What's new

Pigeon spikes: They have arrived! The temperature needs to be above 40 degrees for the adhesive to stick, which should be the case next week. Before your spikes can be attached, you must clean your window sills. Bud will schedule a time with you. -2:29 p.m., November 20

Fare hike: If news of a potential increase in subway fares leaves you in a foul mood, explain your feelings to the New York Transit Authority's president at a neighborhood meeting tonight. -9:28 a.m., November 20

Fort Tryon Park: How often do you go to Fort Tryon Park? What would it take to get you there more often? The group that helps the city maintain our jewel wants to know. -7:43 a.m., November 19

STAR redux: You may be getting that tax rebate anyway. The mayor doesn't have the authority to rescind the School Tax Rebate without the approval of the city council, which doesn't like the idea of taking money away from constituents. Shareholders who haven't signed up should do so for 2009. -1:23 p.m., November 18

Price re-set: Hercules corrected the price for the triple-load washer yesterday. It's now at $2.25, the correct price. -9:42 a.m., November 18

Laundry fee: When the large washer washer was installed on Saturday, the price was incorrectly set at $3.50. It will be reset to $2.25. -10:33 a.m., November 17

Lobby decorations: Holiday season is coming up sooner than you think. Join us when we decorate the lobby on Sunday afternoon, November 30, around 3. -8:52 a.m., November 17

Homeowner's insurance: Thanks to those of you who submitted copies of your homeowner's insurance to Argo. Oddly, many of the policies expired last month. If yours was one of them, please submit a copy of your current policy. -8:33 a.m., November 14

Application forms

       Download the forms you need. These are pdf files. If you don't see what you're looking for here, please call our property manager, who can also send you any of these forms through the mail.

Alteration Agreement
    Renovations fall into this category. Download the form and fill out to begin the process. If you believe your work is not extensive, please contact the property manager to see if you qualify to work under a decoration agreement.

 Automatic Payment
    Never be late again with your maintenance fee. Sign up for auto- matic payment from your checking account. It's ideal for travelers. There's no cost, and with it you'll never pay a late fee again.

Bike Racks

Fitness Room

     Fees and conditions are included. Sign and mail the rules and con- ditions to Argo to join the fitness room.

Pets

Renovations
    See "Alteration Agreement," above.

Sale/Purchase of Apartment Shares

STAR Property Tax Rebate
    You'll need to fill in our Borough, Block and Lot numbers. They are:
    Borough = 1
    Block = 2177
    Lot = 87  

Storage Cage

Sublet

Open house: Take a look at our new laundry equipment and watch a demonstration of the smart cards starting in a few minutes and lasting until 6. -4:51 p.m., November 13

Fresh paint: A new coat of paint has been applied to the laundry room: floor, walls and ceiling. Please stay out until the open house tomorrow. If you're looking for the clothes you left there, contact Bud, who is also handing out the new cards you'll use to operate the washers and dryers. -2:27 p.m., November 12

Laundry cards: The new laundry machines will use smart cards, not quarters. Bud will start distributing them today; you must sign for yours. If you see him, ask for one! -11:43 a.m., November 11

The New York market: The financial turmoil isn't helping the real estate market, although Washington Heights is doing better than many in Manhattan. Find out for yourself. -8:44 a.m., November 11

Abandoned laundry: A dry load of shirts, mostly, has been sitting in the laundry room since yesterday. If you don't have time to collect them before the morning, don't worry -- Bud will keep them safe in his office during the renovation. -5:09 p.m., November 9 (Claimed!)

Coin of the realm: This weekend marks the final time you'll need to scrounge for quarters to do laundry. On Monday morning the laundry room closes for a complete renovation that includes new washers and dryers that accept smart cards, not coins. More info on the Amenities page. -3:57 p.m., November 8

Falling STAR: The mayor's proposed budget for next year cuts out the School Tax Refund, so the rebate check you received this month may be your last until the economy gets back on track. -8:18 a.m., November 7

Check your caulk: The rainy weather over the next few days will give you a good chance to make sure your new window caulking is doing its job. If you see any leaks at all, say so. -9:16 a.m., November 6

Steam efficiency: After Thanksgiving the steam pipes in the basement will be insulated. You'll notice that the laundry room, for example, will no longer feel like a sauna in January. The benefit comes in wasting less energy to heat your apartment. -3:28 p.m., November 5

Homeowner's insurance: If you haven't yet sent a copy of your homeowner's insurance to Argo, please do so right away. -1:11 a.m., November 5

