July 23, 2008

Heating Oil Company/Resources

I am in the process of doing research on how to handle the oil for my 3-family brownstone for the next 12 months. So far I have contacted my local drop delivery oil COD guy, whose price today is $4.49/gal. There is also Petro who is offering a $4.74 lock or $5.19 cap rate (also a $4.29 drop rate, but I'm told that may be a "teaser"), then HEATUSA is at $4.32 today and you sign a 1 year contract. Rates are not fixed with HEATUSA. Finally, there's an organization called NYIRG. With them you join by filling out an application and submitting a $30 fee, but I couldn't get anyone on the phone to tell me what their rates look like. Anyway, can anyone else tell me what they are finding/doing for the coming year?

Thanks.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 1:45 PM | Comments (4)
Categories: Heating

June 19, 2008

Corner of Bedford and Gates

Anyone know what's going into the corner lot (SW) that used to be a day treatment program "Determination House?" I've heard possibly a supermarket, but others think it'll be more housing. Anyone know?

Posted in Forum by MacD at 6:22 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: Zoning

April 5, 2008

tub reglazer

Can anyone please recommend a quality shop/person that does tub reglazing? I have an old tub in a rental unit that was previously painted, is now peeling, and is in need of reglazing.

Thanks.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 5:21 PM | Comments (4)
Categories: Renovation

April 2, 2008

Oil bills this winter too hot for me

Dear fellow brownstoners:

This was my first winter in my new brownstone, and I learned a lot about heating and heating costs. I don't have to tell you that oil prices were sky high over the past 8 months. Not only that, but in my case, the boiler which is old but functional, kept breaking down. I'm told this is due in part to the fact that the tank is 1/2 full of sludge. As a result, I could only fill about 100-150 gallons at a time, and I had to pay close attention, lest the sludge clog my boiler and shut it down. This constant attempt to keep things regulated was pretty sucessful, but I still had about 12 episodes when I had to call a dear neighbor or friend to come by and check out/fix my system.

The long and the short of it is, I am considering all of my options for next winter. Here are the options that I am aware of:

-- Clean out the sludge in the tank and see how things go next winter.

-- Convert to a gas system.

-- Figure out some other, more green option.

No matter what I decided to do, it has to be cost effective, not break down 12 times, and hopefully have some kind of pricing incentive program.

Please share your ideas, suggestions, knowledge.

Thanks so much.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 10:52 PM | Comments (10)
Categories: Heating

March 25, 2008

Huge taxation increase - What to do?

I am writing this question on behalf of a good friend of mine who owns a small commercial property on the Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy border off of Fulton Street. Last year, taxes for his commercial property (i.e small parking garage with office) ran in the area of $12,000. This year, they are being raised to $30,000 with no explanation. He is trying to hire a lawywer, but is having difficulty finding someone with experience in this issue to handle his case. The taxation department has reviewed his case already at his request, and does not seem to be budging on the increase. My friend wonders if something fishy is going on, and I have to agree with him. Over the past few years many investors have approached him with offers to buy his property (the building is not what they are after -- obviously it's the land for building coops, or whatever). At any rate, he's never entertained selling, which is why he's wondering if someone is behind the sudden taxation increase (i.e. [getting someone from that office on their payroll) to force his hand into selling. Sounds a bit paranoid, I realize, but stranger things have been known to happen. Anyway, he wants to keep his place, but doesn't want to pay the increase in taxes. I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you might have. Thanks in advance for your help.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 2:16 AM | Comments (14)
Categories: Taxes

October 8, 2007

Plaster dust

Just finished doing some renovations, and I cannot seem to get rid of the plaster dust that is coating my hardwood floors. I've used vinegar and Murphy's Oil Soap, but there remains a residue. Anyone know how to get rid of the stuff once and for all? I've tried three times already.

Also, anyone know of a good cleaning service to do deep cleaning? I'd like to get the carpets, insides of regrigerators, windows, etc. cleaned before the weather starts to turn cold.

Thanks.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 7:41 PM | Comments (3)
Categories: Maintenance

August 24, 2007

HELOC

I closed on my 3-family brownstone in April, 2007 and am having trouble getting a HELOC. HSBC won't give one to me until I have 2-yrs history as a landlord since my ability to pay the mortgage depends on my income plus the 2-apartment units I am renting. I am looking for a fixed-rate HELOC. Anyone know where I can get one for @ prime w/o having to pay for closing costs? Thanks.

Posted in Forum by MacD at 9:41 PM | Comments (3)
Categories: Mortgage