Attorney Justin Buchel of Schneider-Buchel who stated at the homeowner's meeting that most of the information on the Residents Club website is not true,  was caught over billing Estates ll in the tune of $10,000.  Why was Buchel  at the meeting when there are 2 attorneys serving on the board? A cowardly waste of money.  Learn the by-laws. Rely less on over biller attorney. Reduce legal fees.

Double Standards in Our Community: Why Alan Rothenberg Fights to Stay in Power

Let’s stop wondering why Alan Rothenberg fights to stay president year after year. It isn’t because he cares about our quality of life, it isn't to hold open meetings where your voice is actually heard, and it certainly isn't to show us clear financials detailing how our hard-earned money is spent. No, Alan stays in power for purely self-serving reasons: so he can  have lush landscaping while your trees and bushes die, so his driveway gets plowed first while you get buried under mountains of snow, and so his home gets a pristine paint job while your paint chips away and your siding turns green. We pay the exact same dues, but under Alan's rule, your money serves his property while the rest of our community is left to rot.

By laws State No Dogs In or Outside of Clubhouse: Unless You Are Cindy Davidowitz

Breach of Fiduciary Duty:   Cindy Davidowitz V.P Caught Lying to Residents at the Homeowners Meeting. Full Letter Will Be Mailed to Community

Board members have a legal and ethical obligation to act with care, loyalty, and transparency in the best interests of the community. Knowingly spreading false information or misleading residents is a serious breach of this duty and will not be tolerated. Such misconduct exposes offending members to personal liability for any financial harm caused.

At the April 16, 2026  homeowners meeting, Cindy Davidowitz egregiously claimed that the bones of the Estates l and Estates II clubhouse are different—this is categorically false; they are identical. She also falsely stated that Estates I and Estates II have different bylaws regarding the sauna-another false statement. The bylaws are identical.

The most disturbing aspect of these lies is that she used them as a pretext to justify why the lower level renovation of the Estates ll clubhouse will cost more than that of Estates I.This is why Stephen Fanuka and Debbie Resnick did not attend this important meeting. Two meetings a year and they can't bother to show up and answer questions, they should resign. If Cindy Davidowitz, vice president of the board, is willing to blatantly lie about such easily verifiable facts, it raises the serious question: what else is she and the board hiding from residents? What other deception is being employed to conceal mismanagement or misconduct?

Additionally, residents being denied full access to board minutes and the decision made by Alan Rothenberg of Aeire Ct. and Cindy Davidowitz of Dove Hill Dr.  to shut down open board meetings strongly indicate an intent to hide the truth and evade accountability. This pattern of deception and secrecy is wholly unacceptable—it is a betrayal of the trust residents have placed in their elected representatives. Immediate action and full transparency are not just necessary—they are non-negotiable.

What Do You Call a Homeowners Meeting with No Meeting? Just a Room Full of Residents Wondering What on Earth Is Going On

The board of managers is playing a shell game with the residents, and it’s absolutely unacceptable. They sent out an incomplete budget in October 2025 and then claimed the budget meeting would be in April 2026. There was no mention of the upcoming  April meeting in the March newsletter, which proves the newsletter is meant to control rather than inform. Then, only a week before the supposed “meeting,” residents are reminded. The board still won't tell residents the final total cost of the club house, which is why Debbie Resnick -once again- was a no show at the meeting.  This is outrageous.

The part-time resident treasurer didn’t speak a single word about the financial health of the condo. Stephen Fanuka and Debbie Resnick didn’t bother to attend. The lawyer on the board sat in silence. The condo president, Alan Rothenberg, offered no speech. The vice president told residents that the Estates I clubhouse has “different bones” than Estates II, which is a blatant pretext for another expensive boondoggle. Many residents already know the first-floor decorating project was a scam — a heist — and they are asking their friends in Estates I how much was spent on their recent second-floor renovation. The board clearly understands that residents will compare the two, and they want to hide the truth.

Go to the village and examine the plans yourself. The bones of the clubhouses are almost identical. There is no legitimate reason for a huge price discrepancy, except for sheer incompetence on the part of the Estates II board. They didn’t even try to pretend this was a serious meeting meant to inform; it was an AA session where residents did all the talking.

The question that *should* have been asked is, “What on earth are you all doing on the board when you clearly have no sense of responsibility to provide residents with proper management or even basic information?” 

The board’s“solution” to the parking problem: “We’re going to have the cars towed.” Because that’s just so simple, right? Except they won’t do it — they can’t, and it would invite lawsuits; there are no signs stating violators will be towed (a legal requirement) and there has to be a signed business contract with a towing company. What towing company has the board hired to provide this service?  Who is going to call for the tow truck at two in the morning? A security guard does not have the legal authority to authorize a tow. The real plan should be to actually do something effective.  Meet with the offenders in a professional setting, have a serious conversation. And then, start sticking large, hard-to-remove stickers on their car windows every night. Problem solved. But of course, that’s too straightforward for this board — they’d rather talk about towing, instead of actually fixing the problem. Genius.

Here’s the bright side: because that meeting was such a stunning display of incompetence and neglect, people signed the proxy that very evening. Yes, folks, the evidence of how truly dire this board’s situation is was so glaring that residents couldn’t help but want to wash their hands of it.

Residents of Estates II deserve better. They are subjected to ongoing abuse and neglect from this board. It’s time for meaningful accountability, not more deception.

What is Alan Rothenberg Smoking? No Management or Due Diligence Here. Do Vendor Employees Undergo Background Checks?

Nose Knows: Suspicious Aroma Sparks Questions at the Gate House

This week at the gate house residents  couldn’t help but notice a suspicious aroma lingering around the guard station—almost like someone was enjoying a little “extra seasoning.” While we can't confirm any illegal activity, it certainly raises questions about who’s been lighting up on the job. Maybe it's time for a little more than just a warning, guard—our noses are on high alert!

DUMPSTERS ON BLUEBIRD AND EAGLES CRESCENT SATURDAY ARPIL 11, 2026. BOARD MEMBER HAD CONTRACTORS WORKING ON GOOD FRIDAY. IF THE CONDO MAKES YOU FOLLOW THE RULES YOU ARE BEING SINGLED OUT AND PUNISHED.  NO RULES APPLY, DO AS YOU PLEASE.

Inexperienced  Snow Plowers Caused the Street Lights To Go Out Simultaneously. Will Vendor's Insurance Foot the Bill for the Repairs?

Recently, residents were puzzled when multiple street lights suddenly flickered out at the same time, following snow plow activity. To get to the bottom of this, we conducted our own in-depth questioning with licensed electricians and experts in electrical infrastructure. What we uncovered reveals a hidden truth that the condo board has not openly shared.

Our Quest for Answers

We reached out to several electricians specializing in residential and municipal electrical systems, asking: *Why do street lights go out en masse after incidents like snow plow accidents?* The answers pointed to a common culprit: damage to underground transformers and their associated infrastructure.

The Hidden Truth Revealed

- Transformers Take a Beating: When a snow plow strikes a transformer—usually a pad-mounted green box on the ground—it can cause immediate, catastrophic damage. The impact often results in a violent internal short circuit, which causes the transformer to fail instantly.
 
- Protective Devices Do Their Job—Too Well:  Inside these transformers are safety fuses and circuit breakers. When damage occurs, these devices blow or trip to prevent fires or further damage. This safety shutdown cuts power to entire sections of the neighborhood, including streetlights.

-Mass Outages Are No Coincidence: Because many streetlights are connected through these transformers, damage to one transformer can blackout dozens of lights simultaneously. Sometimes, the impact even harms underground cables feeding multiple streetlight circuits, leading to widespread outages.

- Why the Lack of Transparency: Our conversations with electricians suggest that the condo board is aware of these technical realities but chooses not to fully disclose them. The reason? A tendency to protect vendors. While transparency is vital, the truth about these outages—caused by damage to critical infrastructure—is being kept under wraps.

The Bottom Line

The next time you notice multiple street lights out after a snow plow passes through, remember: it’s likely due to a damaged transformer or underground cable severance. The internal short circuits and safety device trips are what cause the lights to go dark — a safety measure, but one that leaves residents in the dark.

Our message: Residents deserve to know the real reasons behind these outages. The condo board needs to be honest about the causes, rather than protecting vendors or hiding the facts. Transparency builds trust—and ensures everyone understands what’s really going on when our neighborhood’s lights go out suddenly.

Spring: A Game Of Shadows

In condos where licenses to pilfer are handed out free,  

Vendors reign supreme, unchallenged, carefree.  

They know they’re irreplaceable, kings of the scene,  

Secured by the walls, the unseen, silent greed.

Secure in their throne, no rival dares to compete,  

The board’s silent shield makes their hold a fait accompli 

The board hides away, avoiding each face,  

Afraid to meet eyes, to show their disgrace.  

Promises made—more meetings face-to-face—  

Yet silence descends, a hollow false grace.  

They craft a budget, unprofessional, flawed,  

Then promise a meeting nine months later, with nods—  

Hoping residents forget the fury they’ve borne,  

While money’s unaccounted—lost, spent, gone.

While the grass beneath their feet is battered and torn,  

They lounge in opulence, their clubhouse adorned.  

Spending residents’ funds on secrets no one knows,  

A mystery of money, as the garden’s suffering shows.  

Spring arrives with hope, but it’s just a fleeting dream,  

For change is a whisper, a distant, silent scream.  

In this condo’s web of lies and deceit,  

Residents long for truth — a hope they’ll never meet.

PROPAGANDA AT ITS FINEST

March 2026

Incompetent Inexperienced Snow Plowers Hired by In-House Vendors Ravage the Lawn—News Letter Silent! Yet Same Vendors Win Contract to Install Lights at Entrance!

Here's the Scoop? More like Here's the Poop! Isn’t it great being Bromante/Cardinelli—the ultimate jack-of-all-trades contractor team? Landscaping, sprinkler maintenance, snow removal—you name it.  Funny how the newsletter conveniently omits the damage wrought by the snowplows—damage so obvious, yet oddly invisible to the board. No mention of how the once-pristine lawn has turned into a muddy mess under the current “favorite” landscaper. And let’s not forget: no calls for them to do better—like avoiding mowing wet grass or heaving mowers over soggy ground, which only leaves muddy tracks where beauty once thrived.

After a record-breaking winter—yes, Estates II will pay top dollar—they somehow managed the lowest bid to install front entrance lights. Because, of course, Bromante/Cardinelli will snag every contract available. It’s the classic story of underbidding the competition.  The key word is STORY. There should be 3 bids for every project. Here's a tip: don’t let the night guard turn off the lights inside the gatehouse.

And the snow plow explanation? Please. It doesn’t pass the smell test. Before the big storms, residents saw snowplows roll out for dustings that would’ve melted on their own. Why? Because they could. The board's fairytale explanation sounds like a preschooler’s story—far from convincing.

Finance -  Shminance — Providing clear and straightforward explanations of your condo’s finances. Highlight a few unexplained expenses with an easy-to-understand graph, and residents will be happy, informed, and confident in their community’s financial management. OH IF THAT WERE ONLY THE CASE.

And speaking of cherry-picking: while the newsletter mentions fellow board member Stephen Faunaka’s deck, it conveniently omits the changes Alan Rothenberg approved for his home on Bluebird Hill, changes that required approval from the Village of North Hills. It’s the height of selective storytelling.

Clubhouse - Don't forget to check out the clubhouse at Estates I. Their lower level looks great—at a fraction of what Estates II will blow on their lower level. The residents of Estates I are utterly baffled at how much Estates II has already spent on the first floor. Many have said it looks like they just threw paint and furniture in there and called it a day. Seriously, where did all that money go? That's what the folks in Estates II have been wondering for two years.  But hey, who needs transparency or value, right?  We guess, because one must guess when denied the actual cost of things, the total cost for the first floor of the clubhouse will come in close to ONE MILLION DOLLARS!  Get ready for phase $$. 

Thanks for the *informative* newsletter, Estates II—said no one ever.

 Tennis Anyone? Estates l Aces Estates ll

Estate I beats Estates II to the net again, as Estates II nets remain in hibernation. Once more, the Estates II board is slow on the draw. The tennis courts at Estates I have had nets up and ready for two weeks—where are the nets at Estates II? Still snoozing in hibernation. Poor residents never seem to get what they pay for in maintenance. Guess some things never change!

VILLAGE MINUTES ARE POSTED ON THE INTERNET. 

ESTATES ll MINUTES ARE KEPT SECRET FROM RESIDENTS. 

WHICH BOARD HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE?

BENEFITS OF SERVING ON THE BOARD: BOARD MEMBERS PRIORITIZE THEIR OWN INTERESTS – NEWSLETTER OMITS THIS REVEAL

BOARD MEMBER FANUKA GETS ALAN ROTHENBERG'S APPROVAL FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE EVERY OTHER HOME OWNER HAS BEEN DENIED.

Residents have always been denied the request to replace windows with sliding doors. Why wasn't this announced in the December 2025 News Letter? The board consulted the attorney regarding a deck replacement but did not inquire about a major structural change. Why was that?

THE BOARD’s Sign Language

This is the board's management style: they don’t talk to residents instead you have to speak through Daniella. They don’t hold public meetings, and their newsletters are a bunch of nonsense. The only way they communicate with the community is by posting signs.

Directions to addresses, signs that were never needed before, why now!? Speed bump warning signs when the bumps are right in front of you—Estates ll is not a shopping center!  Hearing impaired area signs— Are we now personalizing signs for individual needs? What does hearing impairment have to do with the speed of a car?  Are we supposed to slow down because somewhere someone is hearing impaired? When this person moves out will the sign come down or will it stay up for eternity?  MOST IMPORTANTLY where are the "Children at Play" signs? How about “Slippery When Wet”, “Pick up Your Dog's Poo”, "Don't Talk To Strangers" and “Enter At Your Own Risk”.  Let’s just put up a sign for every resident’s needs. Someone’s going to end up crashing their car trying to read all these pointless signs! Enough is enough!

PARKING SIGNS- A PREDICTABLE FAIL. START USING LARGE NO PARKING STICKERS ON CAR WINDOWS. ESTATES ll HAS TOO MUCH SIGNAGE. WHY SHOULD ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD PAY THE PRICE FOR  INCONSIDERATE RESIDENTS?  INCONVENIENCE THEM WITH A STICKER NOT EVERYONE ELSE.

