER IGNORED OR RECEIVED FLIPPANT RESPONSE. 

MEETING CHARACTERIZED BY LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM & FINANCIAL SOPHISTICATION

Residents are outraged as the board was unprepared for the the meeting- failed to provide any answers regarding financial matters. Residents are calling for a detailed budget presentation and another meeting to address their concerns. Board responds with arrogance.

Resident questioned why did we spend $37,000 on garbage last year yet we budgeted

$60,000 for garbage last year and in 2025 they again budget $60,000 When we only

spent 37,000 last year.  Where is the money that was not spent? NO ANSWER

Question asked about August 2024 $6,400 clubhouse maintenance repairs when the clubhouse was closed-no answer

Question asked about a $10,000 over billing by a law firm.   Alan Rothenberg lied and said no law firm over billed Estates ll. Estates ll was indeed over billed by the Condo's law firm, yet the board failed to take appropriate action, neither terminating the firm's services nor seeking reimbursement for the unauthorized amount.

Ely Zaken stormed out of the meeting as resident hits him with FACTS.  Zaken’s ego bruised after a resident stood firm against his attempts to bully and dictate how the condo should be run. The resident's confidence and unassailable logic left Zaken speechless, his bullying tactics foiled by a simple yet powerful display of truth.

Website experiencing heavy traffic ...

Compliments of the disgraced Estates ll board of managers

Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephani Michel, Stephen Fanuka, David Hofffman, Donna Geffner

SOCIAL COMMITTEE SHOULD NOT HAVE $15,000 OF YOUR MONEY

WHY ISN'T TCM PAYING FOR DANIELLA'S CAR ALLOWANCE ?

A budget of $4,000 -that Estates ll must pay taxes on & most likely are not paying taxes on- has been allocated for quarterly bonuses for security guards. This creates vicarious liability. Bonuses should be funded by the security company. 

The board of managers and their budget are a disgrace—The display of financial mismanagement is apparent to everyone. The document is intentionally vague and incomplete. If any licensed individual had a hand in creating this travesty, their professional credentials should be promptly revoked. 

We should expect to see the emotional support attorney at the meeting since his budget was just increased 650% to $75,000.

Marilyn Friedlander's name has been removed from the board of managers. Residents expect to see the co-secretary (who received zero votes) at the budget meeting.

 Thank you board of managers Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner

FLEECED

RESIDENTS OF ESTATES ll NEED LEGAL REPRESENTATION      

Attention Residents: Board Breaks NYS Law

NYS Condominium Act 1998: Requires proposed budget for Condo to be sent to owners at least 14 days before budget meeting. In the event they fail to do this a derivative lawsuit can be brought against the condo board for breech of fiduciary duties.

QUESTION: Where is the experience, professionalism and guidance of our management company TCM that would help Estates II and our board avoid the risk of lawsuits? 

ANSWER:  The utter disregard for residents and the neglect of New York State law, which mandates providing sufficient time for homeowners to review and comprehend the budget is concerning. This situation appears to be the result of a plan conceived by TCM and Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner, David Hoffman. Given the months of preparation leading up to this meeting, this lack of consideration is the only plausible explanation.

The Board's Falsehoods and Cover Up Attempts: Why the Fire Marshal's Inspection of the Clubhouse Was A Last Minute Surprise


 

ALAN ROTHENBERG & DEBBIE RESNICK HAVE A LOT OF EX
 

It has come to our attention that significant discrepancies exist between the statements made by the condo board about the fire alarm modification and the actual circumstances regarding the recent renovations. Debbie Resnick asserted to the building inspector, on what should have been the final inspection early November 2024, that they had not made any alterations to the sheet rock or relocated the fire alarm.  The building inspector noted that new materials were indeed brought in and modifications had been made to the fire alarm. Alarmingly (no pun intended), the board expressed a willingness to sign a false affidavit asserting that the fire alarm had not been moved, a move that would have implicated the inspector in their deceit. The inspector was understandably furious at this attempt to mislead and jeopardize our safety. Due to the replacement of the sheet rock and removal of the fire alarm, an inspection was now necessary hence the further delay. Had the original plans been followed as promised, residents would not be facing these delays. Alan Rothenberg pictured below has lied again to the residents of Estates ll.  This explains the odd November 12, 2024 email residents received.

 

Alan Rothenberg, pictured below,, the new Estates II President and former V.P. was asked if he would agree to OPEN BOARD MEETINGS at “Meet the Candidates Night” held on Aug. 28, 2024. He publicly answered the question with a “YES”.

___________________________________________

Management's Betrayal: When Did Tearing Down Residents Become The Job?




AS WE APPROACH THE 1 YEAR MARK OF THE CLUBHOUSE CLOSURE...


After almost a year of waiting, Debbie Resnick’s promise about the Estates II clubhouse opening is still just hot air. Residents are rolling their eyes at the board's spectacular failure. Bravo!
_______________________________________________

From: Rick Saccullo
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 9:58 PM

Board minutes and legal invoices are considered privileged and will not be available.

Thanks
Rick Saccullo
BOARD PRESIDENT
Sent from my iPad

 

From: Rick Saccullo 
Sent: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 3:42 PM
To: RESIDENT estatesII <[email protected]>

Hi - the board has a policy keeping EstatesII  minutes confidential and not shared with anyone outside of our board with the exception of our own legal counsel.

Rick Saccullo
BOARD PRESIDENT

THERE MUST BE TRANSPARENCY, HONESTY & INTEGRITY

For more than thirty-five years, the tradition of transparency in Estates II fostered community trust among residents and board members. The shift from open meetings and the discontinuation of monthly distribution of meeting minutes to a secretive model can have a profoundly negative impact and undermines a sense of belonging, leaving residents feeling marginalized and powerless.

This lack of transparency raises suspicions about the board's motives, potentially leading to resentment and division within the community. Residents may feel excluded from decisions that impact their lives, fostering an atmosphere of distrust filled with speculation and rumors. This shift can lead to suspicion that the board acts in self-interest, favoring a select few, which breeds resentment and division. Withholding information on finances, maintenance, and long-term planning can create anxiety and dissatisfaction, harming community cohesion and overall quality of life. 

The abandonment of transparency not only affects individuals but also erodes the integrity and harmony of the entire condominium community.

Dear Estates II Residents:

The Board policy on visitors at the Board of Managers was discussed and approved last night on 11-8-2017.  The board appreciates the feedback from the community, and therefore we have approved to invite and welcome the residents to attend and listen to our open meetings.   If a resident would like to speak to the board, he/she must inform the condo office in writing, at least 72 hours prior to the board meeting, and include the subject matter.  The Board will welcome those residents to speak to the Board for 5 minutes toward the end of the meeting, and then the Board will take what is said under consideration and advisement.

We are working hard at making this community as resident friendly as we can.  

Thank you,

Board of Managers
Dennis Sgambati
President

 

THE DOOM OF ZOOM MEETINGS

Estates ll Board Should Get Back to Work!

OR AT LEAST LET THE RESIDENTS LISTEN IN!


 

The shift to Zoom board meetings has introduced significant downsides, for Estates ll, where critical discussions often lack the necessary depth and engagement that face-to-face interactions provide. When participants tune in from their cars or while walking their dogs, the atmosphere of seriousness and commitment is diluted, leaving vital issues unaddressed and initiatives stunted. Residents who are genuinely invested in the community's well-being would understand it is impossible to run a condo properly from a zoom call once a month.  Serving on the board is a responsibility that demands dedication and active participation; if the inconvenience of in-person meetings proves too great for some members, it would be prudent for them to step down and allow someone willing to invest the required effort and engagement to take their place. Our community deserves leaders who prioritize meaningful collaboration and genuine dialogue.


 

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GAS

Board Fails to Investigate Massive Gas Payments

It is believed that once Estates II transitioned to automatic deductions for gas payments the account was used to cover gas expenses for unrelated entities. For example: The gas bill in August 2023 was $45.06. In August 2021 the money that was auto deducted from the Estates ll bank account was $9533.75. This misuse continued for several years until Mike Friendlander identified a suspicious one month $50,000 automatic withdrawal. Shortly thereafter, the account was removed from auto-deduction; however, no follow-up investigation was conducted to recover the funds that had been improperly withdrawn from the Estates II bank account over the years.
Gas payment August 2021:  $9533.75
Gas payment August 2023:  $45.06

 

Will the Board use the attorney to recover the money spent on gas from 2017-2022? The Board, with Cindy Davidowitz as President, made the curious decision to replace the law firm of Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, after 30 years of service, after TCM became the managing agent of Estatesll.

Understanding Conflicts of Interest in Condo Management and Legal Representation

It is crucial for Condo residents to understand the dynamics of the service providers they rely on, particularly regarding a management company and the law firm they appoint. If the management company choses or recommends a specific law firm for the Condo it raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest that can diminish the quality of legal representation provided to a condo.

When a law firm is chosen by a management company or when a Condo uses a law firm that represents a lot of their management company’s properties, it inherently creates a conflict of interest. This situation becomes particularly evident if any legal issues arise involving the management company itself. In such scenarios, the law firm may hesitate to provide sound legal advice to the condo, potentially prioritizing the interests of the management company over those of the unit owners. 

When this same law firm is tasked with reviewing vendor contracts that are regularly used by the management company, the conflict further deepens. If the law firm is aligned with the management company’s interests, their contract reviews may lack the scrutiny that condo residents deserve. Residents  should be able to trust that their legal counsel will advocate for Condo without bias, ensuring that all agreements benefit the community as a whole.

When the interests of the management company and the legal representation overlap, it is often referred to as a “dual representation” scenario, which can undermine the effectiveness of legal counsel.

Condo owners must ensure that their legal representation is independent and acts in the best interests of their community. It is crucial that condo owners seek out a law firm that provides unbiased, ethical, and comprehensive legal support.

ESTATES ll GAS PAYMENTS

WHERE DID THE MONEY GO & WILL IT BE RECOVERED?

Residents need someone to subpoena Nat'l Grid for years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. The 2021 gas payments below are just the tip of the iceberg. Will the board use the Condo's attorney to recover our money? 

               
                $50,841 For One Month of Gas

The pool and clubhouse are heated with gas, yet the board failed to investigate the high gas payments that were automatically deducted from the Estates II bank account for six years. They also ignored three service cancellation orders. Whose account was canceled three times?

Upon discovering these discrepancies, emails were sent to the board of managers inquiring about the situation, but there was no response. When asked, Mike Friedlander had no comment.

For reference, the gas expenses for the 12-month period from 2021 to 2022 amounted to $35,240, while the actual cost should be less than $4,000.

Why doesn't the board insist TCM pay the gas bills on time? Since going off auto deduct, Estates ll pays Nat'l Grid late every month and incurs a late charge every month. 



