NOVEMBER 2024
MANHASSET CREST: Update on Legal Proceedings and Land Claims
The board has informed us about an ongoing lawsuit, raising several critical questions regarding its initiation and implications. Specifically, when did Schneider Buchel initiate this lawsuit, and is it related to past litigation or a new development? Additionally, it is concerning that Schneider Buchel, being primarily condominium lawyers, may not possess the necessary expertise in land issues to effectively navigate this legal matter. This begs the question of why the board is considering allocating legal fees to Schneider Buchel, when these funds could be more effectively invested in hiring qualified experts who specialize in land matters. Why does the board seem to go out of its way to use TCM vendors even when they are not the prudent choice.
As of today, it is believed residents of Estates II have incurred legal expenses totaling $20,000 in ongoing litigation against a billion-dollar corporation asserting claims to property that Estates II does not legally own and affects only 3 backyards out of 178. What is the goal? Years ago, Manhasset Crest proposed a settlement of $60,000, which was accepted by Estates II. Legal documentation to formalize this agreement was subsequently prepared by Manhasset Crest. However, at the last moment, Mr. Rick Sacculloo reneged on the agreed-upon terms.
It is important to acknowledge that Estates II has conducted itself in a manner that raises concerns regarding good faith negotiations. If these continued negotiations remain unproductive, it is anticipated that Manhasset Crest may reach a threshold of frustration with the board's ongoing tactics.
CLUB HOUSE UPPER-LEVEL: DECEPTION CENTRAL
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, 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 has lied again to the residents of Estates ll.
CLUBHOUSE LOWER-LEVEL
Oh, can it really be true that the very same people who spun fairy tales to the residents of Estates II about phase one of the clubhouse—those who miraculously went way over budget and couldn’t manage to find their way out of a paper bag—are now going to take the reins on phase II? You know, the one that’s going to be even more complicated and is projected to cost just under a million dollars based on the fabulous budgeting skills we’ve seen so far? How delightful! And isn’t it just charming how there's been absolutely no conversation about what kind of lovely assessments the residents can expect to help fund this masterpiece?
It should definitely give us all the warm fuzzies that the board has carefully ensured that no residents are allowed to join the clubhouse committee—that’s the perfect recipe for keeping secrets and ensuring funds are spent efficiently!
And let’s not even get started on whether the board will reward the designers and contractors who did such a spectacularly poor job on the main level with more work. If history is any guide, we can just sit back and watch them do exactly that! The board never corrects course; they’re practically addicted to overspending with the most unqualified people imaginable. What a show we’re in for!
LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE UNIT NUMBERS: UNIT? Really Marilyn. Try this...
LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ADDRESS NUMBERS
The term 'unit' is unrefined just like the board. Why not elevate the language to street address, home address, or simply address numbers for a more sophisticated touch?
We expect more from you Marilyn.
Oh, the board, bless their hearts, seems completely clueless about what it actually means to live in a condo. Apparently, they think uniformity is just a suggestion, even though residents don’t own the exterior and should really comply with board decisions on the matter. Meanwhile, the board lets everyone run wild, which is probably why Estates II has fallen so far from its former glory. And let’s not even get started on the decision to illuminate the address numbers—because, of course, residents should have no say in that. If the board decides to light up the address numbers resident must comply. That is what one agrees to do when moving into a condominium. The Hold Harmless agreement? A brilliant touch of absurdity that wouldn’t be necessary if they managed the condo with even half a brain. Do they genuinely believe someone is going to take on all the repercussions for their neighbors just because they didn’t want to light up their address number? How charmingly naive!
EXIT GATE: It costs too much to speed up the new gate
It's embarrassing how the board -or TCM- can't seem to anticipate any issues and get things right on the first try. Why do they keep saying the exit gate was installed for the safety of walkers? Have there been "walker" injuries we have not been informed about? Why must we all fall asleep while waiting for the gate to rise for the "safety of walkers." Who are these walkers that needed a gate to fall in front of them as they walk from or onto Searingtown Road?
After all the years and countless problems Estates ll has had with all three gates, you'd think the board, TCM, or whoever's responsible for this mess would finally know how to order a gate properly. Seriously, what’s the proper length for an exit gate? How long should it even take to rise? Is this everyone's first rodeo in condo management? Because it sure feels like it to us residents dealing with the fallout of this constant incompetence.
