Manhattan Place — Local services in New York

I lived here one year. Would give it 3.5 stars if I could because I think its better than 3 stars however not good enough to earn 4 stars.

Caution: They are redoing the roof Summer of 2022 so do no expect to use these amenities. Unsure if it is only the outdoor section or the entire roof (including health club)

Negative: Things are always broken. Expect 1 or 2 elevators (out of 4) to be out of service between 5-15% of the time. The sauna/steam room and hottub have been broken or shut down the entire time I lived here. Elevators sometimes shut off overnight, fiberoptic cables had to be replaced, all water was shut off multiple times for ~12 hours, hot water was shut off multiple times as well About 15 minute walk to the nearest subway station (6 train, 33rd and Park). 2nd closest stop is Grand Central, which is nice, but its a 20 minute walk Cost to rent out the roof ($500 for a few hours) and restrictions (cannot have more than 12-15 guests) Non-negotionable move in fee of $1,200 - $1,600 dollars, I can't remember which one

Positive: AMAZING staff. So friendly and helpful, couldn't speak more highly about them Residents and neightbors are also very friendly. The building is quiet, but has families living here and certain pets ARE allowed which makes it feel more like a home and community Building is beautiful, great city and river views, lobby is gorgeous Public park is right next door. East river access is right across the street Multiple grocery stores (Fairway Market, Trader Joes, Target) within 0.5miles One bodega attachd to building (Marche Madison) and one 2 blocks away (Bread and Butter), both have really good prices and great food Reasonably reliable internet (We used Spectrum, building also has Verizon Fios availability) Bus station is 2 blocks away (cross town and uptown), ferry is 1 block away, Citibikes are essentailly right outside the door across the street Murray Hill has a lot of food options nearby within a 10 minute walk 3 hospitals within a 5 minute walk Limited free street parking in front of the building. Garage parking...

*Common Charges, Capital Assessment, Special Assessment, Bank Loan, you name it! * Incompetent Board managing the building's financials. The money has not properly spent. Unit owners do not get the efficient maintenance and necessary safety related improvement, in particular Elevators for Years.

Despite the ongoing $6mm Capital One loan installments through Oct 2031, the unit owners have been informed by the Board that additional $4.5-5mm Capital Assessment (Plaza upgrade & elevator improvement) will be charged starting May 2023 for the next 12 months. A year later, May 2024 we have been told that this charge needs to be paid for another 12 months. The Board memo clearly stated the anticipated January 2024 start date for elevator project, as of now 2025 the progress has not yet been made. For the past 4 years, right after Covid, residents got countless email notification on elevator closure/shutdown. I've heard several complaints people got stuck in the elevator. Giving the priority to Plaza and Fountain cosmetic upgrade rather than Elevator restoration, safety concern is totally unacceptable. Not mention the significant expenses for unit owners, almost double monthly common charges...Where's the money go? Where is the...

CONFLICT OF INTEREST !! A Real Estate Broker, a resident actively sells several units in the building, has access to all private information, foreclosing, financing has been appointed as the Condominium Board of Managers, a big No No!! Make the matter worse, he's recently served as a treasurer of the board. Ambiguity towards the building management, budget decision to upgrade amenities rather than to refurbish or repair based more on his RE business is unavoidable. Of course certain unrepairable necessities need to be considered. No wonder the residents have to pay special assessments on top of the ongoing special assessments and loan assesment. Additional monthly charges of approx 51% of monthly common charges for each resident's unit is so outrageous. Managing and prioritizing the building's reserve in a timely manner should be the way to go instead of upgrading unnecessary. To name a few, lobby's furniture, paintings, exotic pricey fresh flowers, and now want to upgrade the gym and currently great condition equipment. Such a shameless and unjustified act! No code of ethics whatsoever, the Real estate guy should immediately recuse himself from the...