THIS CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT.  A NO-PARKING SIGN WITHOUT FEAR OF AN ACCOMPANYING PARKING TICKET IS A MEANINGLESS VIRTUE SIGNAL THAT COMMERCIALIZES THE NEIGHBORHOOD. ESTATES ll BECOMING QUEENS ADJACENT

Widespread Damage Caused by Improper Snow Removal Operations

The melting of the snow and the warm temperatures have signaled much more than the changing of the seasons.  

For years this website has reported on the deterioration and poor maintenance of Estates II under the leadership of Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz.  It is evident that the duo lacks the skills to effectively manage the community, oversee the management company, provide clear direction to or hold vendors and contractors accountable. These pictures of the grounds depict the landscape as if it were a war zone.

Over the decades, Estates II has endured many blizzards. However, what we have never witnessed before is the complete and utter destruction of the lawn caused by inexperienced snowplow operators. Clearly, the snow removal contractor destroyed many lawns while countless cobblestones have been dislodged from their foundations. This incident marks a new low and is a direct reflection of  board leadership that has failed to adequately vet and hire competent contractors. 

Who does Cardinelli Sprinklers subcontract their snow plowing to? Their negligence has irreparably damaged the lawn. Additionally, the landscapers, over the years, have contributed to the deterioration through careless mowing. Yet, despite these ongoing issues, the board—led by Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz—has allowed this negligence to continue unabated.

This lawn's current state is a disgrace, and it is a testament to the failure of leadership and oversight. Immediate action is required to rectify these mistakes and restore the integrity of our community.

Furthermore, the absence of pride and effective management of the vendors and work crew is evident in the untouched condition of the destroyed landscape. How long will the grass be neglected?  Additionally, why aren't Alan and Cindy demanding that either the snow removal company or the work crew take responsibility for restoring the grassy areas?

In addition to the destroyed driveways, aprons, roads, cobblestones and lawns, garbage can be seen on roads and lawns.  Paper plates, plastic cups, bottle caps, plastic bags and other loose garbage can be seen throughout our neighborhood. Whose job is it to tidy up the place?

Where is the pride in Estates II. Alan and Cindy have set the standard and it's long overdue that they step aside for the betterment of their fellow neighbors and the community.       

No Parking Signs Detract from the Community’s Elegance

The signage in Estates ll has become excessive: signs warning of speed bumps ahead, 2 signs pointing out that the exit gate is right in front of you, dog waste stations, and now no parking signs. It feels like the board believes that adding more signs can solve every issue, but all this visual clutter just creates a less elegant neighborhood. 

The abundance of no parking signs around the neighborhood will diminish the overall beauty and charm of the Estates ll. A more effective and tasteful solution for overnight parking is the use of window stickers. Large stickers placed on drivers or passenger's  side window will effectively communicate the parking restrictions to residents. The inconvenience of removing the stickers will send the message that residents must park in their garage or driveway over night.  This approach has been very successful in the past and maintains the aesthetic integrity of Estates II.

Let's preserve the character of Estates ll and avoid turning it into a commercial looking area. Together, we can find simple, respectful solutions that work for everyone.

Incompetence and wasteful spending took hold after Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz joined the board, nearly a decade ago. Their leadership has drained the coffers of Estates II, leaving it financially depleted 

The Importance of Qualified Governance: Protecting Condo Stability and Financial Health

An inexperienced/unserious condo board can inadvertently jeopardize the financial stability of a condominium, often without residents realizing the critical role that knowledgeable and responsible leadership plays in maintaining a sound community. Poor decision-making, inadequate budgeting, or lack of understanding of legal and financial obligations can lead to costly mistakes that threaten the condo’s future. In Florida, condo regulations are far more advanced and comprehensive than in New York. Florida state law requires all condo and HOA board members to complete a four-hour certification course within 90 days of being elected, and annual recertification is mandatory to ensure ongoing education. This law emphasizes the seriousness and the level of skill required to serve on the condo board.  Additionally, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation actively enforces these standards and provides a clear avenue for residents to file complaints against condo boards or individual members. They conduct thorough investigations, emphasizing the importance of qualified governance to protect residents’ investments and preserve the community’s stability. Unfortunately, Estates II is suffering from a lack of standards and requirements from those serving on the board, which further compromises its financial health and overall management.

Alan and Cindy’s decision to hire a management company initiated the financial decline of Estates II. Alan and Cindy used the management company as a means to withhold critical condo records from residents. They relocated the official books and records entirely to Belmore, effectively restricting access. Prior to Alan and Cindy’s management, all condominium information was maintained securely in the clubhouse, ensuring transparency and accessibility for residents. What are Alan and Cindy hiding from the residents of Estates ll?  The choice to engage a management company—rather than employing a dedicated condominium staff member to assist the board—has proven to be a costly mistake, draining the condo's reserves. 

2015: Before Alan and Cindy took over Estates II, the community maintained a reserve fund of $800,000. Monthly maintenance costs were $650, with no assessments ever levied on residents. Before Alan and Cindy the board always employed an assistant, assessments were unheard of and unnecessary. The large reserve was built well in advance of implementing the move-in fee in 2016 which generated around $80,000 per year totaling around half a millions dollars .

Since Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz assumed control of the  board, there has been a relentless and disturbing decline in the overall quality of life for residents. Despite nearly a decade of governance, their inability to effectively manage the community has resulted in a host of ongoing problems that threaten both the safety, comfort, and value of our properties.  Residents have no recourse when faced with a dysfunctional condo board that overspends and under delivers.

The situation has become increasingly dire, and it is imperative to address the steady decline in the quality of life since Alan and Cindy took control of the board. Their inability to effectively manage the condominium has led to numerous issues that significantly impact residents’ well-being and property values.

These issues include a clubhouse that had been unavailable for 1.5 years, virtually no communication with residents, and unfulfilled promises to hold more board meetings. Essential amenities, such as a gym, are missing, and the downstairs area is over 50 years old and was in disrepair more than 10 years ago. Dying bushes over 50 years old remain neglected, improperly parked vehicles at night pose safety concerns—especially if fire trucks need to navigate cluttered streets. Additionally, there is an excess of surveillance cameras, persistent dog waste, tired and neglected lawns and landscaping, and ongoing assessments that fail to lead to meaningful improvements. 

The pool bathroom is 50 years old—and no resident should be expected to use a facility that outdated. The locker room and bathroom were long overdue for a remodel and were in urgent need of attention—far more so than the first floor. Instead of prioritizing this essential upgrade, Alan, Cindy, and their friends on the board chose to focus on creating a more luxurious space at the clubhouse, neglecting the critical safety and maintenance needs of the lower level. This was a self-serving decision, driven by personal preference  rather than responsible management. Good managers would have recognized the danger and obsolescence of that space and taken appropriate action to properly upgrade it, rather than allowing such neglect to persist. Yet under Alan and Cindy’s leadership, responsible governance has completely broken down. These two clearly do not know how to properly manage a condo, and their failure is evident. Over the past ten years, all they have accomplished is overseeing the decline of our community, stripping residents of their rights under the bylaws, and shielding the board from accountability. Their leadership has brought nothing but deterioration and neglect. They have spent condo funds irresponsibly and wasted the reserve fund on a boondoggle decorating project for the clubhouse first floor.

Financial management is equally deficient. The community lacks a coherent capital budget, and residents have no access to transparent financial statements, leaving them in the dark about the true financial health of the condo.There is no capital reserve fund, no comprehensive budget, line items are designed to be vague  and no real financial statements made available to residents. This lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the future stability of our community and the potential for unforeseen special assessments.

Aesthetically, the property suffers from filthy siding, tire tracks in the grass, broken cobblestones, bushes wrapped in tarps, and missing landscaping in common areas, dead bushes are either not removed or are removed and not replaced with new ones, as they should be as stated in the bylaws—all of which diminish the visual appeal and property value.  The shipping container serves no purpose other than to ruin the aesthetics of the community. The snow plows can be stored out of sight but sit in the parking lot. A sure sign the board doesn’t care about maintaining a level of community standards. 

Furthermore, there is no electronic communication system, no formal process for reporting repairs, and no virtual meetings with residents —something most condos have adopted today. Basic infrastructure issues like potholes take a year to be fixed, the gate house goes dark at night and the condominium struggles to retain quality maintenance staff. The shipping container, dog waste stations, and lack of planning for driveways, roofs, and other critical repairs exacerbate the deterioration.  

The community’s infrastructure planning is  lacking. The deterioration of the shared spaces has reached a critical point.  There has been no strategic approach to driveway repairs, roofing, or other major capital improvements. The roads are in poor condition. Any qualified engineer will confirm that the condominium requires new roads: Instead, we see ad hoc fixes and no clear plan for sustainable upgrades. 

The condo has reached a new low as residents are forced to take matters into their own hands—sealing driveways, reseeding grass, and roof repairs—because the board has abdicated its responsibility to maintain or improve the community. This neglect has a tangible impact on property values, community morale, and residents’ sense of pride and security.

In summary, despite nearly ten years of control, Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz have demonstrated an inability—or unwillingness—to manage our community effectively. Their leadership has allowed a downward spiral of maintenance, safety, and financial stability that no longer reflects the standards we expect or deserve.  The only accountability the board faces is from the Residents Club website. Virtually every repair over the past two years has been initiated only after issues were reported online, effectively shaming the board into action. This pattern underscores a lack of proactive responsibility and a reliance on public pressure rather than leadership.

 The maintenance staff are allowed do private work during condo hours. This picture was taken midday doing private plantings, using the Estates 2 truck and destroying the lawn. ANYTHING GOES

Incapable of speaking up or holding the contractors liable

AFTER 9 Years of Alan and Cindy at the helm, Estates II is broke, maintenance is $1,100/ month and residents have been burdened with Assessments every year. A major assessment coming again in 2026.

RESIDENTS CLUB GETS IT DONE

It is no coincidence that following the Residents Club's reports on board negligence the issue is addressed and resolved.

Feb. 11, 2026  

Condo Board's Negligence Endangers Residents by Turning Off Gatehouse Lights

Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Martin Einhorn, Maricia Copper, Stephen Fanuka, Donna Geffner, David Hoffman, Marilyn Freidlander: The condo board's reckless decision to allow the guard to turn off the gatehouse lights at night creates a dangerous illusion of abandonment, severely compromising resident safety. Their feckless oversight invites criminal activity and endangers everyone living in the community. Such neglect demonstrates a blatant disregard for residents' security and demonstrates their inability to manage basic safety protocols.

February 10, 2026, 3 weeks after snow storm mountains of frozen snow block visibility.

 Improper Snow Management Compromises Safety and Neighborhood Aesthetics

Corners should never have been allowed as a location for snow plowers to deposit the plowed snow. Alan Rothenberg should have communicated clearly with the landscaper prior to the snowstorm, providing specific instructions on where to place the snow piles to ensure resident safety and maintain the neighborhood’s appearance. Currently, a bench and a dog waste station are buried beneath this mountain of snow, creating unnecessary hazards and visual clutter.

Exclusive Parking Spots Cleared in Front of President Alan Rothenberg's Condo on Aire Ct—Because Who Needs Maintenance When You Have Special Treatment?

UNPLOWED SPOTS THROUGH OUT CONDO

Exposing the Incompetence and Self-Interest of Alan Rothenberg: The Condo President Who Fails His Residents

In the ongoing saga of mismanagement and favoritism that plagues Estates II, one name stands out as a symbol of incompetence and self-serving conduct: Alan Rothenberg, the president of the condo board. His leadership has been nothing short of a scandal, revealing a pattern of neglect, dishonesty, and blatant favoritism that continues to degrade the quality of life for residents.

The most glaring example of Rothenberg’s failure is the recent snow plowing debacle. Alan Rothenberg has two perfectly cleared guest parking spots right in front of his condo, while the rest of Estates ll is left with little to no guest parking spots. Is this a coincidence? Of course not. It’s a clear case of special treatment—an abuse of power that benefits him at the expense of the entire community. Meanwhile, residents are left to navigate streets piled high with snow, obstructing visibility and creating dangerous conditions. Why aren’t the maintenance personnel out every day, clearing the neighborhood? Why aren't the snow plows taking away the piled high snow and moving it to places in the condo where it won't be an obstruction? (Nightingale Ct. and Bluebird are two cul-de-sacs that have open dead space that can house the excess snow) The answer is simple: Rothenberg fired the maintenance staff, leaving residents to suffer the consequences of his reckless decision. Higher maintenance fees. Less maintenance. It’s a scandal. Alan Rothenberg’s decision to fire the entire maintenance team without cause was reckless and has jeopardized the condo’s stability. His impulsive actions show a lack of leadership and professionalism, putting personal whims above the community’s best interests. He is neither a capable leader nor an effective manager.

The state of the condo is a reflection of Rothenberg’s leadership—or lack thereof. Two weeks after a major snowstorm, the grounds are still a mess. The common areas are unkempt. What exactly are residents paying for? It’s painfully clear that this board president has no interest in maintaining the community he is supposed to serve. Instead, he reaps the rewards of his position, all the while neglecting the very responsibilities that come with it.

Rothenberg’s misconduct extends beyond maintenance issues. His favoritism is evident in how he treats the tennis courts, where he enforces draconian rules—no children allowed, because he apparently doesn’t want to see kids playing -The Residents Club put an end to those rules. He has been seen yelling at small children outside the clubhouse -during his first term on the board, frightening them and creating a hostile environment. His use of the landscaping company is similarly biased; since becoming president, the common area in front of Alan Rothenberg's condo has been transformed into an oasis.

Moreover, Rothenberg’s conduct as a leader is deeply troubling. He refuses to be transparent with residents, hiding condo information and blocking residents from attending board meetings. His recent budget meeting was a farce—he presented a bogus budget, allowed both treasurers to skip the meeting, and then failed to answer any serious questions from concerned residents. Residents were openly furious. Once resident stated “how can we have a budget meeting with no budget and both treasures are missing?”  This is not leadership; this is deception and avoidance designed to hide the truth.

Rothenberg’s dishonesty extends to his personal history. He lied during his campaign, claiming to support open board meetings, only to revert to secrecy once re-elected. Alan was the person who implemented closed board meetings during his first term on the board. Alan is anti-resident. Alan Rothenberg falsified his resume by omitting his second term as vice president of Estates II. He deceptively ran for a third term, disguising it as a second. These actions are indicative of a leader untrustworthy and unfit to serve.