SNOW CONTRACT: FORGET PLOWING SNOW, PLOW THE FAT OFF THE SNOW CONTRACT. The plowing is now subcontracted to Cardinali Bothers, who maintain the sprinklers. Because it just makes so much sense to pay two vendors when we could be paying one. I mean, who doesn't love the thrill of juggling multiple contracts? And the loyalty to TCM vendors is truly heartwarming. It's like they’re part of the family now and family get paid! A huge thank you to the board for enlightening us that the sprinkler guy will be paid to do absolutely nothing all winter long. Because, of course, money just grows on trees here at Estates II! No wonder we are broke.
Sprinkler care and snow removal are two distinct services that typically operate in different seasons and involve different skill sets & tools, therefore it’s truly baffling that Estates II is suddenly outsourcing snow removal to a ‘sprinkler guy’ after years of relying on Bromate for this critical service. We can’t help but wonder what prompted this inexplicable decision. Why would Bromate be legally liable for Cardinali unless there is so much fat in the contract.
It’s worth noting that Estates II managed perfectly well without a sprinkler guy before TCM took over, thanks to our skilled maintenance workers who saved us tens of thousands of dollars in sprinkler fees. It’s almost as if the board is setting us up for a costly lesson in poor decision-making!
EDITORS NOTE: AKA Marilyn's Deceptions
NOTHING BUT PURE BS
Beware of the board for beneath its polished veneer lies a web of misdirection and deceit. Never have so many words conveyed so little. Marilyn Friedlander you have truloutdone yourself.
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
Home, Home on the Condo: A Sad Serenade
There's a place in the condo, where the board runs amok,
With their rules all a-tangled, oh, what rotten luck
Manhasset crest legal fees for sure are a waste
A never ending fight for 6 ft of land- is a disgrace
The winners are TCM’s Schneider Buchel
Residents funding this can all go to hell
Home, home in the condo,
Where the dues are a crime,
And the board is all tangled,
In a mountain of slime.
Every meeting, a circus,
With the truth tucked away,
Home, home in the condo,
Where the dreams go to fray.
They pretend to fix problems, but the fixes don’t stick,
With a paint job and promise, they think they’re quite slick.
The clubhouse is closed for a year, it is so.
But the lies just keep coming, will they stop, we don't know.
They lied about the sheet rock but the inspector he knew.
They lied about the fire alarm while their noses all grew.
As the leaks start a-gushing, and all three gates stall,
You can bet none of them care, cause they’re having a ball $$
OCTOBER 2024
"The time is always right to do what is right." Martin L. King
Board of Managers Extends an invitation...
An innocent title for a deceitful act!
Did Marilyn Friedlander write that fluff piece on herself? The board of managers, wrapped up in their insulated bubble, is completely clueless. With every bylaw breach and every attempt to conceal critical condo info, they're only driving residents closer together. Things are spiraling downward and the residents will unite and reclaim their condo!
The sheer lack of relevant information in the Estates ll Newsletter is nothing short of astounding. At this point, the Estates II Newsletter is a prime candidate for the world's worst recycling program— it’s just a waste of a perfectly good tree! Tree huggers, unite! Let’s stage a protest against this mind-numbing drivel, which consists of two large photos and a few vague sentences about the exit gate that could have easily been relegated to an email update. Honestly, Marilyn Freidlander could teach any corrupt regime a thing or two about propaganda; it’s almost impressive! One can’t help but wonder if she has a shred of a conscience, deliberately omitting all the information that residents want.
Bravo, Marilyn! Your ability to dodge crucial details is truly a talent.
When Will the Pricy Fashion-Over-Function Furniture Start Its Dirt Debut?
CLUBHOUSE spin by Marilyn Friedlander
"The committee is sure that Estates ll has met all of the building code requirements ...
We can all rest assured because Debbie Resnick says everything is OK. The clock's ticking on the clubhouse reopening! Feels like it's been closed for ages, right? But once you're inside don’t get too cozy—time to whip out those wallets for that lower level assessment! Here's another sad prediction: We sense another maintenance increase coming your way soon.
The Continued Negligence of Board Secretary Debbie Resnick Who Used the Out Dated Voter log for the 2024 Election
If Marilyn Friedlander wanted to be on the board why didn't she run in the election? Because if she lost the board could not appoint her to the executive board.
