News about Clinton Hill Co-ops but 1st:April 11th is Sri Chinmoy's birthdate which is a time of 1000 from around the world gathering at a gentle concert in NYCInspiring talks for free online...Laurie Moore, Eve Wilson, and one from NICABM for starters

.A quick shout out to people playing music in the subways (some from NYC sponsored musicians)  which warms the experience of hustle and bustle. Sometimes I dance along.  I have time to chat with the musicians a bit and really feel we could do more to support their efforts. Hundreds of people streaming by and even pitching them funds doesn't necessarily add up to what they need for rent! Maybe more patreon.com accounts could be orchestrated for those showing up and sharing their talents. 

Meanwhile the lovely annual event to appreciate the life long work of Sri Chinmoy which  I learned about through NYC Meditation a few years ago will happen April 11th in NYC (I think at the Cultural Center...but check online. ) The thought of all the late (but many would stay still fully inspirational as a spirit) Sri Chinmoy has offered the world with his many students deserves a peace prize, Nobel or otherwise. What the world needs now is love sweet love, as the song goes and many around the world are realizing as an untapped power. Helping people slow down and tune in or even to push their limits with inner wisdom and strength is a tall order. 

I have been following the go-round about the Clinton Hil Co-op talks about the maintenance man Hector having more acknowledgement for the 19 years of service after hours as 'on site help' whether for security or maintenance as a trade for living in an apartment on the South campus 'rent free'.

There is much more in the NY Times (a couple of articles I think.) Congressman Jeffries and leader Laurie Cumbo have written letters on his behalf, summarizing concerns expressed by co-op tenants and owners about the way the eviction notice was handled even though his job would still be intact for him. The board sent a letter out saying that it was not fair at this point to have more maintenance than needed having housing whent they perform the same duties. Some from the maintenance crew have shown support for Hector, and none have come forward that I have heard of saying they felt it was not fair or appropriate for him to maintain his housing arrangement.

The Board reports that it was taking its lead from the Management Company who is tasked with keeping the investments healthy and secure. Some feel the actual company or personnel from the Management is similar to one that was let go a while back and is not communicating with the board and residents adequately.

Some people have pointed out there is a need for clarification about what criteria has been agreed to regarding this kind of issue. The terms were not clearly spelled out in writing when the apartment was offered to Hector. Now the value of the apartment has gone up and the neighborhood has become safer.

The number of maintenance workers has increased substantially. There are two supers required for the campuses, one on the north and one on the south group of buildings which have about 1200 units total. Overall many positive changes have been realized in the last few years with new windows and soon more efficient radiators being installed over the course of a few hours per unit, which add up to a few weeks per building, There have been concerns from over the years about some maintenance people and perhaps another person being involved in criminal activity. Some of them were dismissed and currently there are no concerns that are known. Hector was not implicated in these situations.

Overall a decrease in the number of maintenance people with shifts that were varied to cover more hours and decrease a need for overtime as well as the chance that maintenance would be tapped to do jobs not in the contract (which is not allowed at the current time) on the side and be paid independently. The new way of trying to decrease the odds that kind of pattern or chance event would occur was to 'start with new guidelines' to have maintenance people clock in and clock out and only be on campus for 15 minutes before or after their shift.

There will be two other maintenance people living on site with clear guidelines as to what work they can perform and not to do additional work on the side for residents. The union was consulted about the terms of this kind of revision and clarification. The concerns for Hector stem from many residents who feel there has been a significant benefit to having him on the premises consistently and to handle the kind of work the buildings require. Other less experienced or knowledgeable people may not be able to handle things as professionally and skillfully as he has done.

They fear there will not be adequate upkeep of heating and other older systems. Much of that is being revised but there are many concerns about that practical aspect of having people with good work ethics and continuity. Over 700 residents have signed a petition to insist the decision to allow Hector to continue living at the co-op in his apartment with his family which includes two older children be discussed and reconsidered, rather than be a 'done deal.' A special meeting is being requested to have the board explain how the decision came about and to consider options to what they have 'decided and voted on' as a board.

They have the ability to have such a meeting but are not doing so willingly. After a contentious meeting which did not allow residents to share their concerns on the agenda or attend a protest was held outside of the meeting room on the sidewalk. The protestors were given the news by a police woman who had been called by someone outside of the board. She was relaying the message that this was a 'Done Deal' and Hector also said as much when he emerged from the meeting. There is a video of that which shows people were not feeling it was the place of the police to tell them what the board was saying.