GAS & ELECTRIC 2013- 2023
 

TCM enters the picture July 2016
 

Year      Self Managed   TCM
------- |--------------   |---------
2013 |  $33,592 
2014 |  $34,749 
2015 |  $29,478 
2016 |  $29,800 
2017 |                       |  $51,174
2018 |                       |  $65,817
2019 |                       |  $55,653
2020 |                       |  $52,864
2021 |                       |  $58,327
2022 |                       |  $30,299
2023 |                       |  $26,323

 

2021 Out Dated Voter Log Used to Manipulate the 2024 Election

2 examples of the incorrect property ownership claims on the voter log:

The 2021 voter log used for the 2024 election incorrectly lists Steve and Julia Roman as the owners of 96 Dove Hill Dr, while in reality, another family has owned the property for years.

98 Crows Nest incorrectly lists the Lenzo family as the owners.

WHO VOTED UNDER THESE ADDRESSES?

_______________________________________
 
Board Used a Doctored 2021 Voter Log for a 2024 Election               

The board utilized a 2021 voter log and doctored it to look like is was an updated 2024 voter log, by turning the 1 in 2021 into a 4 with a pen, on the front page of the log.  This raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process in our community. Residents who have lived in Estates ll for years now still have the previous owners name attached to their addresses on the voter log.

It seems that resources were wasted when a person, who doesn't know anyone here, was hired solely to oversee the counting of votes. One has to wonder what this individual was actually monitoring. Back in the day the votes were counted out in the open.

The presence of Cindy Davidowitz by the office door also invites scrutiny. If everything was above board, why the need to make sure no one entered the room?  A total of 91 votes are required for the election, yet the board has not disclosed the total number of participants. This raises concerns: how can we be certain that the votes submitted on election night were properly accounted for and not discarded?

Rick Saccullo has openly mocked residents longing for the past, yet it’s worth noting that boards in the past did not need to hire a stranger to count votes and previous presidents did not need to hire an “emotional support attorney” to attend the meeting. The continued presence of an attorney at every meeting seems excessive, especially when past leaders managed to address the community standing on their own merits. The attorney did nothing the entire meeting except bill Estates ll.

The combination of outdated voter registration and unnecessary spending, paints a concerning picture for the future of Estates II.



Board's Influence: A Barrier to Improved Management 

If you needed proof the board is the reason behind the lack of improvement with management here it is. Estates l has fewer homes than Estates ll, same management company, yet their landscaper works 3 days a week, while ours barely work 2days a week.This information comes from a resident of Estatesl. 
 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

IS THIS INTEGRITY?
2021: Board Labeled $81,853 Roof Expense as Ground Supplies

2022: Board Labeled $103,000 Roof Expense as Ground Supplies. 

2023: Board Labeled a $94,017 Roof Expense as Ground Supplies

Management and the board have staged another performance regarding finances and accounting. Rick Saccullo reassured a resident about accounting issues, claiming that the management company had addressed the errors with the accountant. However, the roofing category continues to be inaccurately labeled as "ground supplies" in the 2023 financials. This began in 2020 when Alan Rothenberg was treasurer. Then Alan was promoted to vice president 

The attempt to fool a resident in the email below is dripping with integrity.

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2022 12:03 PM
To: Kenneth Deutsch <[email protected]>; Michael Friedlander <[email protected]>; Rick Saccullo <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Ground Supplies

This was an error by our accountant.  Should be roofing repairs. Thanks   

Sent from my iPhone

From: "estatesii totalmgmt.com" <[email protected]>
Date: September 21, 2022 at 10:05:03 AM EDT
To: RICK SACCULLO <[email protected]>
Subject: Ground Supplies

Good Morning Rick,

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”.

Thank you.

Daniella Alaimo Rina
Property Manager

______________________________________________________________

INTENTIONAL MISLABELING/HIDING OF CONDO REPAIRS & EXPENSES



In the image above one can see that the ground and the roof have no connection at all -clearly the board knows exactly what they are doing by mislabeling roof repairs as ground supplies!  Why are they doing it?  
The mislabeling began when Alan Rothenberg was Treasurer, be sure to ask him about it. 
 

TCM and The Value of Services Provided

       Managements Compensation Is "Lost In The Weeds"

TCM secures the management contract by coming in much lower than their competition.  After securing the management contract, TCM gradually begins to transition away from the properties longstanding vendors, and installing their preferred vendors. Estates ll paid the in- house manager approx. $150,000 prior to TCM. Residents were told TCM would be a cost saving change.

TCM Management Fee

2017  $82,000

2023  $88,000


TCM            Manager                Manager Fully Loaded Cost  
$88,000      $78,000             $96,000 excludes Health Insurance & Bonus

The onsite property manager's salary is a guesstimate because the board tells residents it is none of their business what TCM pays the Estates ll property manager.  One can look up average salaries for managers of high end properties to get a general idea.  If the board of managers is willing to demonstrate transparency and  tell the Residents Club the property manager's salary that would be beneficial and welcomed information.
 

Payroll Taxes
Social Security Tax
Medicare Tax 
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) 
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) 
Workers' Compensation Insurance

Approx Taxes $18,000

Loss to TCM to Manage Estates ll (-$8,000)  approx.

It is important to note that when TCM appointed the current property manager residents were told by then board president Cindy Davidowitz that she would provide training, because the manager had no prior property management experience. Residents questioned why Board President Davidowitz had, at the time, not advocated for the placement of a seasoned property manager, with years of experience, at Estates II through Total Community Management.
 

ALERT! Accounting Anomalies! 

The disappearance of the Line Item for Roofs & Sprinklers in the Annual Statements, along with the addition of new vague line items, beginning in 2020, like Ground Supplies & Maintenance and Building Supplies Equipment raises red flags. These new categories are intentionally meaning less and meant to confuse. There is also a huge jump in Misc. Admin. expense in 2016 (first year with TCM) through 2023. See for yourself...

 

Ground Supplies & Maintenance line item did not exist prior to 2020

 

Building Supplies/Equipment

 

Misc. Admin. Expense

This line item has disappeared from the year end financial statement in 2020 but shows up in the news letters

The absence of a specific line item for Roofs, Siding and Gutters in the 2023 Financial Statement raises concerns about where these expenses have been classified. Additionally, the lack of address numbers associated with repairs means that the same properties could be repeatedly serviced without a clear historical record. This practice seems to obscure the maintenance history for new board members, suggesting an intentional effort to complicate transparency and accountability regarding repairs performed over the years.  Unassuming board members would look at past line items and think $0 moneys were spent on Roofs, Siding & Gutters. This paints a picture of "Its time to do the Roofs, Siding & Gutters." Which benefits the TCM vendors.

Additionally, you can observe the dramatic price increases that occurred after Estates II hired TCM, despite their promise to reduce costs.You will see the largest jump in expenses for the roofs in 2018. In the 2018 board minutes Stacey Kandel a senior manager from TCM states: "We are having numerous amounts of roof leaks due to bad weather. We are having our roofs completed by Common Exteriors and Preferred Exteriors." These are TCM vendors. 

Over the years, when the board has faced inquiries regarding the significant price increases in vendor services, following the hiring of TCM, they have attributed these added costs to increases in minimum wage. However, it is worth noting that TCM has not raised their management fees.

Roofing & Gutters & the Missing Line Item

 After 2019 the line item Roofs & Gutters disappears from the annual financial statement. There is no corresponding category for the years 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023.


SPRINKLERS Line item has also disappeared from financial statement

                2013    2014    2015    2016    2017   2018     2019    2020     2021     2022     2023

 

1982:  Estates ll always serviced sprinklers in-house 

July 2016: TCM comes to Estates ll with promises of saving Estates ll money  

2013 - 2017:  Estates ll maintenance men took care of the sprinklers. Cost $6754

2018:  Martin, Estates ll employee, took care of the sprinklers and was unexpectedly fired in after dedicating 25 years of service to the condo.

2018-2023: Estates ll has paid $220,000 for sprinklers

_______________________________________________
2013-2017: Total cost for Sprinklers $6754       The good old days
 

2018-2023: Total cost for Sprinklers  $220,000  TCM, Cindy Davidowtz & Rick Saccullo
_________________________________________________

SPRINKLER CONTRACT

Prior 2018 Estates ll always maintained the sprinklers in-house

 

RESIDENTS WERE ASSURED THEY WOULD SAVE MONEY WITH TCM. INSTEAD THEY ARE OFFERED PAYMENT PLANS FOR SERVICES THAT WERE ONCE HANDLED IN HOUSE.  THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL COST OF $10,000 TO USE THE PAYMENT PLAN OPTION. (SPRINKLER CONTRACT + $10,000 payment plan)  NONE OF THIS COULD HAPPEN WITHOUT A COMPLIANT BOARD.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Stacy (TCM) please send us all the specs you sent out and the prices you received. You are so far ahead talking about payouts but thank you for that"  

 

From: Stacey Kandel <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2018 12:01 PMTo: Kenneth Deutsch <[email protected]>Cc: Cindy Davidowitz <[email protected]>; Michael Friedlander <[email protected]>; EstatesII<[email protected]>; Rothenberg Alan <[email protected]>; Saccullo Rick <[email protected]>; Glosman <[email protected]>; Martin Scher <[email protected]>; Buchbinder <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Assessment Letter (Final) for mailing


"Daniella is in charge and as far as the sprinklers every company has to walk the entire property there are no specs to get give  on it tell me And we are not giving cardinellis bid to other people when he spent days walking the entire property.  He offered a payment plan"

The email above appears to indicate management's refusal to permit a competitive bidding process for the sprinkler contract, seemingly to guarantee that their preferred vendor secures the contract.  Management appears to prioritize the time the sprinkler vendor spent walking the property over better pricing. Management appears to be more loyal to sprinkler vendor than Estates ll. Cindy Davidowitz was president during this time. Cindy seemed more committed to appeasing management and their contractors than to prioritizing the condo's finances by seeking the best prices.  The vendor won the sprinkler contract because he spent a lot of time walking the property. 

IT GETS WORSE: the aforementioned payment plan was offered at an additional cost of $10,000, and the majority of the board approved it.
                                                    
                2013    2014    2015    2016    2017   2018     2019    2020     2021     2022     2023

 

1982:  Estates ll always serviced sprinklers in-house 

July 2016: TCM comes to Estates ll with promises of saving Estates ll money  

2013 - 2017:  Estates ll maintenance men took care of the sprinklers. Cost $6754

2018:  Martin, Estates ll employee, took care of the sprinklers and was unexpectedly fired in after dedicating 25 years of service to the condo.

2018-2023: Estates ll has paid $220,000 for sprinklers

__________________________________________________

WHAT THE BOARD DID NOT TELL YOU ABOUT THE CLUBHOUSE

Formality: The rigid observance of rules / A thing that is done to comply with requirements or regulations

The board has once again failed to come clean with the residents, and it’s unacceptable. In their August 16, 2024, email, they conveniently glossed over a critical detail: the delay in the clubhouse opening is directly tied to a missing access door from the garage, which is explicitly included in the offering plan. Why does this board have so much trouble following rules and regulations?