For new residents of Estates II, it is imperative to understand who Alan Rothenberg truly is. His lack of transparency, favoritism, and dishonesty threaten the integrity of our community. We will continue to chronicle his actions to ensure everyone is informed, especially since he remains inaccessible and unwilling to face his responsibilities publicly.

The residents deserve a president who leads with integrity, accountability, and genuine concern for the community’s well-being—not one who uses his position for personal gain and shirks the hard work that leadership demands. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for change.

Is President Alan Rothenberg Fostering Fair Management or Causing Harm?

The recent wave of terminations among the condo's maintenance staff has raised serious questions about the management and motives behind these actions. All three maintenance men—Henry, Ramone, and Pasquale—were dismissed after taking time away from their duties due to injuries or personal leave, highlighting a troubling pattern.

Henry was injured on the job, prompting the condo board to request residents’ contributions to his recovery fund. Despite his injury, Henry returned to work after recuperating but was fired just two weeks later. Ramone also sustained an injury while working and was dismissed while still in recovery. Pasquale, meanwhile, was fired for taking time off, without any indication of misconduct.

What is the condo president, Alan Rothenberg, doing amidst these dismissals? What is his end goal? The pattern suggests a possible attempt to eliminate staff who are temporarily unavailable or who have been injured, which raises concerns about the fairness and legality of such actions.

Furthermore, both Henry and Pasquale engaged in private work for residents, and both were reportedly told they may never set foot on the condo grounds again. This raises questions about the legality and enforceability of such bans, especially if residents wish to hire these workers for private projects at their own properties.

Given this pattern of dismissals and the restrictions being imposed, questions arise about Alan Rothenberg’s ability to effectively manage the condo without causing harm. Is his leadership fostering a fair, lawful, and supportive environment, or is it damaging the community and undermining trust? The situation warrants closer scrutiny to ensure that management practices align with legal standards and the best interests of residents and staff alike.

Crisis at Estates II: Is The Board Losing its Grip?

There is a troubling issue unfolding within Estates II: Alan Rothenberg, Cindi Davidowitz and the board of managers appears to be facing a fundamental problem in their management approach. Over the past two months, the entire maintenance staff has been fired—three skilled and well-liked workers who were highly valued by residents. One worker has been employed at Estates ll for over fourteen years. The question that arises is: what could three competent employees do within such a short timeframe to justify their sudden and collective termination?

Did these employees truly commit an offense serious enough to warrant termination, or could their actions have been addressed with a warning to allow the condo to continue operating smoothly? Is Alan Rothenberg a measured and responsible President, or does he act impulsively? Such impulsiveness is a detrimental trait for any organization and raises questions about the leadership guiding Estates II.

This abrupt upheaval leaves Estates II with no seasoned maintenance personnel—a critical gap, especially considering that only one very new employee remains, who will undoubtedly need guidance from experienced staff to learn the intricacies of the property’s operations. Estates II has specific needs that can only be properly addressed by someone with prior experience in similar roles. Without this knowledge, the maintenance department will fall into disarray, potentially compromising the quality of upkeep and resident satisfaction.

Despite these concerns, residents remain largely in the dark about the internal issues within the maintenance department. This lack of transparency obscures the reasons behind such a rapid turnover. What is clear is that three individuals—each equally dedicated and skilled—have been abruptly dismissed, risking their livelihoods in the process. The question that must be asked is: Are these firings morally justifiable? Given their contributions and the lack of transparency surrounding these decisions, it is essential to scrutinize whether such actions are ethical or represent a grave injustice.

However, it is very clear that Alan Rothenberg and the board of managers lack the finesse and expertise necessary for effective condominium management. Proper oversight, experience, and strategic decision-making are essential to maintaining the stability and quality of life within Estates II—and right now, those elements seem to be missing.

This situation at Estates II underscores a pressing need for more experienced leadership and transparent communication. Without these, the community risks further deterioration of its maintenance services and overall management stability.

 6PM Jan. 17, before the snow plows showed up. Nothing to plow

Residents get Snowed As They Foot the Bill for Wasteful Condo Management 

The residents are snowed again—literally—while the board gleefully empties the condo’s coffers into the pockets of management’s vendors. On Saturday evening, January 17th, a light sprinkle of snow brought out the full force of snow plows and shovels, but all that was truly needed was a broom. The endless, deafening scraping of shovels against the snowless street echoed throughout the neighborhood, because there was no snow to buffer the noise. No snow to plow, no snow to shovel—just a waste of money and effort. If you’ve ever wondered where all the condo fees disappear to, this is a prime example of mismanagement and waste. Snow removal is expensive, and once again, residents are abused by a board that shows more loyalty to vendors than to their community. No wonder there are so few community meetings—when the board neglects their fiduciary duties they avoid facing questions from residents. All that was needed was salt before the light snow fell. 

Morning of Jan. 18, after moderate snow-No snow plows necessary

JANUARY 11, 2026                JANURY 13, 2026

Attention Needed: Dog Waste & Litter on Community Grounds

January 11, 2026

It has become increasingly evident that management is struggling to fix a persistent issue: Even with the installation of dog waste stations some residents are failing to clean up after their dogs. Recently, three separate areas on the lawn at 89 Dove Hill have been found contaminated with dog waste. This neglect not only diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the community but also poses sanitation concerns.

The presence of dog waste on common areas reflects poorly on the neighborhood’s standards of cleanliness and community responsibility. It creates an unpleasant environment for residents and visitors alike, undermining the pride we should all have in maintaining a safe and attractive living space. 

This situation cannot be allowed to persist. It is now the responsibility of management to step in and take decisive action.  It is now management’s job to ensure the cleanup of the dog waste, as it can no longer be allowed to sit and accumulate on the lawn. This necessary intervention is crucial to restoring the cleanliness and safety of our community.  Maintaining a pristine and welcoming neighborhood is a  responsibility, and prompt action is required to uphold the standards residents all expect and deserve.

Something must also be done with the random discarded  bits of garbage that remain in the same spots week after week. If management fails to address and clean up these issues, who will? Who is truly responsible for maintaining the property's appearance?

Additionally, there are wooden stakes placed on the grass to guide snow plow operators and indicate where the curbs are located. Unfortunately, no one comes to reset or reposition them when they fall to the ground.

These  problems should not persist.  It's time for management to oversee the upkeep and tidiness of the community. 

Alarming Incompetence in Management Company’s Handling of Maintenance Payments 

Residents are increasingly frustrated by the management company's persistent failure to accurately track and process maintenance payments. The company’s inability to properly post payments has led to numerous residents being unfairly charged late fees—charges that are entirely unfounded due to record-keeping errors. This ongoing issue not only causes financial inconvenience but also raises serious concerns about the company's professionalism and reliability.

Adding to the problem is the manner in which statements are mailed. The statements are often folded improperly, obscuring the recipient’s address and making it difficult for the postal service to correctly sort and deliver them in a timely fashion. This improper folding results in delayed delivery and limited visibility of vital information, further hindering residents' ability to review their accounts promptly and accurately.

These systemic failures reflect a shocking level of incompetence within the management company. Such mismanagement undermines residents’ trust and highlights a critical need for immediate corrective action. Proper record-keeping and attention to detail are the minimum standards residents deserve. Until these issues are addressed, residents will continue to face unnecessary stress, confusion, and financial discrepancies.

It is imperative that the management company takes swift and decisive steps to rectify these issues, restore accountability, and uphold the integrity of the community’s management services.

Board’s Negligence Puts Residents at Risk by Failing to Pre-Treat Walkways, Driveways & Roads Before Snowstorm

The recent snowstorms expose a troubling lack of responsibility on the part of the condo board. Despite forecast warnings and the predictable accumulation of snow, the board failed to take basic precautions to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Specifically, they neglected to pre-treat the roads, driveways, and walkways with ice melt or salt before the storm began.

Pre-treating surfaces before snowfall is a simple but effective safety measure. It helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, reducing the risk of slips, falls, and accidents. By neglecting this critical step, the condo board demonstrated a blatant disregard for resident safety and well-being. Instead of proactively addressing the potential hazards, they left residents to navigate treacherous, icy surfaces that could have been much safer with proper preparation.

This negligence is unacceptable. Property management has a responsibility to maintain safe conditions, especially in hazardous weather. The failure to act ahead of the storm not only shows poor planning but also a lack of concern for the safety of everyone who uses these common areas. 

A Dark Gatehouse At Night Poses a Safety Risk to Residents

A dark gatehouse gives the appearance of being abandoned, which can be dangerous. It is essential that the night guard is instructed to keep the interior lights on at all times, ensuring that anyone approaching the gate can clearly see someone is inside. Allowing a person to sit in the dark within the gatehouse should not be tolerated by the board. We demand that the board hold the security company to a higher standard of professionalism and ensure proper conduct and safety measures are consistently maintained.

Is Board Member Stephen Fanuka Full of It?

It’s been MONTHS since Stephen Fanuka proposed monthly community meetings—an idea that residents welcomed with open arms. So, what’s the hold-up? No updates, no follow-through.  Is this the new tactic to avoid giving the residents what they want—more transparency and access to the board?  Throw out an idea the residents like, then— stall, hide and hope residents forget? 

And Alan Rothenberg—don’t forget, he LIED to get votes, claiming he supported open meetings. But once re-elected as president and in power, he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. The board is cowardly and opaque—ducking residents, dodging questions, refusing to give answers. How much of the clubhouse assessment is left? Nobody knows! Residents were told the assessment was for the upper and lower level. Time will soon tell if that was also a lie.

This board has become a dysfunctional, reckless political machine—spending out of control, infrastructure crumbling, and transparency nonexistent.  The residents deserve honesty and action. Step up NOW board member Fanuka and be a man of your word!

When you are told to move a pretty bench or take down a temporary celebratory sign -show them this. Different rules for different residents.  Board member David Hoffman lives across the street from this eyesore.

According to the News Letter, residents want to fix their own driveways and who can blame them—there is a decline in quality of life due to a lack of funds. The monthly financial information released to the residents means nothing.  The inevitable maintenance increase coming soon.

Charging Full Price for Children at the Holiday Party Misses the Spirit of Community

Charging full price for young children at the community Holiday party sends the wrong message. Kids, especially very young ones, tend to eat very little, so their presence doesn't justify the price of an adult ticket. Expecting parents to pay full price for children who barely eat or participate is unfair and unneighborly.

This policy seems to reflect a mindset that doesn’t fully value children and families. As more young families move into the neighborhood, it’s important that community events are welcoming and inclusive. Charging full price for kids creates unnecessary barriers and makes families feel unwelcome rather than celebrated.

The holiday season is about coming together, sharing joy, and strengthening our community bonds. Imposing full fees on children at such events undermines that spirit. Instead of encouraging families to participate and enjoy these celebrations, such policies discourage their involvement.  It seems the board is actively trying to prevent children from attending. Similar to the board's anti children tennis policies.

If we want a community that truly feels like a neighborhood where everyone belongs—especially its youngest members—the policies need to reflect that. Ensuring that holiday party pricing is fair and accessible for children demonstrates that our community truly values families and is committed to welcoming everyone to share in the holiday cheer. It’s about building a stronger, more connected neighborhood where all members, big and small, feel welcome.

Here is some unsolicited advice: Learn the bylaws so you spend less money on legal fees, so children can eat for free.

Urgent Call for Improvement 

Addressing Neglect and Maintenance Issues in Our Community

The image above of a torn-up section of the lawn caused by lawnmowers is displayed in front of Vice President Cindy Davidowitz’s home. This scene is repeated throughout the community and has become the status quo. If a board member is content with this disgrace, there is little hope for improvement—explaining why no progress has been made over the years.

Ask yourself: would you continue to hire a landscaper who consistently displaced grass with muddy tire tracks ? Probably not. So why does the board accept this, and then happily pay extra to repair the damage caused?

Is there a solution? Residents have all noticed the run down appearance of the NEW entrance gate. The arm of the gate looks like it was the project of a middle schooler put together with spit and tape. 

To the board: please do better.
To the residents: demand that the board do better.
 

Similarly, these broken cobblestones stood broken in front of Cindy's home for two years until the Residents Club wrote articles highlighting the neglect. Once the Residents Club wrote about the neglect the board sprung into action and finally ordered the repair.

2 years later

Demand for Decisive Action Against Disrespectful Behavior Toward Condo Staff

The Residents Club believes the board must take immediate and unequivocal action against residents who engage in abusive, disrespectful, or malicious behavior toward condo employees. Instead of issuing vague or blanket statements to the entire community—most of whom conduct themselves with civility—there must be a firm and targeted response to those who behave disgracefully. In our view, there is no better time to allocate resources for legal intervention. Any resident who demeans staff should be served a stern, unequivocal legal notice explicitly stating that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Anything less is a failure to uphold the integrity and respect that our community and its employees deserve.  The board assumes that all residents read their emails, but clearly, this is not the case. Dog walkers who believe they don't have to pick up their dogs’ waste do not read the email notices. Similarly, residents who disrespect employees probably do not read important community communications either.

Chalk it up to the Residents Club of Estates ll ! 

Finally Board Member Fanuka is shamed into placing his Port a Potty out of view of residents and quests.  The standards at Estates ll has been compromised by a board who doesn’t understand condo living.

IMMORAL and CRUEL

Poor Henry. The board clobbered the residents over their collective heads to donate to Henry's get-well fund after he injured himself on the job.  Residents were very happy to see Henry return to work, only to be shocked when he was let go mere days after his triumphant return.  

The board of Estates II has demonstrated blatant immorality and cruelty. Not only did they unceremoniously fire Henry after they passionately asked residents to donate to his recovery fund, but they are also now blocking him from earning the income he desperately needs by banning him from the Estates ll property where he conducts private work for residents. This harsh and unjust action denies Henry his right to earn a living and shows a complete disregard for his well-being.  

Alan Rothenberg and Cindy Davidowitz are at it again. Their actions reveal not only a lack of compassion but also blatant hypocrisy. When a maximum security guard sued the condo, they had no hesitation in reinstating that firm as security for Estates II. Similarly, after a TCM employee sued the condo, they continued to work with TCM without issue. Yet, our former maintenance man, Henry, is barred from even entering the property—a man who desperately needs to earn income now more than ever, especially after being fired by the board. The same pattern occurred with Martin, who was let go after decades of dedicated service and has since disappeared from the community. Alan and Cindy's double standards are unjust and shameful.

The Residents Club firmly believes that the board does not have the legal authority to prevent homeowners from having visitors to their own properties. The board cannot dictate who may or may not come to a homeowner's residence. This is an unjust violation of rights and an atrocity that must not be tolerated.