Get out the vote: Pinehurst residents vote at Holyrood Church between 6 this morning and 9 tonight. Enter on West 179th and get in line for the 62nd Electoral District. Drop by the watch party at the Malcolm X Center. If you live elsewhere in New York City your polling place can be found here. - 5:45 a.m., November 4

Seeing STARs: Shareholders are seeing their School Tax Relief rebates in the mail. If you haven't signed up you won't get a check this year, but you can sign up for 2009. Scroll down to "Application forms" and read STAR Property Tax Rebate. -5:21 p.m., November 3

Washer woes: The large washing machine stopped working again Friday; Hercules is aware of the problem. If you lost money, scroll down to "Laundry Room" for instructions to request a refund. Good thing we're getting new machines next week! - 9:56 a.m., November 3

Orphaned laundry: A load of laundry, mostly towels, is awaiting its owner. The same person may also want to claim the bottles of detergent and fabric softener in a shopping bag. (Towels claimed! Detergent? Anyone? -Also claimed!) 5:57 p.m., November 2

Boo! It's safe trick-or-treat time in the building. Aren't the costumes cute? Thanks to all who are handing out treats. -5:24 p.m., All Hallow's Eve

Ghosts & goblins: Halloween brings out the trickster in all of us, especially children. The Pinehurst's Safe Trick-or-Treating begins at 5 and goes until 7. To welcome little monsters, post a colored sign (take one from the lobby bulletin board) on your door and wait for the knocks. Later you can watch the Hudson Heights Halloween Parade or tour a haunted forest. Details on the Events page. -October 31

Unclaimed laundry: If you can't find your laundry from the weekend of October 18, check in with Bud. -(Claimed!) 1:49 p.m., October 30

Community meeting: Discuss your concerns about bus and subway service, noise, and anything else of import to Washington Heights and Inwood tonight at 7:30 at the Mount Sinai Jewish Center, 135 Bennett Avenue (at West 187th Street). -8:42 a.m., October 30

Dog park group: One of your Pinehurst neighbors is among those behind a new group for dogs and their best friends, the J. Hood Wright Canine Club. The dog run is on the west edge of the J. Hood Wright Park, at Fort Washington and 176th, where the club hosted its Dog-o-ween contest. If you and your dog and are looking for a nearby park, drop by and sign up. -2:48 p.m., October 29

New restaurants: Ta Cocina holds its grand opening this evening with an open house in the former Fort Tryon Deli space, on Fort Washington near 187th. More than just a tacquería, the kitchen open Friday for lunch service. Closer to home, 181 opened last week on 181st and Cabrini, in the former Karrot space. -8:40 a.m., October 29

Laundry room: The laundry room will be closed Monday, November 10, through Thursday, November 13, to remove the old equipment, paint the room, and install new machines. On Thursday the 13th, Hercules will host an open house to demonstrate how the new machines and cards work. -1:30 p.m., October 28

Where were you Saturday? The Times on the Bernstein Mass Project: "If only Bernstein could have been at the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights on Saturday afternoon. There is nothing like young performers to refresh older pieces." Keep on top of concerts on the Events page.-8:30 a.m., October 28

All Hallow's Eve: Want to host our little monsters on Halloween? Pick up a colored-in drawing of a haunted house from the lobby bulletin board. Tape it to your door by Friday afternoon, and between 5 and 7 p.m. costumed kids will knock, seeking treats. Questions? Send an e-mail to trick-or-treat@thepinehurst.org. -9:10 a.m., October 27

Weekly wrap-up: Last week a batch of uniforms was left in the laundry room. A window air conditioner was offered to anyone for the asking. Then a kind neighbor folded all those soccer uniforms and the socks that are with them. Over the weekend someone left a white bathmat and a green laundry bag in the laundry room. If you're missing a sock, now you know where it is. -8:45 a.m., October 27

Chefs' note: If you like to cook, you may have noticed that the new smoke detectors in the hallways are more sensitive than the old ones. When your dinner is ends up overdone and the hallway alarm sounds, you can use a broom stick to click it off. Then tell your neighbors they don't need to worry (or call the fire department). -October 26

Laundry angel: Thanks to the kind neighbor who folded the orphaned soccer uniforms yesterday. They were left in the laundry room a week ago. After this weekend we'll hold them for safe keeping. -October 25