The missing access door was once part of the clubhouse. This is not just an oversight; the offering plan clearly outlines the need for direct access between the garage and the clubhouse, mirroring what we enjoy in our own homes. Given the significant investment involved in the project, one would assume the board thoroughly reviewed the clubhouse offering plan before commencing renovation. It raises questions about oversight and transparency. Maybe if the board had not chosen to keep the details of this project a secret and involved residents in the process this would have been avoided.  When was the door removed? Was the door removed so they could have more wall space to decorate? Why is the inspector insisting on "an additional built in piece of furniture"? What kind of transparency can we expect moving forward?  Rick Saccullo issued a  direct order to all board members to never speak of the cost and design fees of the clubhouse project to the residents. TELL NO ONE. Rick Saccullo's legacy will be one of secrecy  and lies to the residents.
 

The July 2024 newsletter is again evidence that our Board is trying to deceive the residents into thinking everything is perfect in our Estates II world.

IT IS COMPLETE DECEPTION that we are on solid ground, have plenty of money to pay for things, are running things efficiently, and have good management, etc. The constant increases in dues and new assessments are proof that we are poorly run and DON'T have enough money for the short and long terms.
 

Companies that are a day away from bankruptcy get the same report as Estates ll, as long as the records "fairly present" the actual position of the entity.  In other words, we can have one dollar in the bank and 120 million in debt and filing for bankruptcy the next day--yet we would get the same  "present fairly" report!  

In the financial reporting section of the newsletter the board brags that the condo accountants gave a good report on the financial statements as they mention the report states "the financial statements present fairly the books and records". This standard language is mandatory report language that must be used if the accountant does not find anything majorly wrong with the records and says they reflect the financial position of the condo.

HOWEVER,  this language does not speak to reckless spending, overspending, bad management, sufficiency of cash reserves, ability to cover expenses, assessments, long term planning needs,  etc.    

____________________________________

Aug 2020

Below residents are told TCM manages 100 properties
More glowing praise for the paid management company who makes no profit from the fee they charge Estates ll. How do they pay for those back office employees?


Below it states TCM manages 14 properties

2019


 

_______________________________________________

Excerpt from June 2021 News Letter 
Board: Rick Saccullo (P) Alan Rothenberg (V.P.) Mike Friedlander (T) Rick Glosman(secretary) Buchbinder, Donald Feldman,Leonard, Debbie Resnick, Ely Zaken



Question: How can the board be collecting $5000 since 2016 when the June 2021 news letter states "...a by-law amendment that officially authorizes the collection of our Capital Contribution Fee." See capital reserve emails in Pages for full page of news letter


SEPTEMBER 2020 Board: Davidowitz (P)Alan Rothenberg (V.P.) Mike Friedlander (T) Rick Glosman(secretary) Buchbinder, Donald Feldman, Leonard, Debbie, Resnick, Ely Zaken


 

Election Process Delays The election process should have already commenced, yet we find ourselves without any announcement or movement towards nominations. This lack of communication raises questions about the integrity of our electoral process.

A quick overview of the steps Estates ll historically followed during election season:

1. Announcement of Election Season: The board would begin by sending out a letter or email to all residents informing them that the election season is upon us. This initial communication also explained the process for forming the nominating committee.

2. Formation of the Nominating Committee: Residents interested in serving on the nominating committee would submit a letter detailing their desire to join the committee. Once all letters were received they would be distributed to residents followed by a vote.

Historically, Estates ll has relied on a nominating committee to ensure the election of board members who are independent and qualified. This committee serves as a safeguard against the influence of personal connections among candidates. It is also another layer of election integrity as there are no ballots to count or miss count. However, there has been a noticeable deviation from this practice:

3. Nominations for the Board: Following the election of the nominating committee, the board would then invite residents to submit their names and resumes if they were interested in serving on the board. This information would  be distributed to all residents.

4. Interviews and Selection of New Board Members: All candidates for the board would be interviewed by the nominating committee. The committee allows for a detailed answer and question interview process. The nominating committee would then have a vote and select the three new board members, in accordance with New York State law which stipulates that one-third of the board must rotate out annually.

All of this is done in a timely manner so that the new board members are welcomed to the board at the Annual Homeowners Meeting. This is also where the election votes can be validated according to the bylaws.

Last year we experienced a significant deviation from this established process. Despite two board members being due for reelection, they chose not to step down and remained on the board essentially being gifted their board seat, resulting in our community appointing only one new member. This change in dynamics is concerning, particularly given that the previous board, prior to 2019, was committed to fostering an environment of transparency and fairness in our elections.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we collectively work to revive and uphold our community’s democratic practices. The nominating committee not only facilitates an unbiased selection of candidates but also safeguards against the deterioration of open communication and trust among residents.

The 2018 $535,000 Assessment: was earmarked for the clubhouse (never spent on the clubhouse), among other things.  At the time of the assessment Estates ll had roughly 900,000 in reserves. That money is also gone.  Where did all that money go?

Soon after, the board allocated an additional $100,000 in the annual budget 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.

The assessment brought in $534,000 while there was roughly 

$900,000 in reserves and the clubhouse was never renovated. 

While all the money was spent. read more in pages




_______________________________________



TCM Comes to Estates ll late 2016

Excerpt from Aug. 2018 Minutes Redlined

With Cindy Davidowitz as President 

 

At the time of TCMs arrival, late 2016, Estates ll was operating at approximately $200,000 surplus per year which some did interpret to mean the maintenance was too high, because that was a lot of money to sock away every year.  Post TCM along with the recurring board members (Davidowitz, Friedlander, Zaken, Saccullo, Donald Feldman & Alan Rothenberg) Estates ll no longer has a surplus.

What is going on with Mike Friedlander- treasurer. Where is the report? If there was to be an assessment there should also be a treasurers report on current budget vs future budget, etc. If any executive board member should be involved in the assessment decision it should be the treasurer. 

 

 

a). Daniella’s responsibility- we are working toward giving Daniella greater responsibilities (why did the board hire a management company who did not have full management responsibilities from day one let alone 2 years year into the job) and being proactive without the constant need for all board members to vote on items that are less than $3500 (amount to be discussed) TCM has many properties, (14) and have a solid background of and resources regarding contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofers, arborists, etc.   This sentence is the reason why Stacy Kandel was at the board meeting. This is when TCM moves all of their "resources"  into Estates ll and prices go through the roof.  We should allow TCM to have a greater amount of responsibility, as they are willing to take this on. Willing to take this on? Cindy's assertion that TCM is willing to take on more responsibility raises concerns about her deference to management; it seems inappropriate for a president of the condo to commend the management company as if they are doing the board a favor. This attitude is puzzling and raises questions about her motivations and the dynamics of their relationship. Why is Cindy in a position where she feels compelled to praise management instead of expecting the service Estates ll is paying for? Her behavior suggests a troubling imbalance in the professional relationship. What are the reasons behind her stance?  This troubling deference to management continues today with the current board. We need to give them a greater amount of independence so they can proactively make decisions in a most timely fashion. Cindy makes a motion that TCM is given the responsibility to provide the President and Treasurer with estimates that are greater than the designated amount…Any proposals other the amount we determine can be approved by TCM.

During this board meeting, Stacey Kandel a senior manager from TCM emphasized that it was time for Estates II to undergo an assessment. Cindy Davidowitz, president, approved Stacey Kandel's assessment request, that many would argue was unnecessary, raising concerns about the decision-making processes being influenced by TCM. The assessment vote concluded with a majority of 7 to 1, with Ken Deutsch as the sole dissenting voice. Why would the board permit the management company to decide whether the condo requires an assessment, when such a critical determination should ideally be made by the condo's accountant or a financial advisor? Prior to TCM there were never any need for assessments and it should have been a board decision to have an assessment; this should not have been a management decision. TCM is a property manager, not a money manager, highlighting two very distinct differences; so why is the board relying on a property manager for direction on our finances?  That is not the job of the property manager. The job is to bring bills, bring estimates to the board who in turn figures out a budget with or without a money manager  but certainly not with a property manager.  


 

More from the 2018 minutes to come check your email


_______________________________________

CORRUPT CODE OF CONDUCT
 

Should ensure the entire board steps down. 

By moving Estates ll records to Bellmore, refusing the residents 

demands to read the minutes and listen to board meetings the

board is not acting in the "best interest of Estates ll Home Owners."

____________________________________

What Happened to the 2023 Financials?

What Happened to the July News Letter?

What Happened to the Estates ll Phone Directory?

 

It must have gone “Into the Weeds.”
 

"Sorry this email went into the weeds."
Lie Quote by Rick Saccullo from the Manhasset Crest 6/5/24 update

 

Our sister condo Estates l have traditionally maintained a phone directory to foster communication and community spirit among residents. In recent times, the Estates ll board has eliminated this valuable resource and it appears to coincide with a broader pattern of isolating residents. This isolation includes the prohibition of residents from attending board meetings and the withholding of meeting minutes from residents view. By restricting access to essential information and channels of communication, the board undermines the very essence of community and accountability that a condo board should embody. Ultimately, this shift raises concerns about transparency and highlights the need for a re-evaluation of the board's practices.

_____________________________________

The Board's "Code of Conduct" 

A Trojan Horse for Secrecy and Control Implemented by the 

infamous 2019 Power Hungry Board 

__________________________________________

BYLAWS: 51% of the residents needed to remove one or all board members.
 

Board members may not remove fellow board members. 
The code of conduct is invalid.

Section 3. Removal.    Managers may be removed for cause by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Home Owners. No Manager other than a member of the first Board of Managers shall continue to serve on the Board if, during his term of office, he shall cease to be a Home Owner.
__________________________________________________________

 

As residents, we value transparency and accountability in our community. However, the board's implementation of the "Code of Conduct" raises serious concerns about its true intentions and motivations. On the surface, the code may seem harmless, but it is actually a cleverly crafted instrument to control fellow board members, keep secrets from residents, and undermine our bylaws. The "Code of Conduct" runs contrary to the bylaws of Estates ll.
 

The purpose of the corrupt Code of Conduct is covered in Codes 

3 and 6, with all other information already outlined in the bylaws. 

The Code of Conduct: A Tool for Secrecy

The Code of Conduct was created by board members to allegedly promote a positive and respectful environment within the community. However, its true purpose is to silence dissenting voices, suppress information, and maintain a stranglehold on power. By imposing vague and ambiguous rules, the code gives board members the power to dictate what information is shared with residents and what can be kept hidden.  Stated in the minutes below the board will not allow any resident to serve unless they agree before hand to sign the code of conduct. This is the opposite of what a free society looks like.  

Except from the Nov. 2019 Minutes
Coinciding with Closed Board Meetings and Unavailable Minutes
The same 2019 power hungry board, who closed the board meetings, created the Code of Conduct.