We urge everyone to stand up against this injustice. Do not accept this cruelty—support Henry and demand that the board be held accountable for their actions.

The board did the very same thing to Ruby, who had been cleaning the clubhouse for years. Ruby patiently waited for the clubhouse to reopen, only to be fired immediately after it did.

Stephen Fanuka Shame On You

Just when you thought the days of Estates II residents having to endure the sight of a port-a-potty were behind them—think again. Thanks to Stephen Fanuka, the port-a-potty has made an unwelcome return and this time it's on Bluebird. While board member Stephen Fanuka isn’t the first resident to remodel a home, he is the first to install an outdoor toilet for all to see. Thanks for nothing, board member Fanuka.

Alan Rothenberg harasses residents minding their own business with their children using a ball machine on the tennis court but Fanuka can do as he pleases in the middle of the neighborhood.

Board member Stephen Fanuka blatantly abuses his board position highlighting a double standard. While regular residents are forced to remove attractive benches from common areas and temporary "Manhasset team spirit" signs from school events, his contractors work well past the allowed hours that everyone else must comply with. He leaves his garage door wide open, subjecting the entire community to his mess—including his dumpster—and to make matters worse, his outdoor toilet. 

To every Estates II resident who has been ordered to remove planters and benches: we suggest you replace those items with an outdoor toilet if that’s what it takes to match Fanuka and the board’s blatant hypocrisy. This has gone on long enough. Enough of the double standards.

How much of the $1200 assessment has been allocated towards the lower level? When will the construction begin?

Past Board Members, a Village Official & a CPA Step Up-Offer To Fill Vacant Board Seat. BOARD SAYS NO! It’s a Power Grab and Double Standard. Board Says They Want 8 Seats Instead of 9. 

Having a village official step up and serve on the board is a good thing. If any board needs a CPA it the Estates ll board who has lost control of the finances. What are they afraid of ?  They should welcome resident participation. Is another set of eyes troubling to this board? Marilyn didn't even have the decency to run for the board! She’s part of that shady, secretive group and will always protect their secrets. Her so-called "reward" was a special appointment—something no one else has ever seen before. 

It’s a power grab and double standard. Now they are pushing to have 8 seats instead of allowing qualified candidates to step in. This is an unjust obstruction of community representation!  They want to control it all. They count election votes behind a closed door; appoint Marilyn Friedlander so she can manipulate the information residents receive; use an outdated voter log to pad votes with candidates they chose and now change the standard 9 people board to 8, when they should accept resident's offer to serve the community. Why did the board appoint Stephen Fanuka to Zaken's seat after his resignation? If having only eight board members is acceptable, what was the purpose? Was Fanuka perceived as a rubber stamp vote? The board’s actions clearly demonstrate bad faith toward the residents. They refuse to allow residents to step up and fill the open board seat, revealing their true intent: control. This is about power and keeping secrets, pure and simple. The same board that expected residents to be patient during the delayed clubhouse opening, fails to distribute the yearly financials on time, had a budget meeting without any treasurer present or a proper budget, yet they impose strict deadlines on residents for submitting their candidacies—showing a blatant double standard. Their mean-spirited, controlling behavior is the exact opposite of what a community board should represent. Make no mistake: residents will push back aggressively against this injustice. The time for complacency is over. This Stinks!

       Estates II is in a State of Managed Decline

Things aren’t improving; they’re deteriorating. When improvements cease and problems persist, a community enters a state of decline. Take, for example, the exit gate—once operating at standard speed—that has now been replaced with a gate that opens at a sluggish pace. This is one illustration of managed decline: when new replacements are inferior to the old, and no one in charge seems to be addressing the issue. 

The lawn, once lush and beautiful, has become bare and patchy, with visible track marks from heavy mowers that trample and destroy the grass when it’s too wet and saturated for proper maintenance—a sign that maintenance is not only inadequate but damaging. Managed decline is characterized by neglect: no solutions are offered, only gaslighting from those in authority who insist everything looks fine. According to the emails sent out by management, the only problems are those created by residents themselves—"drive slower" and "pick up your dog’s poo.”

The community is slipping further into disrepair. Walkways are overgrown with green slim, siding is filthy, and the lawn continues to deteriorate year after year. While lawnmowers continue to destroy the grass the board dismisses these issues, insisting the landscaper is doing a “great job.” If the board shows little concern for the maintenance and appearance of the community, why should residents care? Why not leave dog waste everywhere?

This cycle of neglect prompts a question: which came first—the chicken or the egg? The decline or the attitude? Residents often mirror the state of their environment. A person walking their dog in a beautiful neighborhood would never leave their pet’s waste on the ground. Yet, the presence of dog poo becomes a reflection of how residents perceive the board’s treatment of them—and by extension, the neighborhood itself. 

The condo’s condition mirrors this neglect. The lawn worsens each year, and instead of improvements, the landscapers’ heavy-handed mowing keeps damaging what was once a lush landscape.

The board refuses to acknowledge maintenance issues beyond those outside their control. Residents question why a new, more affordable landscaper isn’t hired, or why the current one isn’t simply instructed to stop damaging the lawn.  

All residents seem to hear about is “pick up the dog poo,” yet some dog walkers refuse. Are they sending a silent message to the board? 

The overall situation suggests that Estates II is in a slow but steady decline— neglect and poor management have become the norm along with a disconnect between leadership and residents. This will only continue—unless residents demand accountability and meaningful change.

Elections, When Candidates Lie &The Importance of Open Board Meetings

Last year, during "Meet the Candidates Night," candidate Alan Rothenberg, past V.P. , who is now President of the Board, publicly expressed support for returning to the long-standing tradition of open board meetings. However, he has since changed his stance and now advocates for maintaining the closed-door meetings. This is no surprise because it was Alan’s original idea to end transparency. However, to gain re-election Alan told the audience what they wanted to hear.

At last year's candidate event, every candidate explicitly stated they supported open board meetings. If we take their words at face value, that’s three solid votes in favor of transparency or was it three solid lies. 

Recently, Steven Fanuka voiced concerns about publishing how board members vote on condo issues in the newsletter, citing worries that residents might become upset with certain decisions. If a board member fears scrutiny or disapproval from residents, they lack the constitution needed to serve effectively. Transparency isn’t just about transparency; it’s about accountability. If a board member isn’t willing to defend their votes openly and confidently, they shouldn’t be on the board.

Hiding from residents only breeds distrust. The last election demonstrated that some candidates may distort the truth to win votes. That’s why sunlight remains the best disinfectant—allowing residents to see the real character and intentions of their representatives in real time during board meetings. This transparency empowers residents to make informed decisions about re-electing board members three years down the line.

In conclusion, because dishonesty can occur during candidacy and elections, maintaining open board meetings is essential. It ensures truth prevails over deception and fosters a community built on accountability and trust.

Coincidence? We think not.

The board would have you believe that the incidents below are mere happenstance. At the current Homeowners meeting Daniella claimed that the reason the large pothole on Aire Court remained unaddressed for eleven months was because the contractor responsible for all driveway repairs at Estates II—who has been the go-to for decades and benefits financially—claimed they lacked the time to fix it.

This situation reveals two critical issues: First, that the board appears to be beholden to the same contractors for reasons we can all suspect. Second, that they have demonstrated incompetence by allowing these contractors to dictate terms and control the timeline for repairs.

Would you tolerate such neglect in your own home? Would you leave a problem unresolved for nearly a year, or would you simply hire another contractor to get the job done promptly? Residents should not be held hostage by the board of managers -begging for maintenance. 

Picture posted Friday July 18, 2025              Repaired  Monday morning, July 21, 2025

TRUE or FALSE

Attorney Justin Buchel of Schneider-Buchel who stated at the homeowner's meeting -why was he even there when 2 board members are attorneys- that most off the information on the Residents Club website is not True, was caught over billing Estates ll in the tune of $10,000. 

Over billing by a law firm represents a grave ethical breach. It erodes client trust and can lead to severe legal and disciplinary actions against the firm. Such misconduct not only damages the firm's reputation but also highlights the critical need for strict adherence to ethical billing standards.

TRUE or FALSE 

True or False: All long-standing traditions at Estates II—like open board meetings, sharing full board minutes, easy access to condo info., resident phone directory, meetings that did not require the attendance & expense of outside counsel and the formation of committees—ALL ended six years ago.  And on election night the votes were counted out in the public. Sunlight has been replaced with darkness.

                 

 Alan Rothenberg President               Cindy Davidowitz V.P. 

ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CREATION OF THE RESIDENTS CLUB  

Alan and Cindy started it all when they denied residents access to board meetings they were accustomed to attending, while simultaneously refusing to allow residents to review the minutes from those meetings—documents they traditionally received in their mailboxes each month. They are responsible for dismantling the landscaping committee, security committee, future planning committee and other committees that encouraged resident involvement in Estates II.  Additionally, they demand that board members keep information secret from residents (Code of Conduct). As a result of all this, the Residents Club was created. It was a lot more fun in Estates ll before Alan and Cindy.

TRUE or FALSE

True or False: In the last election, the board used an outdated voter log and doctored the first page to make it look like a current 2024 voter log. The decision to utilize a 2021 voter log, which had not been updated to reflect all current homeowners in Estates II, appears a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the voting process. During the counting process, Cindy Davidowitz stood guard outside the closed door of the manager's office; a resident asked Cindy if they could watch the vote count and was told "No."

TRUE or FALSE

The board illegally takes $15,000 from Condo funds to spend on parties.

This picture posted Friday July 18, 2025              Repair took place  Monday, July 21, 2025

No mention of any attempts to have the pot hole repaired in any of the news letters during the 11 months it sat in disrepair

NEGLECT: PICTURES DON'T LIE

#159 August 29, 2025  Sidewalk should never get this dirty. This is a maintenance issue.

Update on the Failed Address Lights Project

After more than 3 years in the working, and after the Board blatantly lied in their June News Letter   -claiming only 4 homes remained without their addresses lit up, as of last night, August 28, 2025, the address lights project remains incomplete. There are still 10 address lights outstanding, including one at the residence of Board Member Stephen Fanuka. Additionally, across all homes that have had their address lights installed, a total of 28 lights are broken and in need of repair.  This project was initiated with safety as its primary goal, and these ongoing issues compromise that intent. Immediate action is required by the board  to complete the installation and repairs to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

TRUE or FALSE

True or False: For the first time in Estates II history, a port-a-potty has been placed on the property of a home under renovation. Over the years, many residents have renovated their homes without resorting to such an eyesore, demonstrating a standard of decency and respect for the neighborhood. What makes this situation even more unacceptable is that the port-a-potty belongs to board member and builder Stephen Fanuka. How is this permissible? This unsightly structure should be hidden from view, as it reflects poorly on the resident responsible. Subjecting neighbors to such a low-class sight is unacceptable. It is believed that this property will serve as the new residence of board member Fanuka, who was able to acquire it after the previous owner passed away, before anyone else was aware of its availability. Could his position on the board have provided him with privileged information that the rest of the community was not privy to?  

OCTOBER 2023 ADA BATHROOM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONFIDENTIAL March 2023  RENOVATION SCOPE & BUDGET

ADA BATHROOM: MORE LIES

The yellow paper below was distributed to residents during the clubhouse renovation meeting in October 2023. It states that the only cost for the bathroom is $250 for toilet seat covers. In contrast, the confidential paper for board use indicates that in March 2023, the board allocated $48,000 for an ADA-compliant bathroom. It looks like the board cut the ADA bathroom out of the budget so they could spend an obscene amount on fees & commissions for their vanity project. It appears the board neglected their responsibility to provide a safe, ADA-compliant public space in favor of creating a lavish, country club-style clubhouse.

The board later blamed the building inspector for insisting that the bathroom be made ADA compliant, using this as a reason to assess the residents and delay the public opening. In reality, the board was aware that the bathroom should have been modified to meet ADA standards, as reflected in the original scope and budget in March 2023.

 Bring Back Refinement & Excellence to Estates ll

ALAN ROTHENBERG'S COMMON AREA          NON BOARD MEMBER COMMON AREA

CINDY DAVIDOWITZ RECEIVED NEW LANDSCAPING AFTER BECOMING PRESIDENT

 Alan Rothenberg, Rick Saccullo, and Cindy Davidowitz, as former and current Presidents and Vice Presidents, excluded residents from board meetings they once could attend, blocked access to minutes that were previously distributed monthly, and moved condo records to Belmore—all in an effort to hide information and prevent residents from accessing records kept in outdated paper format. Alan, Cindy, and Rick's quality of life at Estates II improved when they joined the board. Did yours? These three residents' actions ultimately made things much worse for the residents of Estates II. See pictures below…

MAINTENANCE IS NOT A FAVOR

Maintenance is not a favor; it is a fundamental obligation of the Estates ll Board. Residents should not have to repeatedly request repairs, cleaning, or maintenance in the common areas of the condominium. Unfortunately, at Estates II, maintenance has been perceived as a discretionary service rather than an essential component of the management’s responsibilities.  Making matters worse, board member homes are pristine compared to the majority of homes in Estates ll.

Many of the issues that residents raise—such as overgrown trees, rusty gates, damaged bricks, dirty siding, and dirty or damaged concrete walkways—should be addressed proactively without residents having to make specific requests.  Management must prioritize regular property inspections.  These are basic maintenance tasks that fall under the management’s duty to oversee and maintain the property in a safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing condition.

When a resident reports a repair or issue, the expectation should be clear: once acknowledged, the matter should be promptly scheduled and resolved, with transparent communication about timelines. Simply informing a resident that a repair will be addressed is insufficient; residents deserve assurance that the reported issue will be taken seriously and will be handled in a timely manner. Currently, many residents perceive that their requests are treated as favors or optional, which is fundamentally incorrect and incompatible with proper property management.

It is essential to understand that maintaining a well-kept community is not an act of generosity but a professional responsibility. Residents should not feel grateful when their service requests are honored; rather, they should expect a standard of professional, consistent, and efficient service. Proper oversight involves regular inspections of the property by management—identifying issues such as debris, dirty siding, overgrowth, or damage—so that maintenance needs are addressed proactively, not reactively.

If residents find themselves repeatedly pointing out problems, it indicates a failure on the part of management to effectively monitor and maintain the property. 

In conclusion, maintenance and upkeep are core responsibilities of management, not optional services or favors. 