The integrity of the Estates II board has reached a new low. The appointment of unelected co-board members—a striking breach of the Estates II bylaws—underscores a deeply troubling sense of impunity that has increasingly permeated our community. This alarming pattern of prioritizing personal desires over established norms and rules threatens to plunge Estates II into disarray. Adherence to the Bylaws is crucial for order to remain at Estates ll. The Estates ll property manager should be used to "facilitate reporting on the Board business and topics of community interests", if the secretary can't fulfill her duties according to the bylaws.
Secretary Debbie Resnick's apparent indifference towards her responsibilities is nothing short of appalling. Her failure to document minutes—a fundamental duty as mandated by our bylaws—casts doubt on her commitment to the position of secretary. Never before has the secretary needed assistance in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. If Debbie Resnick is unable or unwilling to fulfill this essential role, her position should be reconsidered without delay.
The inexplicable presence of Marilyn Friedlander at board meetings raises serious questions. What sets Marilyn Friedlander apart that she has been granted access while the rest of the residents are excluded? This blatant disregard for inclusivity, coupled with the obscured distribution of board minutes, illustrates a grotesque abuse of power that every resident should find utterly unacceptable. It is obvious that this appointment was established prior to the recent elections or Marilyn Friendlander would have run for the board, like she should have. It seems Estates ll can't have aboard of managers without a Friedlander on it, even if it's not legitimate. Mike Friedlander leaves the board and his wife is anointed a position.
We, the residents of Estates II, must demand more from our leadership. This so-called board of managers must recognize that their actions are an affront to the very foundation of Estates ll—a foundation built on bylaws, respect, equity, and participation from all residents. The ongoing secrecy and manipulation cannot continue unchallenged.
NEW TREASURER SAME NONSENSICAL FINANCIALS
- How much of the $4355 in legal fees were spent to have the emotional support attorney attend election night?
- Any legals fees spent on trying to recover money that appears to have been spent to pay someone else's gas?
- Is the Estates ll bank account a sieve?
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
SEPTEMBER 2024
Residents see all that is wrong but the Resident's Club is the one who asks why
ELECTION RESULTS
There seems to be a discrepancy on how many residents voted
more to come on the out dated voter log
Mike Friedlander's Lies
Lie #1: Inflation and Minimum Wage Increases Have Eradicated Cash Balances
Inflation rates in the United States, which peaked at approximately 9.1% in June 2022—the highest in several decades—have shown signs of significant decline. By late 2023, the inflation rate had decreased to around 2.5%. Core inflation is down 25%. This trend indicates a potential for price reductions from vendors. Contrary to the assertion that inflation and minimum wage increases have obliterated cash balances, the current economic landscape provides an opportunity for financial recovery and improved cash flow.
Lie #2: The Most Challenging Aspect of His Role Is Reviewing Monthly Payments
An examination of the monthly gas bills reveals a troubling trend in oversight. Mike Friedlander appears to allow funds to be disbursed without due diligence or concern, resulting in unchecked expenditures. Mike kept the gas expenditure information hidden from the residents, proving he has not been transparent. If the Estates ll resident did not retrieve the gas statements from nat'l grid residents would never know about all of this money deducted from the bank account. Something similar happened at the Gates Condo; there may be a problem with condos who do not use gas paying out exorbitant amount of money for gas.
Additionally, there is a pattern of approving late payments to certain vendors and National Grid. This lack of vigilance not only impacts cash flow but also subjects Estates ll to unnecessary late fees. Mike Friedlander also allowed the attorney to over bill Estates ll and instead of returning the funds the attorney was allowed to keep the money and issue Estates ll a credit.
Lie #3: Spending Must Be Transparent
The assertion that spending practices are conducted with transparency is called into question by the misleading categorization of expenses in the year-end financial reports. Such obfuscation undermines the integrity of financial practices and erodes trust. There is no transparency in Estates ll.
Rick Saccullo's Empathy:
1. Rick accepted Ely Zaken's assertion that a resident caused the security gate to crash down onto the resident's car. Fortunately there was video evidence that proved the accusation was another Ely Zaken lie. Never the less, Saccullo compelled the family to take legal action against Estates II to recover expenses incurred due to the damaged caused by the malfunctioning security gate and during the entire process displaying unfriendly and unhelpful behavior throughout the process. There was a total lack of "empathy, warmth and respect."