The introduction of the Code of Conduct in 2019 coincided with a shift towards closed board meetings and the discontinuation of minutes available to residents. This raises suspicions that the code is being used to justify secrecy and avoid accountability. By controlling the flow of information, the board can make decisions without transparency or input from residents.  If a board member breaks the Code of Conduct by talking about what goes on in board meetings the majority on the board can vote the board member off the board.

The Bylaws: A Better Solution for Behavior Issues

Our bylaws already address behavior issues and integrity concerns related to condo life. They provide a clear framework for addressing conflicts, ensuring that all residents are treated fairly and with respect. The Code of Conduct is unnecessary and serves only to reinforce the board's grip on power.

A Trojan Horse: The Code of Conduct Exposed

The Code of Conduct is a Trojan horse - a seemingly harmless initiative with a sinister purpose. It is designed to deceive residents into believing it is a necessary tool for maintaining harmony in our community, while actually promoting secrecy and control. By recognizing this ruse, we can work together to ensure that our community remains transparent, accountable, and just for all residents.

It is essential that we demand transparency from our board members and insist that they prioritize our well-being over their own interests. We must work together to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that our community remains a place where all voices are heard.

Except from the Nov. 2019 Minutes
                "CODE OF CONDUCT"

IMPLEMENTED BY THE POWER HUNGRY 2019 BOARD

The board has no legal authority  to remove a board member

Only Residents have the power to remove one or all board members

Section 3.  Removal.    Managers may be removed for cause by an affirmative vote
of a majority of the Home Owners. No Manager other than a member of the first
Board of Managers shall continue to serve on the Board if, during his term of office,
he shall cease to be a Home Owner.  

RESIDENTS ELECT THE BOARD ONLY  RESIDENTS CAN REMOVE A BOARD MEMBER. 

___________________________________________________________________               

How Filth and Neglect Are Taking Over Estates ll

The Condo Siding Has Fallen Victim to Disrepair. The documentation is the only hope resident have of having their siding cleaned. The board must hire a professional company to clean the entire development because the entire development has filthy siding. Images below are of four different homes.


 




POWER HUNGRY BOARD

THREATENS TO ILLEGALLY REMOVE NON COMPLIANT BOARD 

MEMBERS WITH THE CORUPT CODE OF CONDUCT check your inbox
___________________________________________________________

              Section 3.  Removal.  

                "Managers may be removed for cause by an affirmative 
                vote of a  majority of the Home Owners." 

Estates ll bylaws allow for resident-led change. If the Board of Managers isn't meeting  expectations, residents have the power to remove them and bring in new leadership that will work for the betterment of Estates ll. The goal is not to be confrontational or divisive but rather to work together to improve the management of the condo and create a better living environment for everyone. The board should respect the process and not be concerned with holding on to power. The board should step down gracefully.

Examples of how the current board's performance
has negatively impacted Estates ll

* Delays or lack of maintenance on common areas

* Unresponsive communication and lack of transparency

* Poor decision-making and lack of consideration for homeowner concerns

* Inequitable treatment of certain homeowners 

BENEFITS OF REPLACING THE BOARD

1. Accountability: The bylaws exist to ensure that the board members are accountable to the homeowners and residents of the condo. If the board is not doing their job effectively, it's important to hold them accountable and give residents the right to remove them if necessary.

2. Protection of property values: A poorly managed condo can negatively impact property values. By allowing for the removal of ineffective board members, homeowners can ensure that Estates ll is managed in a way that protects and maintains property values.  Constant maintenance increases bring down property values.

3. Representation of homeowner interests: The board members are elected or appointed to represent the interests of all homeowners and residents. If they are not doing so, it's essential to give residents the power to remove them and elect new representatives who will better serve their needs.

4. Prevention of abuse of power: Some boards may become complacent or even abusive in their positions, making decisions that benefit themselves or their friends rather than the community. Allowing for removal ensures that board members cannot abuse their power without consequence.

5. Restoring balance and stability: A dysfunctional board can lead to poor decision-making, causing chaos within the community. By removing ineffective board members, homeowners can restore balance and stability to Estates ll and create a more functional and harmonious living environment.

6. Respect for homeowners' rights: The bylaws are in place to protect homeowners' rights and ensure that their voices are heard. Allowing for the removal of an ineffective board restores this principle and gives homeowners a say in who represents them.

7. Encouraging transparency and accountability: When board members are held accountable for their actions, they are more likely to be transparent and responsive to the needs of homeowners. This encourages a culture of transparency and accountability of which now Estates ll has none.

COBBLESTONE FINALLY REPAIRED 

The wait is over. After sitting for two years in disrepair and as a result of the Residents Club's unrelenting documentation, someone finally decided to do their job and fix the broken cobblestone. 
______________________________________

FINANCIAL FIASCO: 
MANAGEMENT CAN'T PINPOINT END OF YEAR. 

BYLAWS STATE FINANCIALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 4 MONTHS AFTER END OF YEAR.  ONCE AGAIN, IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ARE IGNORED BY MANAGEMENT. INCOMPETENCE & ARROGANCE LEAVE RESIDENTS IN THE DARK. RESIDENTS DESERVE A PROFESSIONALLY RUN CONDO. 

 

All articles are opinions of the Residents Club
_______________________________________________
 

Section 3.  Removal.    Managers may be removed for cause by an affirmative vote
of a majority of the Home Owners. No Manager other than a member of the first
Board of Managers shall continue to serve on the Board if, during his term of office,
he shall cease to be a Home Owner.  
RESIDENTS ELECT THE BOARD ONLY RESIDENTS CAN REMOVE A  MEMBER. 

Read Code of Conduct Exposed...Another bylaw violation 

The 2019 board are the people who shut residents out of board meetings, made minutes unavailable created the Code of Conduct to give themselves more power and control over Estates ll and the residents. 
 

Cindy Davidowitz President,  Alan Rothenberb, VP,  Mike Friedlander Treasurer,
Rick Glassman Sec.  Sherry Bookbinder,  Donald Feldman,  Rich Leonard,  
Rick Saccullo,  Ely Zaken
 

The Nefarious Code of Conduct: A wolf in sheep's clothing

_____________________________________

AN APPEAL TO MIKE FRIEDLANDER KEEPER OF SECRETS
 

Residents Stonewalled When Requesting Monthly Financials 

Mike Friedlander: On the board for at least 6 years

- Explain Why You're Hiding the Condo's 2023 Monthly Financial Records. 
- Your Neighbors Will Never Forgive You. 
- You Are Creating A Suspicion of Mismanagement and Malfeasance. 
- Explain the Expense Categories. 
- You Have Already Intentionally Lied About the True Name of The Capital 
  Contribution Transfer Fee.  
- How Did You Expense the Security Guards Quarterly Bonus? Why Hide the Bonus?
- How Much is the Bonus?
- How Are You Expensing Club House Expenditures that are not Capital Improvements 
   like the Design Fees and Moveable Furniture? https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/capital_improvements.htm
- What Else Are You Hiding.   

Share the Truth!  Clear Your Name!  
FULL ARTICLE TO FOLLOW
________________________________________


HOW IT ONCE WAS- RESIDENTS ALWAYS READ THE MINUTES

ONCE KEN DEUTSCH WAS OFF THE BOARD THEY LOCKED IT ALL UP & MOVED IT TO BELLMORE


Excerpt 



Ken was not allowed to have copies of the bills because he would compare TCM vendors with other vendor prices that were more affordable. He would then show the board that Estates ll could save a lot of money using other vendors, but the board would not hear any of it.  

You may read the Feb. 2019 minute in pages
_____________________________________________________________________


R E M I ND E R

IF ANY RESIDENT WOULD LIKE TO MAIL A LETTER TO THEIR FELLOW ESTATES ll 

RESIDENTS CONTACT THE RESIDENTS CLUB AND WE WILL SEND YOU

ADDRESS LABELS. THE BOARD WON'T PROVIDE YOU WITH RESIDENT

INFORMATION, THE RESIDENTS CLUB WILL.  IN THE "GOOD OLD DAYS"  THAT RICK 

SACCULLO LIKES TO MOCK, RESIDENTS RECEIVED A FULL DIRECTORY OF RESIDENT INFORMATION, 

ALONG WITH MINUTES AND CLEAR FINANCIALS. "THE GOOD OLD DAYS" HAD BOARD MEMBERS 

WHO WERE PRO RESIDENT AND WORKED TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS BEFORE THEY TURNED INTO 

LAWSUITS.  NOW THE  BOARD REFUSES TO DO ANY OF THE POSITIVES FROM 

"THE GOOD OLD DAYS."  NOW THE BOARD:

ISOlATES * OBFUSCATES * MOVED RECORDS TO BELLMORE * 

__________________________________________
 

The 2019 Board, referred to as THE AWFUL 9, ended open board meetings, ended minutes and moved condo information to TCM in Bellmore. These people do not serve Estates ll residents and should never serve on the board again. 
THEY JUST WANT POWER.

Cindy (I know better than you) Davidowitz (P)current VP, Tells anyone she can she was a principal, all teachers out there know what that means. When Cindy was off the board she often told residents she "missed being on the board." Cindy never said she missed making Estates ll a better place to live. It is believed Cindy Davidowitz missed being part of the clique and the benefits that go along with it.

 

Alan (mean & miserable) Rothenberg (VP & P) plans on returning to the board though he never really left the board. These members are friends so Alan has always been involved. Bad for Estates ll. Past years with Cindy & Alan destroyed Estates ll. They rule over residents with an iron fist.

Rick Saccullo current President., Mike(where's the money) Friedlander current treasurer, Rick Glosman, Donald Feldman current BM, Rich Leonard moved out after 3 years serving on the board, Shari Buchbinder

 
Ely Zaken resigned-again, cursed out a resident in the street. Board members worship Ely Zaken, obey Zaken's every command, whether he is on the board or not. ALL POWERFUL. TOO POWERFUL
 

Rick Saccullo current board president of Estates ll
 

BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS

Time to Shake Up the Board of Managers. Give New People a Chance

The age-old trap of "friends on the board" can be a recipe for disaster. While it may seem harmless to start with, having board members who are also friends can lead to a lack of objectivity and accountability. When friends are on the board, they may prioritize their personal relationships over the needs of the community. This can result in unfair and biased decision-making, which can ultimately harm the overall well-being of the community. Furthermore, when board members are friends, they may be less likely to question or challenge each other's opinions, leading to a lack of critical thinking and effective problem-solving.  

The Estates ll board has devolved into a clique of friends who don't like the residents but  love the power over the residents.

FRIENDS ON THE BOARD HAS LED TO: 
CLOSED MEETING, SECRET MINUTES, INFORMATION MOVED TO BELLMORE. 
 

______________________________________________________________

Capital Contribution Fee "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?



DECLARATION OF BYLAWS PAGE 7
(c) Any amendment to this Declaration shall not take effect until it is recorded

in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County. 
 

Attorney states the Capital Fee is "valid due to the passage of time."