Dear Estates II Residents,

Please be advised that a flyer being distributed about a Community Meeting is not issued by the Board, because we do not have community meetings. It is from the residents who want you to sign a “proxy ballot “ to remove the current Board so they can improve the quality of life at Estates ll and which is a remedy to the mismanagement of Estates ll according to the bylaws.

Kindly note that any official communication from the Board will always:

• Be printed on official Estates II letterhead and be full of misrepresentations

• Be signed by the Board of Managers  who you will  only meet with twice a year if you're lucky; who shut you out of board meeting you once could attend and who deny you access to the board minutes that were once distributed every month, but “we have nothing to hide.”

If you have any questions or concerns,please come to the Resident meeting this Sunday at the clubhouse that was closed for 19 months that cost you $600,000 please do not hesitate to contact the Management Office where we will do everything in our power to make sure your questions and concerns are never addressed.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Dear Estates II Residents,  

Please be advised that a paper calling itself a “proxy ballot “ has recently been circulating in the community. A piece of paper cannot “call itself” anything. It is an inanimate object. We would like to inform all residents that this “proxy ballot” was not issued by the Board. Very helpful clarification. It would be more helpful if the board would explain how the bylaws allow for a proxy vote to remove any or all of the board of managers. Residents actually have power as shareholders of the condo. 

Kindly note that any official communication from the Board will always: Be self serving propaganda

• Be printed on official Estates II letterhead The self-importance is utterly sickening. Get over yourself!

• Be signed by the Board of Managers who NEED to spend more time on due diligence and fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities to the community. It's interesting how quickly they act to prevent residents from gathering at the clubhouse to discuss Estates II issues, yet they move at a snail’s pace when it comes to properly managing the condo. The board should be actively encouraging community engagement, not stifling it. Enough with the complacency and double standards!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Management Office.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Thank YOU for BRINGING attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

FOOL

"A fool swallows lies as truth and cowers in silence when courage is required to stand against what is wrong."

Board Admits Complete Neglect of Due Diligence in Clubhouse Renovation—Uses 19-Month Closure Crisis as Excuse! Due Diligence Is Non-Negotiable!

July Propaganda coming soon

SCRATCHES ON WOOD FLOORS OPENING DAY

Management Exploits Elderly by Forcing Them to Hire Help for Ivy Removal—A Service Covered by Condo Maintenance Fees

July 24, 2025

The management of our condominium has reached a critical failure point, exposing serious issues of neglect, mismanagement, and deception. The condo board is deliberately misleading residents by falsely claiming that certain maintenance tasks—such as ivy removal—are their personal responsibility. In reality, when ivy grows on common walls, it is the obligation of the condo board and the maintenance team to handle its removal.

 This misinformation has led vulnerable residents, including elderly individuals, to believe they must personally address these issues. As a result, some residents have been tricked into paying for private contractors to remove ivy from shared structures, believing they are acting in accordance with the board’s directives. This is not only a betrayal of trust but also a clear indication of the board’s failure to perform basic maintenance duties.

 Furthermore, the state of our common areas—such as gutters   overrun with ivy—speaks volumes about the extent of neglect. These issues could have been prevented through proper oversight and regular maintenance. Instead, years of mismanagement have allowed such deterioration to fester, creating unsafe and unsightly conditions that should have been addressed long ago.

Residents are paying substantial monthly maintenance fees with the expectation that these funds are allocated toward the proper upkeep of the community. Instead, the board's misleading tactics and evident neglect have left residents with a degraded environment and a false sense of financial security. It is imperative that the condo board takes immediate responsibility for the maintenance of common areas without further deception or delay.

What No Management Looks Like       

 July 22, 2025 Debris has been on driveway for days

RESIDENTS CLUB GET’S IT DONE!  

President Alan Rothenberg Shamed Into Fixing 11 month old Pot Hole in 1 day -While Daniella is Vacationing. Who is overseeing the job. Where is TCM? If you want the community to be properly managed then you must vote for the new board.

Monday, July 21, 2025  

There is no legitimate "list" 

The so-called list for repairs is nothing but a lie—a deliberate stall tactic designed to deceive. The board does nothing to pressure management into actually maintaining the property; they’ve abdicated their fiduciary duty entirely. That nine-foot pothole has been on a "fake" list for over 11 months—yet management refuses to fix it, leaving residents to navigate a hazard that should have been addressed immediately. When a deep, dangerous pothole sits in front of a resident’s driveway for one year, it’s clear there’s no management—just neglect. The board and management are utterly inconsiderate, unprofessional, and lazy. Their lack of due care and fiduciary responsibility is blatant and inexcusable; this condo is a perfect example of incompetence and neglect at every level.

At least 6 unsupervised workers   No management on site

July 21, 2025

2 .5 Hours Later

Friday, July 18,2025

$ SECRETS AND LIES $

We must ask every board member to disclose exactly how much of your money has been spent on the clubhouse. If they claim they do not know, ask them why they are uninformed. They are provided monthly financials by TCM. Aren't they curious? Does Stefani Michele the treasurer know? Does Debbie Resnick know? These resident board members are unserious and unprofessional if they cannot provide a clear account of the expenditures so far -off the top of their heads. Residents should be able to ask a board member standing in the street or inside the clubhouse how much money was spent on the clubhouse and they should all be able to answer the question. Board members should have expected this question upon reopening of clubhouse. 

When asked about the clubhouse expenses, Alan Rothenberg, board president, claimed he did not know due to ongoing payments. Based on past records, the Residents Club estimates total cost is approximately $600,000—$300,000 original cost, $200,000 assessment, and an estimated $100,000 remaining balance.  Hopefully we will soon see how close our guess is.   

READ CLUBHOUSE BOONDOGGLE 

Dear Residents,              

After 18 months without an onsite manager, we would like to ask: what kind of board chooses to send the onsite manager on vacation during the first week the clubhouse reopens? We value your feedback and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on this matter.  See you at the clubhouse!

Thank you for your input.

How Groupthink and Mob Mentality on the Board Undermines Community Trust and Progress

Article In Pages…

Friday, July 18,2025

The Board’s Big Middle Finger

Turning Their Backs to Residents 

The Board neglects our homes, our landscaping, our facilities and our requests for repairs. Only Board members and their friends receive the White Glove Treatment.  Everyone else goes on “the List”.

President Alan Rothenberg on his daily walk on Aerie Court.  He refuses to fix the 9 -foot pothole he passes every day which is in front of 31 Aerie Ct.  Many residents have been complaining about this 9-foot x 4- foot pothole for almost one full-year !  Not only does the president walk past this every day, but Board Members Stephanie Michel, Alan Rothenberg, Marcia Cooper and Marilyn Friedlander live on Aerie Court and drive pass it daily.  

The residents on Aerie Ct. will soon thank the Residents Club as the board will likely fix this pothole in a few days after being embarrassed by this article. Board…the clock is ticking…go!

Board Members Enjoy VIP Landscaping Perks Personalized Services for Board Elites While Condo Common Areas Remain Overgrown and Untended Check out the picture of Bluebird Hill below

Maintenance personnel are being compelled to provide personalized landscaping services exclusively for past and present board members, despite the ongoing deterioration of your properties. This preferential treatment was on full display on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Eagles Crescent and Nightingale Court, where Estates II maintenance staff performed landscaping tasks specifically for board members—both current and former. These services are the kind that should be available to all residents, should be part of the landscaping contract, (we certainly pay the landscapers enough) and should be part of the standard maintenance for the entire condominium. Meanwhile, your properties are neglected, with overgrown trees, weeds, and untrimmed bushes, highlighting the unfair disparity in service.

RICK SACULLO'S CONDO

SOME OF THE DEBRIS CLEANED UP FROM SACULLO'S PROPERTY. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE THIS SERVICE?

No Board Members Live on Bluebird and It Shows

What the Filthy Pool Reveals About the Condo 

A dirty pool is more than just an eyesore; it’s a stark reflection of how our condo is being managed—or, more accurately, how it isn’t. When residents see the pool’s steps and floor covered in grime, it signals a deeper issue: a lack of accountability and clear oversight from those responsible for maintenance.

Recently, lifeguards admitted they have received no instructions to clean the pool’s steps and bottom. This raises a crucial question: do we even have effective management? If the staff is left without guidance, it suggests a breakdown in communication and responsibility at the management level. How can residents expect a clean and safe environment when the people tasked with upkeep are left in the dark?

The consequences are unacceptable. Residents are forced to endure unsanitary conditions, and thats before they step into the port- a-potties. This situation is a clear indication of a disregard for residents' well-being.

Ultimately, residents get the management they tolerate. If we accept dirty pools and out door toilets we signal that such standards are acceptable. It’s time to demand more from the board and management. Our community deserves better—clean, safe, and well-maintained amenities are a fundamental part of that. We must stand united and push for the changes necessary to restore pride and hygiene to our condo.

Eighteen-Month Ordeal: 
Exposing Some of the Lies About the Piecemeal Half a Million Dollar Clubhouse Renovation

Residents were misled numerous times throughout this prolonged process. 

Permitting Delays: Despite the board claiming the renovation didn’t require a permit, delays persisted due to permitting issues. 

Ignored Village Approved Plans: Delay due to board's failure to follow the architectural plans
Bathroom Non-Compliance: A delay was caused by boards failure to make the bathroom ADA compliant .
Garage Step Omission: In August 2024, the board failed the inspection because a necessary step in the garage was overlooked, even though it was in the architects plans.
Missing Handrail: Delays occurred due to a missing handrail that was in the architectural plans. 
Fire Alarm Relocation: Tensions arose when the fire alarm was relocated. The board falsely claimed they did not move it, but new sheetrock revealed otherwise.
Permit Oversight: The delay was compounded by the failure to apply for a permit to relocate the fire alarm.
Fire Alarm Replacement: Ultimately, it became clear that a complete new fire alarm system was needed, adding further delays.

This saga highlights only some the misinformation and mismanagement that residents have endured over the past eighteen months.

New Residents: Welcome to the neighborhood! If you’re wondering where the pool is, don’t worry—We’ve got you covered:

DIRECTIONS TO THE POOL

1. Get yourself to the clubhouse parking lot. Believe it or not there was a time when residents were allowed inside the clubhouse.

2. When you spot the CRIME SCENE tape make a left turn

3. Continue walking until you notice a shipping container on your left and two toilets on your right—that's your cue you're heading in the right direction.

4. Pause and take a moment to read the ever changing endless Tennis Court Rules and Regulations posted on the fence to your left. It’s not as boring as it sounds—promise!

5. Keep going straight until you see a gate. Behind it lies the pool. Don’t bother looking for the required rinse off outdoor shower because there is none, curtesy of the president Alan Rothenberg.

Enjoy your summer

https://www.callahead.com

See for yourselves how the board selected only the bare minimum option—demonstrating their true feelings about the residents they're supposed to serve. It’s clear—they do not care.

Update: The small toilet has been replaced with a new unit that includes a sink. However, the wheelchair-accessible toilet still does not have a sink.

WITHOUT THE SINK                                  WITH THE SINK

Residents Club has Got Hygiene Covered!

Behold The Out Door Sink

Dear Board,  
The Residents Club, in their infinite generosity, has graciously decided to lend a helping hand in keeping the residents sanitary. So, we did some groundbreaking research for you—behold, some outdoor sinks.  
YOUR WELCOME.

CLASSY or TRASHY? 

Breaking News: Estates II Residents Celebrate New "Luxury" Amenity—Introducing the Poolside Toilet! 

Oh joy. It just keeps getting better for the residents of Estates II, doesn’t it? As if having an eyesore—a hideous shipping container—plopped right in front of the clubhouse wasn’t bad enough, now the poor residents are forced to look at the pool toilet. The port-a-potty has returned. Who would have ever imagined the return of the unthinkable. That’s right, folks— that gray monstrosity is where you’re supposed to relieve yourselves this summer. There are no words strong enough to express our complete and utter fall from grace. Can you imagine stepping into that grimy, stifling box on a hot day just to use the plastic toilet? We can only assume the board believes handwashing is optional, since they have failed to provide a sink to use after entering this delightful germ-filled plastic fortress. If all this makes you uncomfortable, then take our advice—relax in the pool instead. Chlorine is your friend and will keep things fresh and clean. This is an insult and a slap in the face to everyone living here. Say a prayer for the suffering residents of Estates II because they are going to need all the help they can get. 

Rest In Peace 

A tragedy has unfolded in our community, as a beloved young cat has been killed—an act seemingly motivated by hostility toward those who care for and love these animals. The unsettling pattern of aggression against the cats residing near Eagles Crescent has become increasingly alarming, centered around one individual known for their animosity towards these gentle creatures.

Initially, this person targeted the compassionate residents who selflessly provided for the welfare of the cats. The campaign of terror quickly escalated, beginning with harassment of the caregivers and culminating in a series of increasingly depraved actions. This individual spread dog feces in the designated feeding areas, creating an environment of fear and contempt. This was soon followed by the malicious use of rose thorn branches to intentionally harm the cats, placing them around feeding spots to inflict physical injury on any animals that ventured near. The threat extended further with thorny branches woven into the fence between Estates II & the Hamlet Estates, a deliberate attempt to inflict pain on any cat attempting to navigate this barrier.

Despite these cruel efforts, the commitment of the residents to the welfare of the cats remained unwavering. However, it is devastating to report that beloved cats are now mysteriously disappearing from the area. The tragic culmination of these acts of cruelty was the discovery of this young female cat, found deceased in the water well at 120 Eagles Crescent.

If you are caring for a cat in this vicinity and notice it has gone missing, we urge you to report the situation by calling 311. They will connect you with the detective responsible for investigating ASPCA-related incidents. Together, we must stand against this brutality and work to protect the animals who rely on our compassion and care.

It's Time to Sign the Proxy for a Better Estates II

Embracing Change: The Battle Against the Status Quo

As the temperatures gradually rise, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture: it is now time to endorse the proxy. The dip in temperatures has unfortunately hindered the timely distribution of the proxies pertaining to the change of governance of Estates II. The Residents Club sincerely encourages all Estates ll residents to embrace this initiative with a spirit of respect, open-mindedness, and collaboration.

Many residents are dedicating their valuable free time to this initiative, walking throughout the neighborhood to gather signatures with the intention of fostering a more efficient governance structure. Their commitment reflects a collective desire to see our community thrive by ensuring that the funds we all contribute are allocated wisely and effectively.

