Residents’ Information
Weekend picks Raise a glass to raise funds for the oldest standing house in Manhattan at tavern night, right, a re-creation of an eighteenth-century drinking house. Enjoy a production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors tomorrow and Sunday afternoons in Hudson Heights. Would you like to take a class at Columbia for free? The university opens a few courses for Uptowners to audit. The deadline to apply is Sunday. —7:53 a.m., July 16
Hot weather As if flooding subway platforms weren’t enough, we’re getting extreme heat today.
• The heat index could reach 103, which is dangerous to health.
• The Air Quality Index is forecast to reach Level Orange, between 101–150, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• Cooling centers will be open today and tomorrow. One is in Fort George, and another is in Inwood. To find your nearest cooling center, call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/.
• If you use the back gate, check to be sure it closes: The heat makes it sticky.
If you need any assistance, such as running an errand, let us know! For more information, visit: nyc.gov/beattheheat. —7:53 a.m., July 16
Jet flyover You may need to plug your ears: A squadron of four military F-18 aircraft will conduct a flyover of the Hudson River tomorrow morning at 10. The aircraft will fly low, at approximately 2,500 feet. —3:11 p.m., July 15
Lithium batteries They undoubtedly make our lives more convenient, but the cost of lithium batteries in our cell phones, laptops, scooters and more is their fire hazard. Last year, they started fires in more than 30 trash trucks, including a fire down the street in Fort George in September. If you’re getting rid of your lithium battery, do not put it in the trash—that’s illegal. The store that sold your new lithium battery device is required to accept your used one. You can also drop it off at a collection site run by the Department of Sanitation. —7:21 a.m., July 15
Window balances We’re getting ready to repaid the common-area windows that won’t stay open because their balances need repair. If yours need repair too, let us know. —9:58 a.m., July 13
Application Forms
Download the forms you need, posted here as 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.
Never be late again with your maintenance fee. Sign up for automatic payment from your checking account. It’s ideal for travelers. There’s no cost, and with it you’ll never pay another late fee.
ACH Form Scan.PDF
PDF File [132.6 KB]
Store your bicycle in the basement storage room. Please keep it locked to the rack. To get your rack, fill out this form. (It’s the same as the Storage Cage form, just check the Bike Rack box at the bottom.)
Pinehurst 447 Storage Lease.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [58.4 KB]
If the improvement you’re planning is less extensive than a renovation but you’re still planning to use outside help to complete the job, you may be eligible to use the decoration agreement. It’s less extensive than the alteration agreement (below, under Renovations and Alterations). Before submitting a decoration agreement, please visit with the property manager.
Pinehurst 447 Decoration Agreement.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [223.3 KB]
The equipment in fitness room is exclusively for use by legal residents of 447 Fort Washington Avenue who pay a monthly membership fee after filling out this document. No one is permitted to use the equipment unless he/she is a member in good standing. Membership is non-transferable except by approval of the Board of Directors.
447FWOC_FitnessRoom_Agreement.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [112.3 KB]
Renovations fall into this category. Use this form to submit with your plans. If you believe your work is not extensive, please contact the property manager to see if you qualify to work under a decoration agreement (see above). Mail the completed form to Hedda at Argo, 50 West 17 Street, NYC 10011-5702.
Pinehurst 447 Alteration Agreement.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [19.6 KB]
The purchaser should fill out this document to apply to transfer shares from the seller.
Pinehurst 10034_447_fwa purchase_applica[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [687.9 KB]
If your apartment is too cluttered, store your overflowing belongings in a storage cage in the basement. To get your cage, fill out this document.
Pinehurst 447 Storage Lease.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [58.4 KB]
If you plan to sublet your apartment, your proposed subtenant needs to complete this document.
Pinehurst 10034_447 fwa sublease_applica[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [647.2 KB]
Pets
Compost Collection
Click to enlarge!
The city is helping reduce waste in landfills by accepting material to compost. It’s picked up every week, so have yours set out by Wednesday afternoon.
The Sanitation Department collects all leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. That includes meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, and greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes.
But do not compost trash such as diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, and foam products. Click on the list to the right for details.
And do not compost recyclable materials. Learn more about what to recycle. It’s important to follow the guidelines because the city can impose a fine on the building when a resident puts the wrong material in the compost bin for collection.
Contacting Us
Have a question about the House Rules, or how to get a storage cage? Ask one of your directors. This year they are:
Jennifer Peng, president
Allison Hiroto, vice president
Greg Donovan, vice president
Jessica Benoit, secretary
Contact them at board@thepinehurst.org or just say hi in the elevator or at the mailboxes. They will be happy to help you.