2023: CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TRANSFER FEE FILED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK         
DID RICK SACCULLO & CINDY DAVIDOWIZ WITH THE HELP OF TCM ATTORNEY JUSTIN BUCHEL TAKE MONEY FROM NEW CONDO OWNERS BEFORE THE AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS TOOK EFFECT?  

Comment on the Time limit to question the $5000 fee for new owners: 
Another nonsensical statement by the board. How can there be 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 in Estates ll dispute the fee, during the made up time limit to be able to dispute the fee. 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. 


 

So It Doesn’t Happen to You

2019 Condo sends almost half the community past due notices that went back months & years that were incorrect. The Condo's accounting was a mess.

Stacey Kandel from TCM: “You have to prove you paid, we don’t have to prove you didn’t. (Essentially, you owe this amount, can't tell you from when, now pay)

A family initiated a $2800 small claims actions against the Condo trying to get information on the past due maintenance

No phone call from the board to work it out

Court initially granted residents their information requests

Board hired attorney Jack Yackow to go to small claims court

Attorney hired for a small claims action to aggressively prevent residents from obtaining condo information.

The board will go to extremes to hide condo information

Residents were inundated with motions & cross motions from Condo’s attorney  

Many days & countless hours spent in court with Condo’s attorney    

Case dismissed due to filing error. Judge offered to refile the case. Condo’s attorney refused.

4/23/2019 board placed $4750 charge 9648YACKOW on residents billing statement along with their maintenance fee.

Attorney Jack Yackow directly sent residents a legal bill for $11,000. Residents were told this fee would be added to their monthly statement.

Total charges billed to residents: $15,750

Both charges were reversed once the court got involved. Residents did not have to pay anything.

Residents believe the fees were intentionally padded to hurt and intimidate them

Unanswered Questions

Why did Condo allow Jack Yackow to directly bill a resident?

Why would the Condo allow an attorney to run up a $15,750 legal bill over a $2800 small claims action?

Did Condo pay Jack Yackow's $15,750 legal fee?

Why did the Condo try to have a resident pay $15,750 in legal fees they were not responsible for?

_________________________________

JUNE PROPAGANDA LETTER... SEE PAGES 
 

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND…..CONDO BOARD  

THIS LAND IS MY LAND…..TOLL BROTHERS

_________________________________________

* RESIDENT OPINION OF THE WEEK *

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? What makes TCM so special that the board would agree to those lopsided terms?
_______________________________________

EXCERPT FROM 2019 MINUTES: TCM HAS TOTAL CONTOL OF MONEY
BOARD MEMBER, AN ATTORNEY WHO NO LONGER LIVES HERE, EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER TCM HAVING TOTAL CONTROL OF THE MONEY. TCM PAYS THEIR VENDORS. DANIELLA SHOULD PAY ESTATES ll BILLS FROM THE CLUBHOUSE. CONTROL OF THE MONEY SHOULD NEVER LEAVE ESTATES ll. EVERY PROPERTY MANAGER PRIOR TO TCM PAID THE BILLS IN HOUSE, WHY CAN'T DANIELLA?
QUESTION: ARE THERE CHECKS AND BALANCES?ANSWER: NO


 

**DISCLAIMER**

The following article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an indictment against management or any individual(s). The purpose of this article is to provide a critical analysis of safe guarding Estates ll funds with the goal of sparking constructive dialogue and promoting continued learning and improvement.

This article is not intended to suggest that management or any individual(s) are guilty of wrongdoing or malfeasance. Rather, it is a thoughtful examination of the issues at hand, with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by Estates ll and identifying potential solutions for improvement.

By reading this article, you acknowledge that it is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a personal attack on any individual or organization. We encourage readers to approach this content with an open mind and a critical eye, recognizing that it is ultimately intended to serve as a catalyst for positive change and growth.

**END OF DISCLAIMER**

Board Minutes Reveal No Checks & Balances $$

You wouldn’t treat your household finances this way

Effective management of Estates ll requires a balance of power to ensure the well-being of all shareholder/homeowners, including residents, staff, and board members.  Unfortunately, the current system allows for unchecked control of finances.

 

It's crucial to be aware of the following red flags:

1. **Unexplained discrepancies**: Unusual or unexplained discrepancies in financial records, such as missing or inflated invoices.

2. **Unusual bank transactions**: Large or frequent transfers between accounts, especially those not related to legitimate business activities.

3. **Inconsistencies in financial reports**: Inconsistencies in financial reports, such as missing or altered documents.

4. **Unusual vendor relationships**: Unusual relationships with vendors, such as multiple contracts or excessive payments to a single vendor. "Preferred Vendors"

5. ** Double Check ** The property manager writes one check for an expense and one check to themselves. You will never see it unless you match that check versus the expense on your P&Ls. 

If your property manager has complete control over the accounting, you'll never know.

6. **Lack of transparency**: A lack of transparency in financial dealings or refusal to provide access to financial records. The board should make it easy for residents to review the books and records especially in light of TCM having total control of the money. More eyes on the books & records the better.

Why does the board make it almost impossible for residents to view condo information by moving it all to Bellmore?  

Why does Daniella have to sit with residents in Bellmore and watch over residents like they are children?

What is the board hiding?

                Checks and Balances benefit all who are involved 

1. **It should be in the minutes every year who from the board and/or management has check writing authority. Put it in writing.**

2. **Implement internal controls**: Establish and maintain robust internal controls, such as dual signatures on checks and regular audits.

3. **Conduct regular audits**: Engage an independent auditor to review financial records and identify potential discrepancies.

4. **Monitor financial reports**: Regularly review financial reports and request explanations for any unusual transactions.

5. **Clear policies and procedures**: Establish clear policies and procedures for financial transactions, including signing authority and approval processes.

6. **Communicate openly**: Encourage open communication among board members and homeowners about financial matters.

7. **Monitor vendor relationships**: Regularly review contracts with vendors and ensure they are necessary and reasonable. (closed bids for projects and reevaluate existing vendors every 2 years, keeps our prices low & vendors on their toes.)

8. **Notarize Signatures** Have management, board members and vendors sign and notarize a statement there are no conflicts of interest are in play.

 Remember to always prioritize transparency, monitoring, and oversight to ensure the integrity of your condominium complex's financial operations.
____________________________________________________

Board Fires Longtime Insurance Provider, Keeps Same Policy 
Phone call with loyal long time insurance provider tells the Residents Club the board has suddenly replaced him with a new sales person but don't worry, the board has kept the same insurance policy. Let's all kick back and relax while we try to figure out why.  Another Win for TCM.
_________________________________________________

Below your 2019 Board of Managers Who Ended the Decades Long Tradition of Open Board Meetings & Minutes:
 

Cindy Davidowitz (P)current, Shari Buchbinder, Rick Saccullo current, Michael Friedlander current, Rick Glosman, Alan Rothenberg (VP) plans on returning to the board, Donald Feldmancurrent, Rich Leonard, Ely Zaken resigned-again, still has hands in everything.

_____________________________________________
 

Sent: Friday, June 14, 2024 7:17:16 AM
To the board:

I am in receipt of the 2023 certificate of filing for the amendment to the bylaws, signed by Rick Saccullo,...
 

...For some reason Ken has got it in his head that the amendment has been altered from the proxy the residents signed. Can you please send me a copy of a signed proxy so I can put that issue to bed with Ken. Please send that today. The board did not provide a copy of the 2021 proxy. A resident provided a copy.  

 It is not lost on me that the certificate would never have been filed had Ken not alerted the board the $5000 fee was not legally implemented. Why is it the person who points out the correct legal way of doing something to the board becomes a villain? 

UPDATE on $5000 FEE see CAPITAL FEE EMAILS PAGE   June 24, 2024
Title for the fee on the proxy signed by the residents: CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION FEE
Title for the fee on the certificate of filing for bylaw:  CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TRANSFER FEE
Is it legal to retroactively enforce a change to the bylaws? Board won't answer that question.
Is it legal to alter the language from the proxy when filing for the amendment to the bylaws?
Fee collection began 2016 Fee legally implemented 2023

        RESIDENTS CLUB WONDERS IF THE BOARD IS EVER HONEST 

Is this why the board refused to provide residents w/ the certificate of filing for amendment?
Is this why the board refused to provide residents a copy of the 2021 Proxy?

THE ATTORNEY WHO WORKED ON THE AMENDMENT & FILED THE AMENDMENT IS JUSTIN BUCHEL
WHY WAS THE TITLE OF THE AMENDMENT ALTERED FROM THE PROXY?
WHY WAS THE WORD TRANSFER SURREPTITIOUSLY ADDED TO THE AMENDMENT?

IT IS BELIEVED THE WORD TRANSFER WAS SURREPTITIOUSLY ADDED TO ENSURE THE FEE WAS NON REFUNDABLE.  IT IS BELIEVED THE BOARD HAS MISAPPROPRIATED SOME OF THE FUNDS BECAUSE OUTRAGEOUS DESIGN FEES, WALL PAPER, WINDOW TREATMENT, ETC..ARE NOT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. THE $5000 WAS TOO MUCH MONEY TO CALL IT A MOVE IN FEE, IT HAD TO BE CONNECTED TO A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUT WHAT IF THERE WAS NO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT, COULD THE FEE BE RETURNED?

OCT 2023 NEWS LETTER: " The Capital funds can only be used for capital improvements and cannot be diverted to pay other expenses."

POSSIBLE REASONS THE BOARD SECRETLY ALTERED THE AMENDMENT:
-1: THE BOARD DID NOT WANT THE RESIDENTS TO KNOW THEY WAITED 2 YEARS TO FILE
-2: THE BOARD COULD NOT BE BOTHERED WITH THE LEGALITIES OF SENDING A NEW PROXY
-3: BOARD DID NOT WANT TO ALERT RESIDENTS IT'S POSSIBLE THE FEE WAS REFUNDABLE
-4: BOARD DID NOT WANT RESIDENTS TO QUESTION THE LEGALITY OF THE FEE
-5: PURE ARROGANCE. THEY NEVER THOUGHT ANYONE WOULD FIND OUT.

 

THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS APPEAR BACKWARDS FROM WHAT IT SHOULD BE
2023 AMENDMENT BECAME LEGAL: CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TRANSFER FEE
2021 PROXY SENT TO RESIDENTS RE: $5000 CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION FEE 
2016  CONDO STARTED COLLECTING $5000 FEE FROM NEW RESIDENTS 

        

_________________________________________________________________________________________
          TO: Estates ll Homeowners

FROM: Estates ll Board of Managers                       July 17, 2019

Please be advised that Estates ll is listed as a Defendant in a Small Claims Lawsuit in Nassau County District Court. The claimants are ——————. They have asked for judgment of $2950 plus interest and court costs. The Board of Managers has retained counsel to defend Estates ll in this matter.

PRIOR TCM A BOARD MEMBER WOULD GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE RESOLVED.

THE CASE WAS DISMISSED DUE TO A FILING ERROR. THE COURT WAS WILLING TO CORRECT ERROR AND CONTINUE WITH THE LAWSUIT.  CONOD'S ATTORNEY REFUSED SO THE CASE WAS DISMISSED.