Location announced: The Monday night planning meeting of Transit Justice will take place at Holyrood Church. Enter the Parish Hall on West 179th Street. The discussion will focus on hosting the chief of the Transit Authority at a Hudson Heights meeting on November 20. Send an e-mail for details. -October 24

Soccer Blues: Do you have a neighbor whose child plays soccer? Ask her if she's missing some blue & white striped soccer uniforms. A pile of them has been in the laundry room since Sunday. -October 23

Laundry room: Part of getting new machines is having the laundry room re-painted. The job is planned for Tuesday, November 11, a date to put on your calendar if you do laundry on Mondays. -October 22

Lost laundry: A batch of dried soccer uniforms has been in the laundry room since yesterday. Yours? -(Claimed!) 5 p.m., October 20

Subway service: Got complaints? The chief of the Transit Authority will attend a Transit Justice meeting in Hudson Heights on November 20. If you'd like to help the group to plan for the meeting, drop by an organizing session next Monday evening, October 27, at 7. The location hasn't been announced, so send an e-mail for details. -8:45 a.m., October 20

Yellow pages: The Verizon business directories are in the laundry room. Take a copy before they are recycled. -October 17

Little monsters: Host the Pinehurst's trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Post a colored-in haunted drawing, available soon on the lobby bulletin board, on your door. Want a blank drawing? Send an e-mail to
trick-or-treat@thepinehurst.org. Details under Planning Ahead on the Events page. -October 16

Better bus station: The Port Authority has a contract for a $152 million renovation of the GWB Bus Station over the next few years. Who will the retailers be? Read about it and see an illustration of the proposal here, and get a rare glimpse of its butterfly-like roof here.  -October 16

Welcome back: Our annual fall party will be combined with the winter holiday party this year. With two renovation projects underway, we have run out of time to plan the event this month. Still looking for a celebration? Visit the Hudson Heights Harvest Festival or the
Little Red Lighthouse Tour, both on Saturday afternoon. -October 15

A/C available: You're not thinking of it now, but when summer returns you'll want air conditioning for your apartment. One resident has decided to give away one of her window air conditioners. Interested? Ask here. -October 14

On-set photos: Did you take pictures of the building as it was being filmed for Friday Night Lights? If you did, please share them with us! We'll put them on-line and in the newsletter. -October 13

6th & 4th are first: Congratulations to the sixth and fourth floors, which are the first to complete their window installations! The project may end as soon as Friday, so if you have any concerns about or problems with your windows, let Bud know now. -October 11

Friday Night on Saturday morning: If you happen to take pictures of the filming of Friday Night Lights on Saturday morning, let us know so we can include one in the newsletter and on the web site! The shoot will take place on the east and south sides of the building. -October 10

Yellow pages: The new Verizon yellow page directories have been dropped off. If you'd like one, please pick one up from the lobby niche. They will be recycled after another week or so. -October 9

On location: Filming for the TV show Friday Night Lights will take place adjacent to our building on Saturday morning from 7 to 10. Both Fort Washington Avenue, between 179 and 181 Streets, and 180 Street, between Pinehurst and Fort Washington Avenues, will be closed during some portion of this time. The GWB will also be used to film driving scenes. -October 8

HPD visit: An inspector from the city will visit today between 1 and 3 to make sure some complaints from 30 years ago have been taken care of. If you didn't receive a letter from Hedda, or if you did and you let him in last week, you aren't affected.-9:35 a.m., October 7

Neighborhood noshing: Pick up a copy of the 2008 Washington Heights Dining Guide in the lobby to find out about restaurants that have recently opened and restaurants you didn't know existed. Published by The Manhattan Times. -October 6

HPD visit: Thanks to those who were able to let the inspector in on Tuesday. He will return Tuesday to visit those apartments he missed previously. If you cannot be home, please give Bud permission to escort the inspector for these quick visits. -October 5

Better bus station: The Port Authority has a contract for a $152 million renovation of the GWB Bus Station over the next few years. Who will the retailers be? Read about it and get a rare glimpse of its butterfly-like roof here. -October 4

Aircraft noise: Do low-flying or hovering helicopters wake you in the morning? Or is the sound just a nuisance? Let someone know. Call the Economic Development Corporation at (212) 619-5000 with your concerns about helicopters, or for airplanes call (718) 533-5615 and press 3 for LaGuardia. -October 3 

Heating season: The nights are chillier, so it's about time to fire up the boiler. Please remove items from around your radiators to keep them from getting overheated, and to let the heat circulate in your home. -October 3