As you encounter these dedicated individuals, it's important to recognize that they are not merely collecting signatures; they are advocating for positive change within Estates II. The recent history of governance has raised several concerns among residents, including closed board meetings, a lack of transparency regarding residents' access to board minutes, and the questionable management of costly clubhouse renovations. Additionally, troubling patterns of mismanaged budgets and unprofessional budget meetings—where questions went unanswered due to the absence of the treasurers—have raised alarm bells throughout our community. These issues signal a concerning trend that may lead Estates II down an undesirable path if not addressed promptly.

PAST BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY SIGNED THE PROXY!

A number of residents have already stepped forward, demonstrating their eagerness to support this movement by signing the proxy. Their actions reflect a growing momentum that could propel us toward a more accountable and responsive leadership. This is a most opportune time for every resident to make their voice heard and participate actively in the decision-making processes that influence our community.

By standing together and supporting the proxy, we can work collectively toward ensuring that our community is governed satisfactorily and that our funds are spent prudently. Let us not forget: our home is not just a place to live, but a community to nurture, improve, and protect. As we approach this new chapter in Estates II, let’s seize the opportunity to make it a brighter one for all residents. Together, we can look forward to ushering in an era of transparency, efficiency, and communal harmony.

Ultimately, the proxy vote represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Estates II.

Estates II Clubhouse to Reopen: A Victory for Resident Advocacy

CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS.  Residents of Estates II, your persistence and collective efforts have finally paid off. After more than a year, the board has finally sprung into action and is actively working towards reopening the clubhouse, just in time for the Spring and Summer season. Your phone calls to the Village of North Hills sent a strong message, and it's a testament to the power of community voices coming together. Although a temporary Certificate of Occupancy was always an option, it took your unified efforts to prompt the board to take action. So, take a well-deserved bow and give yourselves a round of applause - your dedication has brought about real change, and you should be proud of what you've accomplished. Get ready to enjoy your clubhouse once again, thanks to your hard work and determination.

RESIDENTS TURN UP THE HEAT

Pressure From Residents Forcing Board to Take Action

$600,000 Clubhouse Renovation Has Residents Outraged 

March 30, 2025

After a year and a half of overspending, assessing residents, and completely mismanaging the renovation of the clubhouse, the Board which is under tremendous pressure from residents, is finally taking action.  

Without an operational clubhouse, residents and their guests have endured the inconvenience of a poorly maintained, unsanitary porta-potty while using the pool, tennis, and sports facilities throughout the Spring and Summer of 2024. They have also had to forfeit access to their gym and clubhouse amenities. As we approach the Spring and Summer seasons of 2025, the Board is finally seeking solutions to reopen the clubhouse and restore essential services to the community.

The Board’s original, estimated 90-day project, undertaken without any input from residents, turned out to be a year and a half (and still counting) catastrophe due to the Board’s mishandling of the process, lying to the Nassau County Fire Marshal and the North Hills village inspector, and the Board’s lack of critical thinking and resourcefulness.

Here at the Residents Club, we have received countless emails from residents asking when the clubhouse will reopen.  Since the Residents Club is not privy to the Board’s decision-making process, all the Residents Club can do was/is to encourage residents to reach out to the Board, our Property Manager, and the Village of North Hills, who issue Certificates of Occupancies (CO). 

It appears the residents of Estates II have heeded our advice as the Board is under tremendous pressure from frustrated residents who have voiced that they have no confidence in our Board of Managers. Countless calls were made to Board members, the Village, and our property manager, urging the board to resolve what is a major inconvenience to residents and the ultimate embarrassment to the Board.

In the coming days you will likely hear from the board that the clubhouse will soon reopen. It should be noted that the clubhouse still needs a new fire alarm system covering the upper and lower levels of the clubhouse before it opens.  Architectural plans for the fire alarm system have to be prepared, presented, and approved by the Nassau County Fire Marshal before the fire alarm system is installed. Once installed, the fire alarm system must pass a final inspection by the Fire Marshal and then a sign-off by the Village of North Hills building inspector.  With the fire alarm system, the upper-level clubhouse renovation will cost Estates II close to $600,000 –more than double the $288,000 budget the Board presented to the community 18 months ago. 

Additionally, If you recall, residents were promised a complete renovation of the lower level in a “Phase 2” renovation once the upstairs is completed.  The Phase 2 renovation of the lower level with all new saunas, showers, and gym, promised by Rick Saccullo and Alan Rothenberg, will necessitate a second major assessment of residents. 

Based on the overspending and complete mismanagement of the clubhouse renovation so far, THE RESIDENTS CLUB IS HEREBY URGING THE BOARD TO RECONSIDER THE PHASE 2 RENOVATION PROJECT.  

It is important to highlight that the entire board regularly visits the Residents Club website several times a week, although they may not publicly acknowledge this fact. A thorough review of the Residents Club's request to remove snow plows from the parking lot, repair long-neglected cobblestones, and implement numerous other enhancements to Estates II reveals that many of these initiatives were first documented on the Residents Club website. The Board’s newsletters further corroborate that they utilize the website as a valuable resource, as many topics discussed are subsequently addressed by the board.

For instance, the Residents Club raised concerns regarding non-residents participating in private tennis lessons with an uninsured instructor, and the board swiftly acted on this feedback. As a result, there will not be any tennis lessons offered.  Pickleball is now allowed for residents only and the pickleball instructor is properly insured. This evidence strongly indicates that the board's actions are often a direct response to the articles and opinions shared by the Residents Club, underscoring the importance of resident input in shaping community policies.

Our suggestion is that you, the Board,  work with the Village and the Fire Marshal so residents can have the use of acceptable bathrooms this season and, finally, access to our clubhouse. 

A clubhouse renovation assessment of over $200,000, a yearly increase in common charges and a project that is now approaching $600,000, we beg you, please do not undertake Phase 2 of the clubhouse renovation. You have proven you simply do not have the ability to manage a project such as this. 

And, residents, kudos to you for stepping up and demanding more from our Board of Managers! Now if we could get them to tell us the truth once in a while that would be be a truly remarkable accomplishment.

It’s not your lack of resources that causes your failure, it’s your lack of resourcefulness that causes you to fail!     Tony Robbins

Call for Community Meeting: Discussing the Manhasset Crest Legal Dispute with Toll Brothers - Potential Costs to Residents Exceed $98,000, Including Denied $65,000 Offer  by Toll Brothers.

Dear Board Members,

We respectfully request a comprehensive and detailed presentation regarding the settled legal situation surrounding the Toll Brothers Manhasset Crest development. This matter is of significant concern to our community, and it is essential that we fully understand the implications and outcomes of this dispute.

To facilitate a thorough understanding, we would appreciate if you could address the following specific points during your presentation:

1. Scope of the Dispute: Please provide a detailed account of how much land was involved in the legal dispute. Clarification on the specific boundaries and the areas affected would be helpful.

2. Impact on Homeowners: How many homes were impacted by this dispute? A breakdown of affected properties, including a brief overview of the conditions these residents have faced, would be beneficial.

3. Fence Placement: A crucial aspect of this dispute is the location of the fence. We request a detailed comparison of where the fence was originally intended to be placed by Toll Brothers versus its current location. Visual representations, including diagrams and photographs, will greatly enhance our understanding of the situation.

4. Community Visuals: If possible, please include pictures that illustrate the backyards of the homeowners who were affected—showing both their current state and how they would have appeared had the fence been placed according to the original plan. This visual context will help us grasp the real impact on those residents.

5. Financial Overview: At the conclusion of the meeting, we would like a clear breakdown of the total funds expended to achieve the current placement of the fence compared to what the financial outlay would have been if Toll Brothers had completed the project as originally proposed. It is essential for us to understand how resident funds have been utilized in this process.

6. Justification of Expenses: It is crucial that the board articulates the reasoning behind these expenditures, emphasizing how they align with the best interests of the community. Providing evidence of the long-term benefits and rationale for this investment will help reassure residents that this was a prudent use of our collective funds.  What happened to the $65,000 Toll Borthers originally offered Estates ll.

This presentation is vital for ensuring that all residents are fully informed and can engage meaningfully with the board on these pressing issues. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your detailed insights.

Thank you for your commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Board of Managers Misses Opportunity to Enhance Community Experience by Overlooking Temporary CO for Clubhouse Access

Estates I has been operating with a temporary CO for ages, allowing them to fully utilize their clubhouse. So why on earth hasn’t the Estates II board of managers taken the initiative to apply for a temporary CO? It’s beyond frustrating to see such a lack of action while residents are left in the dark for over one year!

A "temporary CO" can refer to a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a document issued by a local government agency or building department that certifies a building's compliance with zoning laws and building codes, and indicates that it is safe for occupancy.

A temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued when a building is deemed safe for use, but there are still some outstanding issues or incomplete work that need to be addressed. This allows occupants to use the space legally while the remaining work is finished. The temporary CO typically has an expiration date, and the building owner will need to meet all requirements and obtain a permanent CO before that date expires.

As Mentioned in the March News Letter:

TOP 10 EXPENSE CATEGORIES: LEGAL FEES $36,721

According to the March 2025 newsletter, we are now facing additional legal costs due to the Toll Brothers fence agreement! This includes charges from MONTHS in 2024 that have NOT BEEN BILLED! Seriously, has anyone reading this website ever encountered a law firm that doesn’t bill in real time? This is nothing short of SHADY and reeks of SUSPICION! It raises serious questions about ETHICS at best—this is downright deceitful to the residents at worst! We deserve transparency, not dishonesty! This is an insult to all of us!

The first page beneath the Home page features a PDF file of the actual voter log used in the last election. This document provides you with the opportunity to assess the integrity and fairness of the election for yourself. During the counting process, Cindy Davidowitz stood guard outside the closed door of the manager's office; a resident asked Cindy if they could watch the vote count and was told "No."

Suspicious Activity:

1. The board allocated condo funds to hire outsiders for the vote-counting process, conducted in private, raising concerns about transparency.

2. The decision to utilize a 2021 voter log, which had not been updated to reflect all current homeowners in Estates II, appears a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the voting process.

None of these people live here but it appears they voted in the 2024 election

To The Estates ll Community:

Oh, bless their hearts! The board has once again mastered the craft of completely missing the point. Do they really think the residents are just nursing their post-election disappointment, instead of genuinely wanting a condominium that doesn’t feel like a circus run by clowns? Who wouldn’t love a budget that’s been revised twice and still manages to include expenses that are about as legal as a three-legged race at the Olympics? And let’s not forget that budget meeting where the treasurers pulled a classic Houdini act, while  making funds disappear faster than popcorn at a blockbuster. Meanwhile, the clubhouse has been self-declared a no-fun zone for over a year—definitely just the residents being sore losers, right? It couldn’t possibly be that they’re just a tad miffed about the state of their home sweet home!

Let’s not kid ourselves. The real reason so many residents jumped at the chance to join the board in 2024 is because they were tired of watching this condo spiral down the rabbit hole! They can't honestly think that residents are grumbling about a desire for a better-run condo because of a little thing called "sour grapes" after an election. If our esteemed board had even the slightest clue about fiscal responsibility or management, we are pretty sure a group of residents would not take on the hard work involved to replace them.

And speaking of 2024 elections, what a stroke of genius to waste money by hiring folks to count a simple condo vote behind closed doors! Nothing screams “transparency” like a secret vote count right? Let’s also highlight their genius move of using the outdated 2021 voter log for the 2024 election!. Not suspicious at all...

We’ll be posting that old voter log for everyone to gawk at. So go ahead and check if your ballot was checked off and actually counted. Check to see if your address still has the old owners names attached to it.  

Spoiler alert: Honest election or not, it's clear as day—the residents are ready for a change. Wake up, board! The sound you hear is the ticking clock of our collective patience. At the end of the day, whether it was a fair election or an elaborate game of charades, the residents are waving a big, bright flag saying: We want change!" But hey, keep up the good work, board. You really are the gift that keeps on giving. 

Board's Lies and Deceit

EXPOSED!

Over the last few years, we have witnessed our monthly dues going up after every budget meeting. For the past two years we have also been hit with several assessments—with more to come!

Estates II residents are like cattle going to the slaughterhouse. Each year the Board presents the community with a budget from which they use to raise our common charges while also burdening residents with what now seems like annual assessments.

So, who are we entrusting our money with and how do they actually spend it?

By way of one example, on the 2025 budget, the Board increased the legal expense category by a whopping $50,000!  

                                                                                              LEGAL FEES ON 2025 BUDGET

When questioned by the residents at the December budget meeting about the increase, the Board told the community that the 500% increase in budgeted legal fees was due to potential legal costs the Condo would have to expend to fight Toll Brothers (Manhasset Crest) in a land dispute.  At the same meeting, however, the Board announced that the negotiations were going well and that the dispute would likely be settled in the coming weeks.

In the February Estates II Newsletter, just a few weeks later, the Board proudly announced that the land dispute had, in fact, been settled.

While this is all well and good, WHERE IS OUR MONEY??

Since the extra $50,000 in budgeted legal expenses were not needed to fight a lawsuit with Toll Brothers, where is that $50,000 now???  Is the Board going to reduce our common charges by $50,000 over the remainder of the year??

What likely is the case is that at the time of the budget presentation, the Board knew the case was nearly settled yet burdened the residents with a $50,000 phony line item in an effort to pad the budget to pay for the seriously over budget clubhouse renovation.

Sure enough, the February Estates II Newsletter also disclosed that the Board approved hiring a fire alarm company for the clubhouse “at a cost of $34,250”, while also stating that an architect had been approved. The Board did not disclose the additional architectural costs in the Newsletter.

Additionally at the budget meeting, when Alan Rothenberg, President, was questioned why there was no capital budget being presented, the President outright lied to the community and said, “That's because there will be no capital expenditures in 2025.”

These types of Smoke & Mirror games would be all lost if not for a few concerned residents who are bringing these facts to light and following up on behalf of all the residents

So, who is making the decisions and purposely deceiving the community?

With no disrespect to any of the serving board members, unfortunately, the sad truth is that the Board lacks individuals with the proper financial backgrounds to handle our finances and manage our community.

While the current board members have fine professional backgrounds, none of them have experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial planning.  Additionally, this Board has proven its lack of resourcefulness time and time again as the Newsletters are filled with excuse after excuse of failed and delayed projects along with useless bank account information that discloses nothing about our financial position.

It's long overdue that the Board be filled with individuals with the right skills to handle our Condominium.  The residents are sick of paying for a magic show full of illusions!!  