CONDO SPENT $4750 WITH THIS TCM LAWYER.  RESIDENTS CLUB BELIEVES THIS LEGAL BILL FOR $4750 WAS BURIED IN OTHER CONDO FEES. BOARD CAN'T JUSTIFY SPENDING $4750 IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT. 

TCM UNETHICALLY PUT THE $4750 ON THE RESIDENTS STATEMENT. RESIDENTS  CALLED THE COURT TO ASK FOR HELP. THE CLERCK SAID THE COURT DID NOT AWARD LEGAL FEES SO TCM HAD TO REMOVE THE CHARGE. 

_________________________________________________

"First and foremost, I think it is important to understand that the managing agent is not required to respond to all questions or emails that are sent their way. That is not the role of the managing agent. If it were, additional full-time staff would need to be hired to respond to resident emails." 

RESIDENTS CLUB BELIEVES IT IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST TO HAVE CONDO ATTORNEY REPRESENT MANAGEMENT. ATTORNEY SHOULD BE A WATCH DOG OVER MANAGEMENT. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER THE MONEY. HOW MUCH IS ESTATES ll SPENDING FOR A LAWYER TO SEND RESIDENTS LETTERS. 
___________________________________________________
 

DON'T SHOOT
 

June 18, 2024: The Owner of the Dog, mentioned in Saccullo's 6/4/2024 email to the community, asked the residents club to make a mention of the incident. It appears Saccullo's account of what happened was pure propaganda, just like all of Rick Saccullo's emails to the community. Saccullo's email left out the important details.

1- Estates ll resident is a young woman who lives with her parents

2- Estate l residents are friends of Saccullo's

3- Saccullo's email insinuates Estates ll resident over reacted by not mentioning what actually prompted the police call

4- Estates l residents told the young woman they would SHOOT THE DOG if they ever saw the dog again.

Saccullo was not invited into the situation. Saccullo tried to prevent "our resident" from calling the police, while referring to the Estates l residents as good people. None of that was mentioned in Saccullo's email and the Estates ll resident is still very upset, as are her parents. 

It's clear that Saccullo has a pattern of overstepping his bounds and inserting himself into situations where he is not wanted or needed. Saccullo showed up uninvited to the incident involving the dog and tried to prevent the resident from calling the police. His behavior is unacceptable and raises questions about his motivations. Why does Rick Saccullo have security call management when police are called on a private matter? Is it so that he can be informed and exert some kind of control? The bonus he pays security guards quarterly only adds to the suspicion that he is trying to exert some kind of authoritarian control over the community. This is an invasion of resident's privacy.
 

Below: Excerpt from Saccullo's email, red lined.

We had an unfortunate incident this weekend where a resident was walking their dog in Estates II. Two residents from Estates I were also walking (no dog) in Estates II, and felt the dog was threatening them. The Estates I residents proceeded to record and photograph the dog  another photograph and the walker (our resident). Our resident is still very upset was very upset and immediately returned home with the dog. The resident got in her car and approached the couple from Estates I on why they were recording her and her dog. Apparently, the couple from Estates I then made derogatory and inappropriate comments to her about the dog. Understatement of the year!   

SACCULLO'S friends said they were going to SHOOT. THE. DOG. 

 ______________________________________________   
 

From:estatesII <[email protected]

Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 3:19 PM
 

To: [email protected]

Dear Estates II Residents:

The Board policy on visitors at the Board of Managers was discussed and approved last night on 11-8-2017.  The board appreciates the feedback from the community, and therefore we have approved to invite and welcome the residents to attend and listen to our open meetings.   If a resident would like to speak to the board, he/she must inform the condo office in writing, at least 72 hours prior to the board meeting, and include the subject matter.  The Board will welcome those residents to speak to the Board for 5 minutes toward the end of the meeting, and then the Board will take what is said under consideration and advisement.

We are working hard at making this community as resident friendly as we can.  

Thank you,

Board of Managers

Dennis Sgambati

President

             
     WHAT THE GOOD OLD DAYS LOOKED LIKE

WOULD RESIDENTS LIKE TO GET MINUTES AGAIN ? JUSTIN S.BUCHEL esq. SAYS NO !

  Residents once received a community directory & Minutes 
 

The Enigma of the Estates ll Board: 

Is Secrecy a Shield for Corruption?

ESTATES l MANAGED BY TCM    BOOKS AND RECORDS KEPT IN CLUBHOUSE

ESTATES ll MANAGED BY TCM   BOOKS AND RECORDS KEPT IN BELLMORE

ONLY DIFFERENCE IS RICK SACCULLO & THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
________________________________________________


Whispers of Corruption or Complaining Residents: 

Who's Telling the Truth?  Read the Capital Reserve Fee Emails page


 

2023 Certificate of Filing for the 2016 Capital Contribution Fee & Manhasset Crest Money has been uploaded after board refuses to give it to residents. 

- 2016: Board Collects $5000 Move in Capital Reserve Fee 
   Capital Reserve Fee is the Term used in 2016 minutes

- 2020: Resident Questions Legality of Fee (were the by laws amended to  legally charge $5000 fee? No they were not)

- July 2020 Board Halts $5000 Collections

- Dec 2020 Board Reinstates Collections: "reinstated after legal review" (Justin S. Buchel, says it ok and that's good enough for us so pay or else)

- Board Refuses to Site Case Law and/or Legal Opinion

- 2021: Board Sends Proxy to Residents to Amend bylaws
             (to make fee legal)

- 2023: Board amends the bylaws making move in fee legal BUT the amendment is different from the proxy residents signed.

- 2024: Resident asks to See Certificate of Filing & Proxy
  Board says: "The filed document is a public record, and you are free to run a title search to pull it"  

- 2024: Resident Acquires Copy of Certificate (filed with Nassau County)

Question: Is It Legal To Retroactively Amend the Bylaws?
Question: Is It Legal to Alter Proxy After Residents Sign It?
Question: Why is board fourth coming with 2004 certificate but not the capital fee certificate of filing? What is the board hiding?
Lets Ask the Condo Attorney Justin S. Buchel For the Answers


 

Attorney's Heavy Hand: Lawyer has become a de facto employee

Using Legal Muscle to Keep Information Under Wraps

A CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND A MISUSE OF COMMUNITY FUNDS
 

 EMAIL FROM JUSTIN S. BUCHEL esq.(see emails), APPEARS TO DISTORT THE LAW. 

(see NY Condominium Act 1  Pomerance v McGrath)


EVAN GITTER FIRED, SHNEIDER BUCHEL HIRED TO: 

- ISOLATE THE BOARD & TCM FROM THE RESIDENTS

- INTIMIDATE RESIDENTS 

- ASSIST THE BOARD IN KEEPING CONDO INFORMATION FROM THE RESIDENTS WHO PAY HIS FEES. 

- RESIDENTS NEVER RECIEVED LETTERS FROM THE CONDO ATTORNEY PRIOR TO 2016. 

- RESIDENTS RECEIVE LETTERS BUCHEL STATING MANAGEMENT DOES NOT HAVE TO ANSWER RESIDENT'S QUESTIONS. ABSURD! WHO DOES JUSTIN BUCHEL REPRESENT?

- CONFLICT OF INTEREST




Prior to 2016 the board resolved resident issues, there was never a need for the condo attorney to get involved. Old attorney encouraged the board to work things out without legal representation. Now Condo spends a fortune on an attorney to send emails denying residents information requests, repairs and show up at small claims court.    see emails   

Condo attorney Jay Yackow hired for a small claims issue brought by resident. 

Case was dismissed & condo spent $4750.00 in legal fees. 

Prior to 2016 a board member would show up to small claims if board could not find a way to resolve the issue.

 
_____________________________________

 

Why would the board of managers use an Attorney to shut residents down instead of working to help residents out. The board has lost it's way as to what they are elected to do: 

Serve the Residents Not Punish the Residents.

________________________________________________
 

 

Hi  Ke n- the board has a policy keeping EstatesII  minutes confidential and not shared with anyone outside of our board with the exception of our own legal counsel. Saccullo's board has a policy of secrecy. All prior boards going back to 1981, with exception of Cindy Davidowitz' board, had a policy of shared minutes.  Residents understand what is going on.
 

Excerpt from Nov. 2019 Minutes:
Rules & Regulations: A Home Owner has ignored repeated requests to stop parking his car overnight in front of his neighbor’s unit. The Board voted to send the Home Owner a letter stating that, henceforth, he will be fined according to the Estates II rule that states “Parking is prohibited between 2:00am and 7:00am. Violators will be warned twice and then fined $25 for the 3rd offense, $50 for the 4th and $100 for each subsequent violation.”

This is why there is no curb side parking in Estates ll. Ely Zaken wanted to park in front of his unit so he removed the three cluster spots from the center of the cud-de-sac and put the spots in front of 119 Eagles Crescent.

 

In the 12-11-2019 minutes you will see a maintenance increase. You will also see stated there had not been a maintenance increase since 2010. With $600 Maintenance Estates ll had a large surplus every year. 
               

UPDATED 
BOARD MINUTES HAVE BEEN UPLOADED W/ MORE TO COME 
                            
2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019 minutes have been uploaded

Excerpt from April 18, 2012, minutes:Estates ll maintenance men, prior to 2016, saved the condo tens of thousands of dollars every years. TCM sprinkler vendor will not allow our maintenance men to work on the sprinklers and the board complies.   It is impossible to reduce expenses this way.

The board used to actively try to find ways to save money. Fiscal responsibility went out the window in 2016. 


2018 Minutes: Ely Zaken Resigns Again


2019 Minutes:  Cindy Davidowitz is President.



Below your 2019 Board of Managers Who Ended the Decades Long Tradition of Open Board Meetings:
 

Cindy Davidowitz (P)current BM, Shari Buchbinder, Rick Saccullo current BM, Michael Friedlander current BM, Rick Glosman, Alan Rothenberg (VP) plans on returning to the board, Donald Feldman moved out, Rich Leonard current BM, Ely Zaken resigned-again, still has hands in everything.

 

2019 Board Members through to the 2024 Board Members must never serve on the Board again.  

Only new people on the board can fix Estates ll.

 

Stefani Michele is telling residents the condo will remove dead plantings but will not replace them. Below is an excerpt from 2019 minutes where Cindy Davidowitz had dead trees and bushes removed and replaced by the Condo. Minutes also state maintenance men took care of plantings instead of Bromante to save Condo money. That doesn't happen anymore since they fired Martin. Now Landscaper bills Condo for landscaping extras in the tune of tens of thousands of dollars.

2019 MINUTES

____________________________



RICK SACCULLO SICK & UNHINGED: EDITED below

SENDS EMAIL TO ENTIRE COMMUNITY CALLING 

JEWISH RESIDENTS GESTAPO AGENTSJune 4, 2024

Article from the Anti Defamation League: see pages
 

Anti-Semitic Retaliation Unleashed After:

Residents Club Exposes $60,000 Offer From Manhasset Crest 
Residents Club exposes  Land Update Revealed to Select Few, Leaving Many "in the Dark" Forces Board President to Update entire Community, After One Year of Silence.

