Page 13 - CooperatorNews NY April 2022

COOPERATORNEWS.COM COOPERATORNEWS — APRIL 2022 13 COOPERATOR EVENTS EXPO 2021 WHERE BUILDINGS MEET SERVICES EVERYTHING FROM “A” (ACCOUNTING SERVICES) TO “W” (WINDOWS) (Sorry, no zebra trainer this year.) NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN — WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 9:00–4:30 FREE REGISTRATION: COOPEXPO.COM tree on the property at this moment in time. laborious decision-making process charac- And then they could be assessed as to—do teristic of this type of governance structure. they need special kinds of pruning? Do they need nutrients? Do they have enough space City frequently collaborates with boards around their root collar, which is that flare at and committees to make use of limited out- the base of a tree? Are there any diseases or door areas. Even the smallest spaces can pests that are attacking the tree? What’s the be designed in a way to maximize usability pH and other soil conditions? And is a tree and accommodate different populations—a dangerous?—which is always the number shady alcove can be designed for passive ac- one thing—such as: Is it dying? Is it tilting? tivities like reading or meditating; a breeze- Is it growing into your foundation? Does it way can be paved for more active games and need to be removed?, et cetera.” Anastasio explains that Bartlett “puts a and provide visual interest. Especially since little brass tag on every tree and assigns a the coronavirus pandemic, many of their number to it, which then gets geolocated on clients are now looking at the dead space on a map. And so you have a map of every tree their property and thinking about revamp- on your property, and they get rated for vari- ous conditions, so you can then work out a long-term plan. We’re unique, because we’re ing the importance of selecting what they 13 acres and have 280 trees on our prop- erty—some of which are among the most thrive in the harsh New York environment. beautiful of their species in all of Manhat- tan.” Anastasio goes on to reveal that “a whole on, or otherwise violated, by people, pets, or mess of trees were just totally decimated by pests. Pollution also dictates which types of Local Law 11”—the requirement of all city plants will do well, and factors like rodent buildings over six stories to undergo inspec- tions and repairs every five years, also known as the Façade Inspection and Safety Program turning an underused space into one with (FISP). The co-op’s size and age have meant aesthetic and natural appeal is one of the that its four residential buildings have had easiest ways for a co-op or condo to add a sidewalk bridging up for half a decade while popular, valuable amenity—particularly for it continues to remediate structural issues smaller or older buildings that are looking uncovered by FISP, which has been “the for ways to compete with all the shiny new worst friend to trees,” as Anastasio puts it. Another tree “fail” that Anastasio brings have positive implications for the environ- up is in an outdoor area above Seward Park’s ment—a consideration that has more and garage that was renovated about 20 years ago more importance to home buyers in all mar- after the garage collapsed. “Whoever did that kets. You don’t need much space—or mon- landscape design,” she laments, “just thought ey—to install a bird feeder or a pollinator about putting trees in planters—not whether house, for example. If you crave more nature, it’s the right tree in the right place. So you allow nature to come to you. have overstory trees in small cement plant- ers. Their roots go around and around and Bartlett Tree Experts, QG Floral & Land- eventually strangle themselves and die. Al- most any of the trees that are in failing con- dition are those trees; the rest of the trees on dents of co-ops, condos, and HOAs? Please the property are doing great.” Size Doesn’t Matter Since not all boards are lucky enough to 2022! For more information and to register, have a certified plant expert among their visit membership, it is helpful to consult with pros who are used to dealing with the sometimes QG Floral & Landscape in New York play; planters and shrubs can separate areas ing it to accommodate today’s needs. The pros at QG echo colleagues in stress- call “bulletproof plants” that can survive and They point out that street-level plantings face the likelihood of being picked at, dumped control also need to be considered. With the right plan and the right choices, developments. In a double-win, it can also Interested in meeting professionals from scape, or scores of other businesses and pro- viders that serve boards, managers, and resi- join us for CooperatorEvents New York Expo at the Midtown Hilton on May 11, www.coopexpo.com. n Darcey Gerstein is Associate Editor and a Staff Writer for CooperatorNews. mean to them? Are they in it for a new look? To address a functional problem? You need mon area furniture, Sygrove says, uphol- to know and understand their goals. Then stery can be professionally deep-cleaned, we look at the space and understand how it or replaced on a select few pieces in a new, functions. Do existing uses stay where they more cleanable, durable fabric. “This one are? We look at finishes, and at artwork and lift can make a world of difference,” she furniture, and question residents for up- dates. Do we need to change base materials? edit your artwork—for a modest amount of Another big impact is lighting—that has a money, replacement art or mirrors can be huge impact on how the space functions found. Even reframing attractive existing and looks.” Tackling the Problem Marilyn Sygrove is an interior designer be the most important component in mak- and principal of Manhattan-based Sygrove ing a common area feel inviting—or op- Associates Design Group and works with all pressive. Inadequate or poorly-placed light- types of residential communities through- out New York and New Jersey. She breaks institutional. Simply putting in fresh light down the categories to be considered for bulbs can make a world of difference. “Be refreshing and upgrading public and com- mon areas into the following: paint, wall bulbs,” says Sygrove, “as color temperature coverings, upholstery, artwork, and light- ing. “A board can never go wrong with a fresh the bulbs are the same color temperature coat of paint in any of their public spaces,” and wattage. And cleaning all of the decora- says Sygrove. “If there presently is wall cov- ering on the walls, then a fresh coat of paint This is something your building staff can do on the ceilings, doors and doorframes, and for very little expense—no special equip- any previously painted trim will do won- ders. And a new paint job also gives you the opportunity to tweak—or radically change—paint colors at the same time.” And even if your wall coverings are hallways with boring finishes put in by the looking seriously beat-up, that doesn’t nec- essarily mean they have to be completely other common areas get dreary and dinged replaced. “When it comes to wall cover- ing,” Sygrove continues, “we’ve seen filthy lighting and the use of accessories—furni- vinyl wall covering that has tears, or seams ture, art, and especially plants—to brighten spreading that look atrocious. There is at things up. One practical technique we use least one company that we know of that will is what we call ‘wayfinding’ to help people come in and completely clean the existing find their way through the space. We em- wall covering and glue back open seams. A ploy pop-up colors, signs, and accent colors board may want to set up a schedule to do on walls or door frames like a map—you this type of routine maintenance every few might have different colors or accents for years.” And, she adds, “If there is leftover different floors, for example, that tie into wall material hidden away in the basement, something in the elevator. It points you in they can actually use that to do undetect- able patches. If they don’t have any addi- tional material, it can likely be replicated— but a designer’s assistance may be needed to get that done. Generally, manufacturers have minimums to produce wall covering that’s not one of their running lines, so you would need to inquire about that.” When it comes to lobby or other com- says, also noting that “it may also be time to art will be impactful to a common space.” Lighting, as mentioned previously, may ing can make your halls look dingy and mindful of the color temperature of the new does affect the color of all of the existing materials and paints. Make sure that all of tive light covers, or globes, will help, too.” ment or professional guidance required. Trends, Do’s, & Don’ts “The big trend today is brightness,” says Skloski. “Many buildings have long, dark original developer. Over time, hallways and up. They’re tired and dirty. We use color and the right direction to find your way in the building.” A LITTLE WORK continued from page 1 continued on page 14