HPD visit: Thanks to those who were able to let the inspector in on Tuesday. He will return Tuesday, October 7, to visit those apartments he missed previously. If you cannot be home, please give Bud permission to escort the inspector for these quick visits. -11:50 a.m., October 2

Better views: How do you like your new windows? Much easier to use than the old ones, right? Not to mention cleaner (and easier to clean). If your new windows aren't installed yet, you should be on the schedule to have them replaced. If not, contact Bud immediately. The project is drawing to a close. -10 a.m., October 2

1st and B floors: Be on the lookout tomorrow for a request to sign up for your window installation. This is the final batch of windows to go in! -3:20 p.m., September 30

HPD visit: The city's inspector is running late. He won't arrive at the building until after 1 this afternoon. If you cannot be here for his visit, he will return on October 7. -10:05 a.m., September 30

Parking limit: Law & Order will be filming in Hudson Heights again. This time, parking will be prohibited on Fort Washington north of Bennett Park, from Wednesday to Friday. -9:20 a.m., September 30

Second floor: You're next! Look for information tomorrow afternoon to schedule your window installation. Third floor, please contact Bud now. The schedule is available. -5:15 p.m., September 29

HPD visit: Tomorrow the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development will visit those apartments that received a letter from Hedda earlier this month. The city wants to make sure that violations from the late 1970s and early 1980s (when the building was still a rental property) have been taken care of in the years since Ed Koch was mayor. -3 p.m., September 29

Third floor: Later today, residents of 34, 35, and 37 will be asked to choose a date for their window installation. Please watch your e-mail (or for a note under your door). -9:45 a.m. September 29

Found: A box of Fab and a bottle of Tide are in the laundry room. Yours? -September 29

A big hit: This weekend The Pinehurst's web site received its 1,000th visit. The site went up in December, but we didn't even start counting traffic until late January. Thanks for making the web page an important part of your life. -September 28

Rain delay: To those of you who were to have your windows installed yesterday, thanks for accommodating our need to postpone the work. All that wind and rain would have made a big mess. The revised schedule is available. -September 27

Fifth-floor windows: If you're in 54, 55 or 57, please let Bud know when we can replace your windows. The sooner you reply, the quicker the project will be complete. -September 24

Sixth-floor windows: We're scheduling the remaining sixth-floor apartments for their window replacement. E-mail Bud your preferred date and confirm on the schedule. -September 23

Smoke detectors: Today fall begins. That's a good a reminder as any to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Bud will change the batteries for you if you provide him with new ones. If you'd like his help, just ask. -September 22

Giving Bud a hand: You may remember the reliable work Eddie did for us over the summer during Bud's vacations. He's coming back to assist Bud a couple of days a week during the window job, when Bud spends a big chunk of his day monitoring the installation crew. -September 21

Windows, week 3: If you're on the second or third floors, check the schedule to verify your installation date. -1:10 p.m., September 19

Identity theft: Learn how to protect yourself from this growing threat on Monday evening in Inwood. Check "Planning Ahead" on the Events page. -September 19

Housing inspections: To make certain that complaints by tenants from 25 to 30 years ago have been cleared, the city will inspect apartments Tuesday. If you can't make your apartment available, the inspector will return October 7. -September 19

6-line windows: Contact Bud to set a date next week to have your new windows installed. More information here. -September 18

9 Rms, Rvr Vu: Take a look at the floor plans for The Pinehurst that George Pelham, the architect, intended. All apartments facing south were different from today's layout. Thanks to our new Board member for making this historic discovery! -September 17

Tag sale income: The income has been tallied (we had a profitable weekend!) and is being distributed. Please contact the tag sale coordinator if you haven't received yours to arrange a pick-up or drop-off. -September 17

3rd and 2nd floor windows: It's time to schedule your window installations for next week. Check your e-mail for details. -8 p.m., September 16

Window sign-up: Residents of 1-, 2-, and 3-line apartments on the second and third floors will be able to sign up for a preferred day to have their windows installed starting this evening. You will receive an e-mail from the Board to which you can respond with your first and second choices on the weeks of Sept. 22 and 29. -4 p.m., September 16

Tag sale income: If you sold items during the tag sale, your profit will be distributed Tuesday evening by the tag sale coordinator. -September 15

Cleaned out: What a day! We sold almost everything. Thanks to all who pitched in, and especially to our tag sale coordinator. If you weren't around when the sale concluded, please check the bike storage area for your unsold items. You must collect them by the end of the week or they will be discarded. -5:40 p.m., September 14