 

- Rick Saccullo trying very hard to keep residents from reading the Residents Club 

- Rick Saccullo regularly reads Residents Club website while warning residents to beware
- Rick Saccullo uses Condo mailing list to spread lies to Estates ll Residents
- Rick Saccullo uses resources as President to harass residents
- Saccullo as President never picks up the phone to resolve conflict
- Some residents receive Condo mailings while other residents don't 
- Uses Estates ll residents email addresses as a weapon for personal retaliation
- Unprecedented behavior by a Board President of Estates ll
- See Mike's email response. Exposes more Saccullo lies

 

The "Awful 9" do it again

 

Board member Cindy "let them eat cake" Davidowitz skirts the rules or did she change long standing pool rules for her personal benefit when she was president? Board refuses a residents request for clarification.

Davidowitz accuses resident of almost hitting a family member with his car. Car was in park when Davidowitz family walked around it.

Entire Davidowitz family leisurely walks around parked car

 

BOOKS AND RECORDS: STILL IN BELLMORE. 

WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?
 

May 29, 2024

NEWS FLASH
 

The Residents Club has learned Rick Saccullo was offered $60,000 from Manhasset Crest as a nuisance settlement for the land that sits behind Saccullo's condo. This land belongs to Manhasset Crest.  Saccullo turned down the offer, instead continues to spend condo funds on legal fees for land Estates ll does not own.  
If any information in a news article is incorrect please email the Residents Club and correction will be noted. 

ESTATES ll RESIDENTS SPEND A FORTUNE ON LANDSCAPING & EXTRAS
Bluebird Hill Ct. 
Go look for yourselves at this landscaping mess. What is Stephanie Michele doing?

RESIDENTS CLUB ARTICLES & PICTURES RESULT IN FLOWER 

PLANTINGS AROUND ESTATES ll FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS



MOVE RECORDS TO BELMORE + END OPEN BOARD MEETINGS + HIDE BOARD MINUTES + CREATE NEWS LETTER WITH NO NEWS =  you know what


NEWS FLASH All residents must know this:

Every time a resident drives to Belmore from Manhasset to review the books and records Daniella must sit with the resident. Property manager leaves the property she is hired to manage, reduced to a babysitter. Absurd! Obscene! Unprofessional! Abuse of Residents!

BRING OUR BOOKS & RECORDS BACK TO THE CLUBHOUSE!
BOARD VIOLATES THE BYLAWS BECAUSE THEY ARE HIDING CONDO INFORMATION FROM THE RESIDENTS.


 


THE BOARD'S DOUBLE STANDARD 
         All on the residents dime, All on the residents time

Estates ll employees installing past President & Current V.P. Cindy Davidowitz' new sod, trees and flowers courtesy of Estates ll



MORE DOUBLE STANDARDS

Stephanie Michele recently told a new resident they can't have sod. This picture of a front yard was taken May 16 and the picture of a truck filled with sod taken May 17, 2024.

Beautiful new sod

Residents are being fed misinformation by board member Stephanie Michele who is in charge of landscaping. Stephanie, known for her nasty demeanor towards residents, is incorrectly telling residents that dead trees in the common areas will be removed, but not replaced, and if a resident wants another tree planted they would have to pay for it. This is a clear violation of the bylaws.  Original plantings on common area must be maintained and/or replaced by the Condo.

The Residents Club has also discovered that the board's actions are not consistent with their own policies. For example, Cindy Davidowitz (home pictured above), the VP of the board, was able to have trees replaced in her yard, and Rick Saccullo, the president of our condo, has beautiful new trees in his backyard.  The Residents Club would like to hear the board's defense for these inconsistencies.

Furthermore, Stephanie Michele and the board has been perpetuating falsehoods regarding sod. Stephanie told the resident sod is not allowed even if the resident pays for it.  However, it appears that this rule does not apply to board members, as Cindy Davidowitz was able to have sod installed in her yard at the condo's expense. Edited 5.17.24 It now appears some residents are given approval for sod as noted in the pictures above. The residents club has learned the resident who was denied the request for sod is furious over this double standard.

Additionally, the board has been telling residents that if a previous homeowner installed a sprinkler system at their own cost in the common area the new homeowner is responsible for its maintenance. This is not true according to the bylaws. A new homeowner was forced to pay hundreds of dollars to the condo's sprinkler contractor and an electrician. This resident should be reimbursed for these expenses. Stephanie Michele must educate herself on  Estates ll bylaws and stop spreading misinformation.

Page 34 of Bylaws: If homeowner gets permission at their own expense to install a sprinkler system in their irrevocable common area, they can at their own expense.  Subsequent repair and maintenance of the sprinkler shall remain the responsibility of the board of managers.

In keeping with the boards double standard, Ely Zaken has, over the years, completely defaced the common property surrounding his condo with chains, unsightly furniture, plastic figures and most recently has installed lighting on his trellis and on the common ground  adjacent to his property. 



It seems that while the board is lavishing hundreds of thousands of dollars on vendor contracts and the extravagant clubhouse decorating project, the board is extremely stingy when it comes to paying for resident's repairs covered by the bylaws.The Residents Club is calling on the board to take a closer look at their budget and priorities and redirect the funds towards providing the basic services and amenities that the residents are entitled to. It is long over due for the board to prioritize the needs and concerns of the residents.

It is imperative that we hold our board accountable for their actions and ensure that they uphold the bylaws and treat all residents fairly. We request that the board provide a clear explanation for these inconsistencies and provide a plan to rectify the situation.

If any information in a news article is incorrect please email the Residents Club and correction will be noted. The Residents Club strives for accuracy at all times.

__________________________________________


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

___________________________________________
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED IN SETTING UP THIS CLUB. I CHECK IN EVERY OTHER DAY AND CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW ENJOYABLE IT IS TO HEAR ABOUT OCCURENCES THAT OTHERWISE I WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF. 

I TRY TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS AND COME OUT WITH A FEELING OF HOPELESSNESS. i HAVE A LOVE FOR DOGS AND CATS EVEN AFTER BEING BIT BY MICKY BECAUSE HIS OWNER WAS CARELESS, NOW I RECEIVE AN EMAIL TO STOP FEEDING STRAY CATS BECAUSE IT WILL BRING IN HALF MILLION COYOTES SOUNDS RIDICULOUS SO THE STRAYS WILL DIE. IN MY OPINION THE BOARD CONSISTS OF PEOPLE TO OLD TO MAKE SOME IMPORTANT CHANGES(I MYSELF AT 74) FEEL WE NEED A CHANGE. 

I AM ONLY IN MY SECOND YEAR HERE BUT I THINK THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF NEW AND YOUNGER PEOPLE JOINING THE COMMUNITY AND THEY HAVE SOME GOOD IDEAS. THE IDEA OF CREATING A NEW FITNESS CENTER IS GREAT. I MYSELF HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY TO EXERCISE.

WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO SAID 85% OF THE PEOPLE ONLY USE CLUBHOUSE UPSTAIRS. FIX THE BASEMENT AND I GUARENTEE IT WILL GET USED. THE MONEY BEING SPENT TO FIX CLUBHOUSE CAN BE REDUCED BY 100,000.(IT IS BASICALLY ONE ROOM DO YOU REALLY THINK THERE IS A NEED FOR DESIGNERS). 

I HAVE A VERY SUCCESSFUL CONSULTING AND TAX PREPARATION BUSINEES FOR 55 YEARS AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO DONATE MY SERVICES TO LOOK OVER BOOKS AND RECORDS. THE LAST THING I JUST READ ABOUT SAVING 50000 A YEAR ON SECURITY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. 

AT ANOTHER MEETING I HEARD A WOMAN SAY, CAN WE DO ANYTHING ABOUT EXPRESSWAY NOISE ?(ANSWER NO).

I NOTICE AT THE MEETINGS  25 TO 40 PEOPLE ATTEND YET THERE 178 RESIDENTS .I HOPE THE CLUB CAN REACH OUT TO MORE PEOPLE AND ATTEND OR AT LEAST EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS WITH THE CLUB.

IF THERE IS ANY WAY I CAN HELP PLEASE EMAIL ME [email protected]


PICK A LINE 

Is this a stop sign or a parking spot

There are many stop signs that have a double line. Another example of the deterioration and low standards at Estates ll under this board of managers.  Cindy Davidowitz, the VP, stops here every day and doesn't care how sloppy it makes Estates ll.

Rick Saccullo likes to remind residents Estates ll is special & unique.  






May 1, 2024, Remove the container
APRIL 24, 2024, THE CONTAINER MUST GO! 
April 16, 2024 Ladders are back! Eyesore on top of the eyesore!

    


PRESS RELEASE





Sunday April 14, 2024, 2pm:
 
Estates II President, Rick Saccullo and Board Member in charge of buildings and grounds, Ely Zaken were spotted this afternoon surveying the shipping container adjacent to the clubhouse and front entrance of Estates II.
 
The shipping container that was not in the original Estates II offering plan has been an eyesore for the community for the last several years. It has been rumored, but not confirmed, that the shipping container was brought onto Estates II property under the direction of Ely Zaken.  Up until fairly recently, Estates II operated and was nicely maintained without the need for this "monstrosity"- as described by some Estates II residents.  
 
A freight container also known as a cargo container is one of many types of containers 
used to move goods in commerce and is often used and approved for the transportation of hazardous materials and are subject to Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is unclear whether the container in question was previously used to transport and/or still contains hazardous materials.
 
It was the Estates II Residents Club who has brought the freight container to the attention of the Estates II board through many articles and photographs over the last several weeks.  Since its founding the Board has attempted to scare and intimidate residents and has suggested that the Residents Club runs a nefarious site. According to the Residents Club, the site was founded by Estates II residents to provide an open forum for residents to have their voices heard and to enhance the quality of life in Estates II. 
 
The sighting of the board president and buildings and ground chairman surveying the freight container is a great sign that the board is once again listening to the Residents Club despite the fact that the Board publicly denounces the Club, refuses to communicate with the Club and claims that the Residents Club operates in the dark. Perhaps, it is the board president and the buildings and grounds chairman who are operating in the dark this Sunday afternoon.
 
The container issue is one of many fiascoes of the current Board of Managers that have been brought to light by the Residents Club in less than 6 months since its founding.
 
It is a positive sign that on this quiet Sunday and with a closed clubhouse that the two board members were seen at the shipping container and canvassing the area.   
 
According to the Residents Club, numerous correspondence has been received from Estates II residents calling for the removal of the shipping container as residents feel a shipping container has no place in a community with homes starting at $1,000,000. Perhaps today’s events are a good sign that the shipping container will soon be removed from Estates II property in the near future and that the Board is closely following the Residents Club website despite their claims otherwise.