2. He referred to Jewish residents using the derogatory term "Gestapo agents."
3. He required residents to travel to Bellmore to access condo records, showing a disregard for their convenience.
4. He denied residents their rights to access board meeting minutes, which undermines transparency and accountability.
5. He has demeaned and dismissed the concerns expressed by individuals on the Residents Club website, failing to acknowledge their perspectives.
6. He condoned fellow board member Ely Zaken's consistent use of profanity and intimidation towards residents, which contributes to a hostile environment.
It's nice to know Rick Saccullo enjoyed his time on the board but the important question is: Did the residents enjoy Rick Saccullo's time on the board?
Status of Our Real Estates Values
We learned that while our homes are selling well, comments made online can influence property values; however, according to the board, property assessments and ongoing maintenance increases do not negatively impact property values, nor do these eyesores below. However, we are told, by drawing attention to these eyesores, actually does affect property values. This presents a false comparison and seems manipulative. When you’re told you cannot speak freely and there are attempts to control dialogue through intimidation—like trying to turn the community against you—that’s a clear indication of a serious problem.
The board can keep doing what they are doing and the Residents Club will keep doing what it has been doing.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the excessive praise the board bestows upon its members is quite unsettling!
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
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2024
"When people show you who they are believe them the first time" Maya Angelou
If your priorities lean towards the preferences of residents who enjoy swimming in the pool and the latest crime statistics snatched from the internet, then this fake newsletter is just for you! This disingenuous letter masquerades as a source of community information, yet it prioritizes trivial matters over the critical issues that residents have a right to know. Forget about the pressing issues and real challenges facing Estates II; instead, indulge in sensationalized tidbits that distract from the serious matters at hand. This lighthearted take is all about those trivial details that won’t keep you informed, but will surely keep you entertained! Or not.
What is the point of presenting this financial spreadsheet without any explanation to clarify its contents? It seems designed to obfuscate the truth rather than inform, suggesting a deliberate intent to mislead and create confusion. Is the board purposely withholding crucial financial information from residents? This lack of clarity suggests an intentional effort to withhold vital financial information.
Excert from a residents' letter:
JULY 2024: WAKE UP!
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!
THEY FEED US MEANINGLESS INFORMATION EVERY MONTH
By allowing the management company to control not just the creation of invoices but also the payment process, the board undermines the integrity and objectivity required for accurate financial reporting. This concentration of power creates an environment ripe for discrepancies, fraud, or oversight, as the management company may not have the incentive to provide a full and transparent accounting of its activities. Furthermore, it can hinder effective oversight by the board, which relies on accurate financial data to make informed decisions.
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
WHERE ARE THE 2023 FINANCIAL REPORTS? THERE IS NO MENTION IN THE NEWS LETTER AS TO WHEN RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE THEM
Oct. 2023
__________________________________________
Deadlines are not just guidelines; they are commitments.
The board of managers inability to produce the monthly newsletter on time raises concerns about their organizational skills and commitment to the residents. This lapse is particularly telling considering that the newsletter typically contains minimal information; a timely release of even a brief update should not pose a significant challenge.
August 2, 2024
Please be advised that the July Newsletter will be distributed to all residents early next week.
We appreciate your patience.
Thank you,
________________________________________
June 2024 Monthly Propaganda Letter
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
__________________________________________________________________
June 2024
July 2024
Resident comment below:
As we all received 1/24 Estates II Newsletter,
Would anyone run their own houses this way?
Oct. 2023
May 2023
Oct 2023
Alan Rothenberg, Cindy Davidowitz, Debbie Resnick, Stephen Fanuka, Stephani Michele, Donald Feldman, Donna Geffner
November 2023 News Letter
January 2022
March 2022
April 2022
April is a doozy. The same board that went 60% over budget for the Club house project took years to try and complete the address numbers that they told the residents would take several months. Years later the light project has not been completed. The "test run on several units" were the homes of the board of managers & their friends, then the installation came to a halt and only restarted after the Residents Club began a relentless campaign to force the board to finish the project. Another falsehood in the April News Letter stated the board "will seek input from homeowners" during the clubhouse project.
June 2022
July 2022 News Letter
October 2022
Feb. 2021
March 2021
June 2021 News Letter
December 2021
August 2020 News Letter
September 2020 News Letter
November 2020 News Letter
December 2020 News Letter