February News Letter Lacks Contrition and Sincerity

Below is an Excerpt from the Board's Propaganda Page In Response to the Board's Closing Statement

In Conclusion: 

In conclusion, how DARE the board of managers have the audacity to suggest that the community must step up to meet our obligations! Let’s be clear: the community owes NOTHING to the board—it is precisely the other way around. The board and management are mandated to do their jobs, uphold their fiduciary responsibilities, and ensure that we, the residents, receive the amenities we’ve been paying for month after month, without fail!

Even MORE infuriating is the implication that residents should somehow extend our support to the very people who are paid to do the day-to-day work on this clubhouse project. This reveals a shocking and utter lack of respect for the residents! Newsflash: the staff performing these daily tasks are compensated for their efforts, and we are DONE being asked to act as if they are working for free!

We have been assessed to the hilt, faced rising maintenance fees, and have been denied access to the clubhouse for OVER A YEAR! How DARE you act so nonchalantly and cavalierly about our discontent! This level of disregard for the community is unacceptable! 

Message From the Residents Club

We would like to take a moment to reflect seriously on what is happening in our community. Estates ll is in a financial and managerial crisis. We have no doubt even some on the board are aware if we do not have new leadership very soon Estates ll will never recover. Think about what you are experiencing and think about what you are willing to do to make it better in Estates ll.

Board Breaks Record on Slow Motion Decisions

Our illustrious board seems to be allergic to common sense. Just when we thought the board couldn’t possibly make another awful decision that directly impacts our daily lives, they outdo themselves yet again!

We can all see the gate is broken and we all know that the exit gate moves at a pace only slugs and glaciers could envy. In fact, we could probably brew a pot of coffee, read a novel, and still have time to contemplate life before it finally decides to lift. But don’t worry, the Residents Club bravely highlighted this inconvenience, leading the board to actually reach out to the gate company for a solution. And there was a solution and most likely still is a solution. Get ready for it….

The gate company suggested a simple fix: push back the ground sensor so the gate would actually start opening before our cars reached it. Genius, right?  The company that paves our driveways told the board all it would cost is a couple of hundred dollars to dig up some of the asphalt in order to be able to install a new sensor. Sounds good right? 

And how did the board respond when they were presented with this reasonable solution? The astonishing answer was... a big fat NO! Yes, you read that right—turning down an offer of a couple of hundred dollars to fix the problem and save us from our daily ordeal.  Remember when the board told us the gate company stated there was no solution to the slow speed of the arm. That was another board lie. 

So here we are, trapped in our cars waiting for the sluggish gate to lift, some are actually driving into the gate because they assume it will rise up at the same speed as the entry gate. Thank you board! Your incredible decision-making skills have really shone through once again. Every day we get to experience this delightful inconvenience, thanks to your well-crafted choices!  

YOU'RE WELCOME

ANOTHER WAIST OF YOUR MONEY

The lead from behind asleep at the wheel board of managers is clearly guided by the residence club, who have been writing about the damage caused by the excess salt on the driveways and walkways. By 10 AM today, February 26 the entire ground crew was seen blowing and cleaning up the massive amounts of salt originally reported in the residence club. If not for the residents club reporting the unsightly damaging salt would have sat around until mother nature took care of it.  Waisted money and man power on salt that was unnecessarily & improperly laid down and cleaned up. 

Unfortunately for the residents of Estates II our Board of Managers consistently lie to the community all in an effort to hide their mistakes and incompetence.  Never has the Board admitted to any mistakes they have made and while always attempting to deflect the results of the poor decisions they make managing our community. 

For the second time in just a few months the Board lied about the Clubhouse renovation in the community newsletter blaming an anonymous call to the North Hill’s village inspector that resulted in the year long-plus closure of the clubhouse.

To quote the February 2025 Estates II Newsletter:

“The work, already in progress, was stopped by the Village of North Hills after an inquiry from an anonymous individual caused the Estates II file to be examined.”  

The Village inspector found a certificate of occupancy was never issued for the clubhouse and rightfully stopped the renovation. 

Considering the Village Inspector has a fine reputation as being a professional and enforcing the code and rules of the Village of North Hills and the State of New York:

Does the board really expect residents to believe that the village inspector would divulge that an alleged anonymous complaint was received and that is why he looked into the file??   We wonder who on the board the inspector “told”  he received an anonymous complaint.

Pathetically, the Board is more hung up about an alleged anonymous complaint to the village rather than making sure the clubhouse is a safe and compliant space for public assembly. Contrary to the board’s position that if the inspector was never notified though an anonymous complaint [lie], the clubhouse renovation would have been completed by now, the Board should be thankful for the inspector’s diligence and ethics.

The February News Letter states: “ The original scope was limited to a refurbishment project which, although extensive, did not require permits.” 

1- How did the board know the work did not require a permit when the only person who could determine this is the building inspector.

2- If the board asked the building inspector if they needed permits for the extensive work the inspector would have done his due diligence and told the board about the open permits

3- Who told the board they did not need permits? 

4- If the board told the inspector they were putting up sheet rock which meant moving the fire alarm the inspector would have told them they needed permits.

You cannot know and not know at the same time. 

It appears, the Board would rather have a building without a Certificate of Occupancy and an approved fire alarm system, than have a clubhouse for residents that is certified as safe and habitable.

The truth of the Village inspector’s involvement did not stem from an anonymous complaint but rather from the inspector’s own keen eye and professionalism. While performing several home inspections in the Estates, the inspector noticed major construction was going on at the clubhouse and decided to perform a site visit. He subsequently looked in to the village files and found that there were deficiencies including the lack of a certificate of occupancy for the clubhouse.

The Board’s lies about the clubhouse renovation are endless and if residents wish to verify the truth about the situation, the village inspector can be reached at:

[email protected]

Boards Vindictive Fiduciary Failure Leads to Financial Liability: Gate Destroys Car Frame 

Board member Stephanie Michel, an Insurance Adjuster, and Ely Zaken both placed blame on the resident. Meanwhile, Rick Saccullo, despite his role as president and fiduciary responsibility to mitigate legal risks, remained unhelpful in the situation.

A $21,000 Supreme Court lawsuit nets residents $25,000. The entire lawsuit centered around a sum of $3,000 and the board's refusal to engage with the residents they are meant to serve. “No Compromise” is the boards philosophy when dealing with residents. Is it a coincidence that the day before Rick Saccullo was to be deposed the insurance company presented the $25,000 offer?  This situation raises critical questions:  What board secrets was the board worried Sacccullo's deposition would reveal and will the condominium's insurance rates increase as a result? Only time will reveal the implications of this lawsuit.  Story to follow…

Board Blunders Again: Inept Decision to Flood Grounds with Salt at All the Wrong Times as Pavers, Driveways, Plants and Your Dogs Paws Become Casualties. Once Again Vendors Profit as Excessive Salting Leads to Costly Repairs.

Estates ll residents, We invite you to step outside and see for yourself the blue crystals that have intruded upon our community. This unsightly sloppy mess not only detracts from the beauty of our neighborhood but also poses a threat to our roads, driveways, pavers, and landscaping. Moreover, it presents potential harm to our beloved pets.  Step barefooted onto those sharp crystals as see what your dogs are experiencing.

Excessive use of salt for melting snow and ice can cause several types of damage to driveways and walkway pavers, especially when the salt remains on dry ground for extended periods. Some of the main concerns include:

1. Erosion of Pavers: Salt can lead to the degradation of the joint sand between pavers, which may result in loosening or shifting of the pavers over time.

2. Surface Damage: Salt can cause surface scaling or spalling in concrete and stone pavers, leading to a rough texture or flaking surface. This is particularly common in concrete driveways where the salt can seep into micro-cracks.

3. Discoloration: Salt can cause discoloration of paver surfaces, especially in more porous materials. This can lead to unsightly stains that may be difficult to remove.

4. Increased Freeze/Thaw Cycles: When salt remains on the surface and the temperature fluctuates, it can exacerbate the freeze/thaw cycle. This can lead to cracking and further surface damage.

5. Chemical Reactions: Some pavers, especially those made from natural stone, can undergo chemical reactions with salt. This may lead to a breakdown of the material over time.

6. Damage to Vegetation: If the salt washes off into nearby soil or vegetation, it can harm plants, trees, and grass. Salt accumulation in soil can create an inhospitable environment for many types of plants.

To minimize damage, consider using alternatives to salt, such as sand or cat litter for traction. If salt must be used, ensure proper cleanup once the snow and ice have melted to limit its exposure on hard surfaces.

Shower of Contempt: Board's Latest Blunder

With the clubhouse closure denying residents access to the locker room showers, the board is believed to have violated a state ordinance by operating the pool without a required shower last summer. One can't just stick in a port-a-potty and say “problem solved.” This incident highlights a concerning pattern of disregard for laws, rules, and ethical conduct by the board. Their approach to managing the condo appears to be sloppy, reactive and disorganized, characterized by short-term fixes rather than comprehensive planning. This 'band-aid' approach ultimately creates further complications and undermines the long-term well-being and safety of the community.  When the board redid the pool years ago Alan Rothenberg and Cindy decided to remove the outdoor shower even though some told them it was a terrible idea.  Almost everything the board touches they make worse, like the slow exit gate. See classy or trashy for more information…
 

ARTICLE 165
BATHING ESTABLISHMENTS

Rinse showers. Adjacent recreational areas shall be separated from the bathing area by a suitable fence or barrier. If bathers are permitted free access between the deck and an adjacent recreational area without having to pass through a bathhouse or bather preparation facilities, a rinse shower area shall be installed so that bathers shall pass through the rinse shower area when going from the recreational area to the deck. 

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/about/healthcode/health-code-article165.pdf

Board Required to Inform Residents on the Status of Estates II Staff During Ongoing Clubhouse Closure

Once Again The Board Leads From Behind As Residents Club Push Pays Off:

 Board Releases Long-Awaited Update!

Unfortunately, the recent update primarily revisits information we already had. Nonetheless, it is significant that, after a year of advocacy by the Residents Club calling for community involvement in the renovation of the first floor, we have successfully compelled the board to step out of the shadows and engage with the community they are meant to serve. This acknowledgment marks a meaningful victory for the Residents Club and Estates ll and underscores our unwavering commitment to demanding transparency from the board. We remain devoted to our mission and will continue our efforts to drive positive change for all residents of Estates II.

AIN'T NO ONE RUNNIN' NOTHIN' ROUND HERE

Stop the Rumors: What's Really Happening in Estates II and the Clubhouse?

A Lesson Learned: Best Practices for a Seamless Clubhouse Renovation Coming Soon…

As the residents wait for the dust to settle on a project that has been plagued by setbacks and delays, our article will shed a light on the crucial steps the board should have taken before embarking on the clubhouse renovation. By examining the missed opportunities and critical junctures where a more honest transparent approach should have been adopted, we highlight the essential steps that would have ensured a smoother, more efficient, and cost-effective renovation.

While it's  too late to turn back the clock, our article serves as a a chance to learn from past mistakes. By understanding the key factors that contributed to the project's challenges and adopting a more proactive, strategic approach, so we can minimize the risk of similar issues arising in the future lower level renovation.

Essential Steps for Renovating Common Areas in Condominiums

The board of managers is responsible for ensuring that all required permits and approvals are secured before commencing any renovations, especially in shared spaces such as the clubhouse. This proactive approach would have prevented most of the  complications and delays. Below is a thorough guide outlining the essential steps the board should have taken before initiating the clubhouse project.

1. Review Existing Permits and Codes- Due Diligence: Before initiating the renovation project, the board should have thoroughly reviewed all past permits associated with the clubhouse. This review includes verifying that previous permits were properly closed out. Engaging with the local building department could have yielded valuable insights into the clubhouse's compliance history. Making this inquiry a priority would have been an essential first step in the process.

2. Consult with Professionals: Hiring qualified professionals—such as architects, engineers, or licensed contractors—is crucial. These experts can identify any existing issues from previous work, verify the status of permits, and ensure that planned renovations comply with current building codes and regulations. 

3. Legal Compliance Check: The board should check on any legal and code regulations that may apply.

4. Obtain Necessary Permits: Before starting any construction, the board must ensure that all required permits have been obtained from local authorities. Skipping this step has led to significant delays and possible fines.

5. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Assessing potential risks or impacts resulting from renovation work would have help mitigate the issues that arose during construction.

A) what parts of the clubhouse is not up to current code

B) Ask the building inspector if the run down lower level will become a liability during the upper level renovation. Ask the building inspector if the entire clubhouse should be been done at once.

6. Document Everything: Keeping a comprehensive record of all communications, decisions, and permits is critical for accountability and future maintenance efforts. Proper documentation ensures that the board can reference past decisions and maintain an organized approach to property management.

Who is Responsible?

Te responsibility lies with the condo board in conjunction with the property management team. However, the board may not be experts in construction or legal matters. Thus, they should rely on professionals (such as contractors, architects, or attorneys) to advise them on the permits and compliance issues. Ultimately, it is the board's responsibility to ensure all legal requirements are met, but they can delegate tasks to professionals to aid in this process.

Clubhouse Lies: What Happened to the Superficial Change?

Recall the board's assertion that the clubhouse renovation fell under the category of a "superficial change," allowing them to bypass the necessary permitting process. This statement marks the beginning of a series of apparent fabrications they have woven regarding the clubhouse project. If, as they claimed, when they first contacted the inspector about the upcoming clubhouse project, the building inspector deemed the renovation a “superficial change ”exempt from permitting, one must question when the inspector took it upon himself to delve into the historical records of the clubhouse permits and uncover that the original permits had never been properly closed out. Why would he do this research after the work had begun instead of when the board first told him about the upcoming clubhouse project? The inconsistencies in the boards narratives are glaring, and it becomes increasingly apparent that the residents of Estates ll have been lied to time and  time again. It is troubling to consider that the very individuals we entrusted to oversee our community's well-being have disgraced themselves  by lying to the people they serve. 

Remember when the board asserted that the contractor holds a special permits license, or something to that effect? They conveniently left out any explanation of what a "special permit license" actually entails, perhaps because none of us have ever encountered such a term in legitimate construction discourse. It has become glaringly obvious that this was just another fabrication aimed at pacifying residents while misleading us about the realities of the renovation timeline and cost.  They purposely chose to forego the necessary bathroom update and instead opted to only replace toilet seat covers. Where did the money that was budgeted to bring the bathroom up to code go?