When the police told them they needed to disperse they were not pleased with that either, feeling that was where they lived so had a right to be there. Clarification of that would be reasonable for the co-ops as well as any other complexes or housiing units so everyone could be more clear about their rights and how to exercise them safely within the parameters of the law, or know when they are risking arrest by breaking the law intentionally. Some civil disobedience evolves in that direction yet generally people are prepared in advance to know that risk and consider whether they are planning for that action to make a point and show support for a cause.

There may be more discussions between the board and legal or political representatives. A resident council and other ad hoc groups are discussing ways to have concerns clarified and considered with more residents informed. They have reached out by putting up notices and knocking on doors to have a petition to have a special meeting held. Some members of the board may be able to call one with 25% of the residents signing a petition. They may not have to do so however.

There are some talking about the need to understand where each board member stands and to some board members feel they have been mistreated substantially for a 'thankless job' that requires a great deal of input of time, skill and knowledge about finance, buildings, development and other critical issues. The make up of the co-ops has been about 50-50 in terms of racial composition. There are other factors to clarify for everyone about how many units are owned versus rented. Those renting do not pay a maintenance fee (which runs about 1000  monthly for a one bedroom unit.) That size unit likely rents for about 1000 monthly.

Larger ones likely double or more. Units are selling for 500K for a studio and upwards of 800K for larger units with two bedrooms (and often a view.) There is a lot to consider and likely a set of videos walking people through the complex, the termns of renting, owning and all of the parties involved would be helpful. Other details about parking, shopping and going about the neighborhood would be helpful.

An overview of the history of the co-ops and nearby places such as St. Joseph's College and Pratt would also be helpful in appreciating the legacy and growth of the area. A concern about the area becoming too expensive for people to live in who have grown up there or spend decades there, gentrification as its called, is a factor to keep in mind in terms of 'whose business this kind of thing is and who can talk about it or weigh in on the discussion.' Trying to acknowledge each perspective is what this overview is about.

The board, the residents council, the managment company and the maintenance people and others each have valid points to convey. The consideration of one another's views, desires, visions and options needs to be clarified. The board has sent out a few letters of communication to the residents on the situation and will update them with further details. They do not necessarily have to hold a special meeting however I have heard. Let's hope each party can find a way to hear what the others are saying. Not all information (about any past criminal activity or concerns about working outside of the contract terms or how much 'undocumented overtime was reported' in years passed or other personnel matters may be readily available.)

There are more tenants rights and workers rights likely to consider with legal or other help and advocates to paint a clearer picture about what's at stake. The Board has agreed to let Hector stay until July instead of April. That may be extended further but likely by months not years I believe I have heard. Through the NY Times piece everyone got a dose of reality.

The report card of the co-ops would include many positive reviews for the windows and radiators (and held out as an example for many large buildings seeking to make capital improvements and feel more secure about such high investments.) Overall most people seem content with the housing and overall atmosphere of the co-ops which includes a new security company and grounds that are well-maintained with nice plantings and an iron fence around the perimeter.

At this time my hope would be that more residents and the surrounding community could look at the many pros of the co-ops and other housing aspects of the Clinton Hill and consider 'the eyes are on this drama' and on the way the process is handled as well of course as the outcome. Each community and borough can clarify what the growing trends in an area may be impacting. Brooklyn Permaculture which holds monthly meetings at The Commons on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn NY speaks to many timely issues. Extinction Rebellion is holding a Climate Awareness Event at City Hall on April 17th at 9am in NYC.

The kinds of concerns that are timely are many. Everyone can feel their view is valued especially when conveyed in a way that respects the group process. The support shown for Hector represents the kind of teamwork many espouse and hopefully the standards for safety, care and good workmanship and rewards can be held up for more to emulate.

The challenges of the economy are ones anyone can appreciate. Considering the options in teams and with additional funds to help people get a foothold to emulate the times of yesteryear when Hector was offered such a situation are worth promoting. Everyone should be very clear about the terms of their lease (and have a copy handy since sometimes that can be required to be produced with stiff penalities if it cannot be found etc.) More protections for people to live safely and securely could be promoted in every state, not only New York where their constitution protects a person's right to live in the state even if they are houseless (or as more commonly referred to as) homeless.

To end this post on a more harmonious note, let's think of the the possibilities (creatively, respectfully and realistically as a last resort but that too...) and consider sharing an online "Om"...as in "home'.