------------------------------------------------------------------
           
          SELF MANAGED  VS  MANAGEMENT COMPANY
                PRIOR TO TCM ESTATES ll WAS ALWAYS SELF MANAGED

When a condo hires its own manager part of the job is to actively seek out the best prices when hiring contractors, as opposed to a management company that uses preferred vendors. 

          THE COST BENEFITS TO SELF MANAGEMENT

 

Competitive pricing: An in-house manager employed by the Condo will actively solicit bids from multiple contractors, can compare prices and negotiate for the best rates saving the condo money on maintenance and repair services. 

 

Cost savings: By obtaining competitive bids and selecting the most cost-effective contractors, the condo can save money on regular maintenance, repairs, and capital improvement projects compared to using fixed preferred vendors from a management company, where there is a long standing business relationship.The vendors loyalty is to the management company and vice versa. 

 

Flexibility and choice: Engaging multiple contractors through a competitive bidding process allows the condo to select contractors based on factors such as quality of work, pricing, reputation, and availability, providing more flexibility and control over the selection process.

 

Avoiding potential conflicts of interest: Using preferred vendors from a management company could lead to conflicts of interest or higher prices due to exclusive agreements, while an in-house manager who is directly employed by the Condo is seeking out the best prices and can ensure impartiality and cost-effectiveness.

 

Improved budget management: By securing competitive pricing on services through diligent contractor selection, a condo employing its own manager can better manage its budget and allocate funds more efficiently for ongoing maintenance and projects. This will also ensure that quality work is delivered within budget constraints.  

 

Accountability: Employing a manager directly allows for more direct oversight and accountability, ensuring that the manager is aligned with the community's goals and expectations.

Estates ll expenses have gone through the roof since using a management company. The Residents Club hopes Rick Saccullo board president, along with the entire board of managers, consider all of the above, along with the fact that Estates ll was always self managed (prior TCM) reverse course and return to self management. Estates ll has not benefited from the experiment of using a management company and should return to the long standing practice of being self managed.  This is what the community wants.

_________________________________________

 

It is an undeniable fact that the appearance of a community plays a significant role in fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its residents. This is why it is truly baffling that the Estates ll Board of Managers would think that having a truck trailer parked at the front entrance is acceptable.

To start with, it is important to recognize that Estates ll is not a construction site. It is a place where people live, where they come home to after a long day of work, where they invite their friends and family over to spend quality time together. Having a truck trailer prominently displayed at the entrance simply does not align with the image of a well-maintained and orderly community.

Furthermore, it is disheartening to see that no other community has a similar eyesore by their entrances. This lack of consideration for the aesthetics of our neighborhood reflects poorly on the Board and raises questions about their priorities.

The fact that our community continues to deteriorate under the leadership of the current Board and TCM is concerning. It is the duty of the Board to ensure that the community is well-maintained, both aesthetically and functionally. Allowing such a blatant eyesore to remain by the front entrance is a clear indication that the Board is failing in their responsibilities.

The board has claimed that the Residents club website is lowering property values when it is their mismanagement that results in the run down appearance and the high maintenance, along with the residents frustration with the lack of repairs to their homes the by laws state they are entitled to.  High maintenance has a direct correlation to property values.   The Residents Club and the articles posted on the web site has resulted in many improvements in Estates ll.

Even more disappointing is the involvement of a buildings and grounds committee head board member in this oversight. This individual is supposed to oversee the maintenance of our homes and grounds, yet they seem to fall short time and time again. As residents who pay nearly $1,000 a month in maintenance fees, we deserve better.  The same eyes have been on this community for well over a decade. It’s time for a fresh set of eyes and ideas.

It is time for the Board to take a long, hard look at their priorities and consider the image they are projecting to the community. It is time for them to show some pride in our neighborhood and take action to rectify this embarrassing situation. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, then perhaps it is time for them to resign and make way for individuals who are committed to upholding the standards of our community.

 
          TRACKING THE DETERIORATION OF OUR MAINTENANCE
 

Tire tracks in the lawn are a common problem that many residents face in Estates ll. There was a time when tire tracks were not a common sight in our community. The residents believe landscaping and lawn care should be a priority, especially in light of the amount of money spent on landscaping and landscaping extras. The tracks in the grass, the patchy grass and the amount of dirt that is visible where there should be grass is a sign of neglect and lack of proper maintenance.

It is true that there was a time when residents did not have tire tracks in their lawn. However, as technology and equipment have advanced, more and more landscapers are using heavy machinery that can cause damage to grass and soil.  There are areas in Estates ll that cannot handle the heavy machinery. 

One solution that could help prevent tire tracks in the lawn is to adjust the sprinkler system for areas that have water drainage issues. By keeping a careful eye on which areas are constantly wet and adjusting the sprinklers accordingly, management can potentially reduce the risk of creating unsightly tire tracks.  The lawn should never be cut during a light rain, which is a common occurrence at Estates ll.

In addition, keeping a list of properties that have water drainage problems and regularly adjusting the sprinklers for those areas can also help mitigate the issue. By being proactive and mindful of the specific needs of each lawn, management can prevent damage before it occurs.

For areas that cannot withstand the weight of a riding lawn mower, management should consider using a push mower instead. While this may require more effort and time, it can help prevent the creation of tire tracks and reduce damage to the lawn.

However, the status quo of doing nothing is simply not acceptable. Many residents have voiced their concerns about overly saturated grass and the need for a solution, yet their requests have fallen on deaf ears. It is time for action to be taken and for the needs of residents to be addressed.

Ultimately, the areas that require drainage must be provided with a proper drain. It is important for the board of managers to work with our landscape professionals to listen to the concerns of residents and take the necessary steps to ensure that tire tracks in the lawn are no longer an issue in the community.

In conclusion, tire tracks in the lawn are unacceptable and a solution should have been addressed and developed many years ago. By adjusting sprinkler systems, using appropriate mowing equipment, and addressing drainage issues the board of managers can prevent damage to the lawns and maintain a beautiful and healthy outdoor space. It is time for action to be taken and for the needs of residents to be prioritized.

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KEN DEUTSCH'S RESPONSE TO FEB. 2024, NEWS LETTER:

I am writing in response to the letter that was distributed to all my neighbors defaming my good name. As a resident of this condominium, I am deeply disturbed by the false accusations and unfounded claims that I was accused of, and of having the delay of the clubhouse renovation placed upon my shoulders.  

The delay of the clubhouse rests squarely on the board of managers.  They appear to be over their heads in every endeavor they embark on. It defies logic not to expect a visit from the building inspector and I had nothing to do with that visit. The building inspector has a copy of the news letter.

The board did not rope off the club house until I suggested they do so, for safety concerns, because the clubhouse is a place of public assembly. This made the clubhouse look like it was under construction.

I understand the board is looking for a straw man to blame for their own short comings, but defaming me or any resident is not the solution. I urge the board to sit down with me and the building inspector to put an end to this. 

I am aware the board already conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and knew I had nothing to do with it, yet still sent the letter blaming me. I have been unjustly accused and wait for the board to clear my good name within the community.

I have always strived to be a responsible member of this community, and it is disheartening to see my reputation tarnished by baseless allegations.

The board is well aware I make my living selling real estate in Estates Condos, because I sold a condo to Cindy Davidowitz the vice president.

I care deeply for my home of 45 years. I send the board emails asking pertinent questions I am entitled answers to and I either get nasty replies from the president Rick Saccullo or no replies at all. My questions on the expenses listed in the news letter always go unanswered.

The news letter highlights the following:

The board keeps secrets from the residents.

The Board did not disclose to the residents for at least one year information about the $300,000 renovation, the cost, the choice of design team and contractor.

The mean spirited, combative & unprofessional nature of the board.

The boards inability to take accountability for their own shortcomings.

The board will blame the builder, the inspector, a resident for something they are 100% responsible for.

The Condo is spending $300,000 for a “superficial change” they falsely labeled a renovation.

The news letter is an attempt to gas light the residents. The paragraph CLUB HOUSE COMMITTEE CONSULTED INSPECTOR EARLY ON makes no sense. It is the boards job to make sure everything is in place before a renovation/superficial change.

For the outrageous sum of $300,000 the board decided against replacing the 45 year old sheet rock and insulation. 

The board does not exercise due care for the community.
 

Estates ll expenses have gone through the roof since using a management company. The Residents Club hopes Rick Saccullo board president, along with the entire board of managers, consider all of the above, along with the fact that Estates ll was always self managed (until TCM was hired ) reverse course and return to self management. Estates ll has not benefited from the experiment of using a management company and should return to the long standing practice of being self managed.  This is what the community wants.

ONE OF  MANY COST SAVING BENEFITS OF SELF MANAGEMENT:

Self-managed $500 vs Management company $17,000

February 17, 2024, in the early morning hours an order was issued to plow Estates ll at 5AM with less than ½ inch of snow on the ground. The Condo was billed approximately $11,000 for the roads and driveways. The Condo was billed extra for salting and shoveling.

When Estates ll was self-managed, unless there was a blizzard (which would require constant plowing) the plowing began once the snow stopped.  Estates ll under self management utilized our maintenance men for light snow plowing and salting, which saved the Condo tens of thousands of dollars. 

When self managed, the Condo did not plow until there was minimum of two inches on the ground. 

The plow shovel should never scrape the roads. The shovel should be placed approximately ½ inch off the ground so as not to ruin the roads. The tires from the cars take care of the remaining snow. Residents were awakened by the sound of the shovel blade scraping against the roads because there wasn't enough snow to plow.

As proven by the amount of salt currently sitting on top of our walkways today (2/19/2024), the salting was not necessary and was done too late for safety measures. It is believed the cost for salting the walkways to be roughly $6,000. 

In summary: Estates ll spent over $17,000 on Feb 17,2024, for snow plow & salting versus $500 had we been self-managed with a different board of managers.  

Rick Saccullo, board president, will not release the cost of snow expense extras from the past two snow plows. 

What Should Have Happened:

Having 178 condos affords Estates ll the ability to employ 3 maintenance men, which is a good thing. The professional maintenance men of Estates ll should be better utilized. They should not be delivering self-serving news letters in our mailboxes!  It is demeaning to their profession and an archaic way to distribute information. 

The professional maintenance men of Estates ll should have salted every walkway and every driveway on Feb. 16, in preparation for the next day of light snow. It takes 3 men 3 hours to salt 178 units of driveways and walkways using magnesium chloride. The only cost to Estates ll would be the salt which is less than $500. On Sat. Feb 17, 2024, all the walkways and driveways would have been safe immediately and there would be no need to call the vender to charge us for salting and certainly no need for the plowing. 

Self-managed $500 vs Management company $17,000
 
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ANOTHER SURVEY Q & A:



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SURVEY:  100%  OF  THE  RESIDENTS  WOULD  LIKE  TO  RETURN  TO BEING  SELF  MANAGED.

Will  the  Board  listen  to  the  will  of  the  Residents?