This lapse in judgement suggests a troubling pattern of mismanagement and deceit. It is increasingly evident that the board's narrative surrounding these delays is fraught with discrepancies. If we are to entertain the absurd notion that the contractor Joe Matelsky indeed possesses some mythical special permit license, we must ask how this has positively impacted the residents of Estates II. We know Joe is an expert in charging exorbitant fees and not such an expert in reading architectural plans.  Moreover, what is this elusive contractor doing amidst the current chaos, particularly with the ongoing fire alarm debacle? It’s worth noting that this same contractor installed the sheetrock that inexplicably appeared on the walls—without a permit—after failing to remove ancient wallpaper, a predicable challenge that any competent contractor would have foreseen.

And what has become of the lavishly engaged expert designers Pamela Can and Keri Flynn ? Surely, their absence in these crucial discussions raises more questions than answers. One would think there should be a plaque in the clubhouse forever commemorating their exorbitant, yet disappointingly unprofessional service, but alas, it seems recognition is not forthcoming. It appears the board's narrative has unraveled, leaving us with nothing but skepticism and frustration in the face of their continued deception.

Where is the promised weekly update?

On January 14, the Board of Managers announced yet another delay in the opening of the clubhouse, accompanied by a troubling pattern of misinformation and unfulfilled commitments. Residents were assured that Daniella would provide weekly updates to keep the community informed, yet ten days have elapsed without any communication from the board. This raises serious concerns about the future of Estates II under the current leadership. It is imperative that the board stops hiding from the community and hold an open forum meeting with the residents of Estates ll. 

Update on Clubhouse Opening Delay: The Fire Alarm System

Why is the clubhouse still closed? The board has exhausted its goodwill with the Village of North Hills. If the board had conducted its due diligence from the beginning, many of the issues could have been avoided. The issues caused by the board were worsened by dishonesty, mismanagement of the budget, a focus on glamour over practicality and code compliance, and manipulations designed to evade responsibility and cut corners.

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will not be issued by the village of North Hills until the building’s alarm system is redesigned and improved to meet current building codes. After many weeks of waiting for an appointment with County Fire Marshal Paul Hartje, Board members Debbie Resnick and Stephen Fanuka, Daniella, and Pasquale, of our maintenance staff, met with him on December 20 to review the status of the current fire alarm system. A representative from IDS Audio Video & Technologies, our alarm company, was also present. 

The original job scope did not include the replacement of drywall; however, the residents club rightly pointed out that given the substantial budget allocated, the 40-year-old drywall and insulation should have been replaced. The original scope of the job showed replacement of old wall paper only. As expected they could not remove the 40 year old wall paper from the 40 year old sheet rock so they opted to install new drywall at an obscene cost of almost $70,000, that was not in the budget. 

Once new drywall is installed, various fixtures, including fire alarms and smoke detectors, must be temporarily relocated to accommodate the updates. In doing so, the board misled the village regarding the work performed. The contractor denied moving the fire alarm and smoke detectors even with the new drywall on the walls and stacked up on the floor. The only way to put up the dry wall is to “move” the fire alarm.

This further corroborates the need for a permit, which the contractor failed to secure. The dishonesty surrounding both the installation of new drywall and the repositioning of the fire alarm explains some of the issues regarding compliance and the delays.

The history of this issue is messy. The recent history of the board is what's messy. They have failed the clubhouse project in a spectacular fashion. Neither the original builder nor earlier Boards of Managers acquired the necessary permits for the fire alarm system, even after changes were made to the footprint of the clubhouse. Fire Marshal Hartje made it clear that although the alarm system had been inspected annually, it had passed inspection under the assumption that the existing alarm system had already been permitted to operate. In other words, the inspection only needed to show that the system was functional and operational.  2016 When Cindy Davidowitz was president she replaced the fire alarm but did it with out a permit. 

This board has demonstrated an inability to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the clubhouse. The clubhouse remains closed after one year due to the board's dishonesty and incompetence.

OPEN LETTER TO THE BOARD

Demand for a Community Meeting Regarding Our Clubhouse   

Dear Members of the Board:  Alan Rothenberg (President), Cindy Davidowitz (Vice President), Debbie Resnick (Secretary), Stephen Fanuka (Treasurer), Stephanie Michel (Asst. Treasurer), Marcia Cooper, Donald Feldman, Donna Gefner, David Homan

We, the residents of Estates ll, have reached a breaking point regarding the management of the condominium clubhouse renovation project. We are writing to you as a united voice expressing our profound dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the Board of Managers.

Recent events and interactions have exposed an obvious pattern of misleading and inaccurate information being disseminated to the residents. It is increasingly clear that the Board has not been forthcoming with the residents regarding the numerous issues surrounding the renovation, leading to a catastrophic situation. The compounded failures we are facing are not just the result of isolated incidents; they stem from a continuous snowball effect caused by the incompetence of both those hired and volunteers, selected by the board, tasked to manage the renovation. This has left many of us questioning the integrity and professionalism with which our community is being governed.

Residents have been consistently promised solutions that have not materialized.

We will no longer accept half-truths, evasions, or outright lies as a standard for how our board operates. It is imperative that the board acknowledges its responsibility to provide honest and clear communication, especially in matters of critical importance such as the clubhouse renovation project.  There are residents living here who have never experienced an open clubhouse. That is unacceptable.

Therefore, we demand a community meeting be scheduled at your earliest convenience, where you will face the residents you serve and provide straight, honest answers to our questions regarding the current state of the clubhouse, the project timeline, the budget, and any other related issues. We expect the board to take full responsibility for its actions and provide a comprehensive plan for resolving the issues caused by your mismanagement.

This meeting is not solely an attempt to criticize or condemn your actions, but rather to ensure that our board operates in a transparent and accountable manner going forward. We have every right to know the truth about the management of our condominium association, and it is your duty to provide that information.

We request that the meeting be conducted in a fair and open manner, with ample time for questions and discussion. We also expect you to take immediate action to rectify the damage caused by your actions and to implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

CLUBHOUSE CATASTROPHE

The Residents Club Asked for an update and We Got It        

With the Board's latest tale of the Clubhouse delay now in your hands, prepare to uncover the untold truths as the Residents Club reveals the complete narrative. Coming Soon… Here is a hint. 2016 When Cindy Davidowitz was president she replaced the fire alarm but did it w/o a permit. This board has a problem adhering to rules & regulations (and bylaws) . Cindy also budgeted $80,000 for lower level. Where did the $80,000  go?

WILL THE CLUBHOUSE EVER OPEN? 

RESIDENTS CLUB REQUESTS AN UPDATE FROM THE BOARD  OF MANAGERS             

 Board's Bad Karma

Clubhouse Failure Echos Throughout Estates ll

The ongoing irresponsibility demonstrated by the Board of Managers concerning the Clubhouse renovation is nothing short of astonishing. From the outset, the board's extreme unprofessionalism has set the stage for a glaring failure that was both predictable and entirely avoidable.  The board has encountered a cascade of problems stemming from their decision to conceal the planning of the clubhouse renovation and to exclude residents from both the planning and execution processes. One might even say that, from a spiritual perspective, the challenges they face are a reflection of the negative karma they have inadvertently created for themselves.

The board's decision to embark on an extravagant renovation of the first floor while disregarding the deteriorating conditions of the lower level exemplifies a profound failure in judgment.

This lapse in judgment is clearly evident throughout Estates II, particularly when comparing the legal fees spent on Manhasset Crest to the substantial financial offer that Estates II could have accepted from them. Issues such as the use of an outdated voter log with an incorrect resident list (who really voted?), the installation of an exit gate that is excessively long and takes too long to rise, the presence of an unsightly shipping container, and the mismanagement of the budget illustrate the need for improvement. 

It is imperative for the board to recognize when a facility has reached a state of obsolescence and to ensure that all aspects of the clubhouse comply with safety codes, thereby safeguarding the well-being of all residents. Unfortunately, their shortsighted focus on the upper level neglected the urgent need for a comprehensive plan at the time that addressed the entire clubhouse and now residents will pay the price. The clubhouse initiative was merely a vanity project conceived by shortsighted and frivolous board members, while the residents deserved a professional, responsible, and comprehensive plan that thoughtfully addressed the entire clubhouse concept.

         Despite the fact that funds were allocated twice for the renovation of the lower level, the project never materialized, and the financial resources remain unaccounted for.

Instead of approaching the renovation with a holistic perspective, the board acted selfishly, delaying necessary action on the lower level until residents were compelled to voice their valid concerns during the meeting with the designers. There was no plan to renovate the lower level. The financial resources earmarked for the upper level should have been distributed equitably to improve the safety and comfort of the entire Estates II community. The board chose ultra luxury (for themselves) instead of a safe, pleasant looking practicality for a public space. Had a budget of half a million dollars been allocated toward the entire clubhouse creating an environment that benefits all residents, such an investment would have likely been embraced wholeheartedly.

Prioritizing and planning a lavish renovation of the first floor while ignoring the unsafe and under-maintained lower level embodies the height of irresponsibility. The alarming truth is that we now have a beautifully renovated first floor juxtaposed against a 45-year-old, hazardous lower level. This stark reality underscores a critical mismanagement of Estates II, where the clubhouse has remained closed for over a year, the budget is spinning out of control due to wasteful expenditures with no effort to bring costs down, along with a shocking absence of strategic foresight regarding lower-level improvements.

Making matters worse, for the past 12 months, the board has chosen to deflect responsibility, refusing to acknowledge their own accountability for the clubhouse. Instead, they have shamefully resorted to blaming residents and the building inspector, evoking the behavior of a child trying to evade responsibility. This shift of blame fooled no one and accomplished nothing but to reflect a troubling lack of leadership and integrity.

As a direct consequence of this gross negligence, residents are now faced with the prospect of assessments amounting to thousands of dollars per household, all in an effort to rectify the board’s missteps.  Unfortunately, the board seems on track to repeat the missteps of the first-floor renovation in the planning of the second floor. They have already announced that residents will be excluded from participating in both the planning and execution of the project, a decision that is likely to result in wasteful spending and further erode trust. Alarmingly, residents have not been provided with any details regarding the board’s actions in the planning process for the second floor; all we're left with is the troubling news of our exclusion from it. Transparent involvement fosters trust, yet it appears that Phase II may replicate the same reckless approach that characterized Phase I.

The board has not been transparent with their neighbors regarding the renovation costs and the overall scope of the project. For instance, how did the cost of the stair rail escalate from $9,600 to a staggering $24,000? Additionally, what justified the $50,000 expense for a relatively small area of wood flooring, and why did they allocate $60,000 for the manager's office? 

How did they spend $70,000 on sheetrock when the scope of work only noted replacement of wallpaper? There was no mention of sheetrock in the budget that was handed out to the residents.  Initially, the board proposed an ADA-compliant bathroom renovation but later redirected those funds, opting instead to merely replace toilet seat covers rather than undertaking the necessary renovations that were ultimately mandated by the building inspector. Where did the allocated budget for the bathroom renovations ultimately go? This leads to further confusion around the apparent bait-and-switch with the bathroom project. Clear answers are needed to restore trust in the board's decision-making process.

The present situation is unsustainable, and it reflects a critical need for professional management and a commitment to the well-being of all residents within Estates II. The only silver lining in the clubhouse disaster is that it stands as a clear testament to the community at large, illustrating the board of managers inability to effectively oversee Estates II.

Board member goes to Adelphi to study landscaping and YOU paid for it

Did the board of managers truly waste your hard-earned money by sending a board member to Adelphi to pursue a course in horticulture? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But don’t be discouraged; this incident is just one of many examples where the board justifies extravagant expenditures, masquerading them as efforts for the community's benefit. This particular case highlights a troubling pattern of misusing condo funds for personal interests, rather than focusing on the needs of the community. Estates ll pays for a manager and pays a lot of money for a landscaper and the board thought investing condo funds in a board member's education was money well spent. It’s time to hold them accountable for their financial decisions that affect us all.

Fostering Community Connection: Estates I Encourages Neighborly Interaction While Estates II Discourages Contact

If you visit the Estates I website, you’ll discover that the board has created a resident directory, allowing neighbors to connect with one another easily. In contrast, Estates II maintains a policy of not sharing resident information. Historically, both Estates I and Estates II distributed printed directories before the advent of the digital age and before Estates ll went into lockdown with secret board meetings, restricting access to board minutes and moving condo records from the Clubhouse to TCM in Bellmore.  Estates ll residents should not be funding their own deception. 

It defies logic that Estates l can maintain an up-to-date resident directory while Estates ll can't manage to maintain an up-to-date voter log for the elections.

Estates ll Tennis & Country Club

Come one and all to the board's country club. The Residents Club warned you: the board was crafting a country club for themselves and their pals. And we were right!  Rick Saccullo is one of the displaced Shelter Rock Tennis members. The Shelter Rock Tennis members knew for years the end of the tennis club was approaching.  Is it a coincidence that past board president Rick Saccullo and his crew are trying to turn Estates II into their own free Shelter Rock Tennis Club? After their tennis lesson they will meander to the pool, where, thanks to Cindy Davidowitz—who changed the guest limit for residents during her time as president to suit her personal needs—they can enjoy a swim. They will then use the clubhouse you funded and enjoy a snack you paid for. If you are starting to feel like a sucker to fund Rick Saccullo's tennis club and $100,000 in legal fees for his fence  it's because you are.

DECEMBER 2024 

It is important to note that the contributors of the Residents Club dedicate their personal time and resources in the hopes of fostering positive changes for Estates II. In contrast with the board, who keep taking, the Residents Club selflessly invests both time and money, fully committed to the benefit of our community.

It is also important to emphasize that engagement with the Residents Club website is entirely voluntary; no one is compelled to access its content. The high traffic on the site reflects the community's growing concerns and dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the declining quality of life at Estates II over the past few years. The voices of the residents, which represent simple yet fundamental desires for improvement, are consistently overlooked by the board.

Moreover, there are troubling instances of misinformation, such as when Alan Rothenberg inaccurately claimed to be new to the board in response to a direct question at the recent budget meeting, despite having previously served six consecutive years. This kind of obfuscation raises serious questions about truthfulness -or lack thereof- from board members.

The Residents Club represents a choice for residents, while the actions and decisions of the board significantly impact our community without our consent. The board's persistent practice of ignoring simple requests, withholding vital information, and imposing fee increases demonstrates a disregard for the welfare of the residents they are meant to serve. It is imperative that we demand better governance and a more open dialogue about the future of Estates II.

More in Pages…

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.

_____________________________________________________   

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?