Tag sale success: We're halfway through the second day, and the lobby is full of buyers. Yesterday the massage table sold, and today someone bought all the remaining books in one lot. The sale is a great success, so if you think you may want to buy something hurry on down before it's all gone! -1:45 p.m., September 14

Overnight hiatus: Thanks for all the tag sale help today! We're taking a break until Sunday morning at 10. The sale concludes at 4. Come on by! -5:25 p.m., September 13

Lobby commotion: The second annual tag sale is underway. Drop by to see if there's something you can't live without, or offer to give one of our volunteers a 15-minute break. -11:45 a.m., September 13

Toil & Trouble: Renovations are dusty and dirty. When your windows are due to be replaced, please cover your electronic equipment, clothing, food and other hard-to-clean items. Cage your pets. The installation crew cleans up after themselves, but dust will continue settle after they leave. More information on the Construction page. -September 11

New windows: Today is the day the first batch of new windows will be installed on the east-facing apartments on the top floor. To see the schedule for other floors, visit the Construction page. -September 10

Window schedule change: The schedule for the 1-, 2-, and 3-line installation has changed. If your apartment faces east please check the Construction page to find out when your windows will be changed. -September 10

Primary elections: Vote today until 9 p.m. at Holyrood Church. The voters' entrance is on West 179 Street just east of Fort Washington Avenue (Election district 62; Assembly district 71). Don't live in the Pinehurst? Find your polling place here. -September 9

Tag sale: To participate, fill out the form in the newsletter and return to Tom. We're looking for sellers and volunteers to help staff the event. Questions? Ask! -September 7

Election day: New York City primary elections will be held Tuesday. Remember to vote at Holyrood Church; the voters' entrance is on West 179 Street just east of Fort Washington Avenue (Election district 62; Assembly district 71). Don't live in the Pinehurst? Find your polling place here. -September 6

Newsletter: The summer newsletter comes out tonight. Look under your door for fresh information about the construction and window project, news from Bud, a recap of the annual meeting and important info about next weekend's tag sale. -September 5

Window schedule update: The schedule for the 1-, 2-, and 3-line installation is ready. If your apartment faces east please check the Construction page to find out when your windows will be changed. -September 5

A/C removal: Before your windows can be installed, you must have your air conditioners removed by a licensed professional. Two neighborhood businesses that will do the work are listed on the Construction page. -September 4

Elevator repaired: The monthly maintenance is complete and the elevator is back in service. -3:35 p.m., September 3

Closet clutter: Permanently clear up your corners by finally getting rid of that stuff you haven't used since you moved it. Our tag sale takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, in the lobby. To join, register in advance: tagsale@thepinehurst.org. -September 2

Elevator maintenance: The elevator will be out of service Wednesday afternoon between 1 and 4 for routine maintenance. -September 2

Subway stations: One result of last week's meeting across the street with MTA officials is a planned tour of Hudson Heights subway stations for the MTA and hosted by members of Transit Justice, who aim to help make improvements. If you would like to join them, or if you have suggestions, send an e-mail to Transit Justice. -August 31

Happy holiday: Enjoy your weekend! Bud has three days off too, so please pitch in if you see trash around the building. -August 30

WaHi eats: Friday is your last chance to vote in the 2008 Manhattan Times Dining Guide elections. Details on the Events page. -August 28

Hamlet in the Heights: Gorilla Rep's production of Hamlet in Fort Tryon Park gets an outstanding review from The Times today. It raves about the setting and the "towering" performance of Hamlet. -August 26

Window installation: Windows on the east façade will be installed on Wednesday, September 10, or so. Watch your mail for more information from Argo, or visit the Construction page. -August 26

Window arrival: The first batch of our new windows has been delivered. Some are stored in the storage area, so please be careful when walking through. -August 25

Missing Britches: A load of dry laundry has been sitting in a basket since yesterday afternoon. Yours? -August 25 (Claimed!)

WaHi eats: Take part in the 2008 Manhattan Times Dining Guide by nominating your favorite neighborhood restaurants. The results will be tabulated by the newspaper and published in the fall. Details on the Events page. -August 22

MTA Meeting: Tonight's your chance to share your wishes for more trains and buses at rush hour, fewer escalator breakdowns (or at least one always going up) and concerns about a fare hike. The MTA will be listening across the street at Holyrood Church. Details on the Events page. -August 21