Michael Trainor is the superintendent. You can reach him by calling (646) 372-0092 or by sending an email to Super@ThePinehurst.org. For help after hours and on weekends, please call the Argo emergency line at (212) 896-8660.
While you’re thinking of the building, help us keep your contact information current so you will receive official mail from the corporation and Argo without delay. If you have children moving out or roommates moving in, please tell us. Your information will not appear on this web site. If you do not want it to appear on our internal contact sheet, simply say so.
The secretary is responsible for keeping our records current, so when you have updates to your contact preferecnes please keep us in the loop by
sending them to Secretary@ThePinehurst.org or one of these addresses:
board@thepinehurst.org For general questions
super@thepinehurst.org To reach
the super
secretary@thepinehurst.org To update
your contact details
web@thepinehurst.org Reaches the
webmaster
You may also call the property manager, John Duff, at (212) 896-8600, and mail correspondence to us at
447 Ft. Washington Avenue, No. 68, New York NY 10033.
Delivery Security and Package Pirates
Have you lost a box after it was delivered and before you picked it up? You’re not alone: 90,000 of them go missing in New York every day, and residents in some buildings are protecting themselves.
It’s terribly frustrating to have a delivery go missing despite our best efforts. If it happens to you, please follow these steps:
1. Ensure delivery confirmation with the delivery service (USPS, UPS, Amazon, etc.).
2. File a police report with the 32nd Precinct at (212) 690-6311.
3. Notify management of your missing package.
4. The police will contact management to obtain surveillance video. As per the House Rules, security camera footage is not provided to residents.
To keep your delivery from being stolen, follow suggestions from the Wirecutter, or try some of the tips we’ve collected to protect your goods. There’s no guarantee they will work, but any of them will help keep your package yours.
You can help your first-floor neighbors with their deliveries: If you see a package left at their door, put it in the bin.
• Once your package is delivered, pick it up! The longer you wait, the more likely it is to go missing. And when lots of residents leave their packages uncollected, the space fills up and someone’s package has to be left outside the door, where thieves can prey on it.
• Have your package held at the post office, or sign up for informed delivery from the USPS.
• Amazon (and many other businesses) lets you add delivery instructions to your shipping address. Of course, the delivery agent may not follow your instructions, but you can at the very least instruct them leave it by the cage.
• If you’re going to be out of town for more than a few days, the Post Office will hold your mail if you
sign up for the free service.
• Take advantage of “Ship to Store” option when it’s available. Amazon offers a locker feature that allows you to pick up your package from a secure location, whether near home or work. The closest is at the Rite Aid in Lower WaHi, at 4046 Broadway at 171st Street.
• Request signature confirmation for delivery.
• Never buzz in someone whose identity you can’t establish.
• When you see strangers in the building, a friendly “hello” or “can I help you find someone?” will let them know the residents are paying attention to visitors.
• And if you see a package at a neighbor’s door, you could collect it and let them know you have it.
A magazine for co-op apartments suggests being aware of restaurant delivery personnel. The Denver Police Department says one effective deterrent is simply asking a neighbor to accept a package for you.
If you’re clever, you could try what a NASA engineer has up his sleeve for porch pirates, but it involves a lot of glitter and amassing a certain … scent.
Disposal: Electronics and Lithium Batteries
Discarded electronics make up the largest growth in household hazardous waste in NYC, but you can recycle them instead.
We have a collection unit in the basement, where you can drop off your unusable items. They will be collected by the city and either repurposed or safely dismantled.
Your efforts make a real difference. In 2021 we recycled 880 pounds of digital detritus, and since we’ve been enrolled in the city’s e-cycling program, we’ve kept 6,447 pounds of it from landfills.
The city will collect these electronics:
- Televisions (including cathode ray tubes)
- Computer peripherals, including any permanently attached cable or wiring
- Monitors, laptops
- Electronic keyboards
- Electronic mice and other pointing devices
- Fax machines, document scanners, and printers that are meant for use with a computer and weigh less than 100 lbs.
- TV peripherals, including any permanently attached cable or wiring
- VCRs
- Digital video recorders
- DVD players
- Digital converter boxes
- Cable or satellite receivers
- Electronic or video game consoles
- Small-scale servers
- Portable devices, including any permanently attached cable or wiring
- Portable digital music players
Can’t find what you have to get rid of? Look here.
If you’re getting rid of your lithium battery, do not put it in the trash—that’s illegal. It’s hazardous waste.
The easiest option: The store that sold your new lithium battery is required to accept your used one. You can also drop it off at a collection site run by the Department of Sanitation.
Keep in mind that while recharging our devices makes them incredibly convenient to use, the cost of lithium batteries in our cell phones, laptops, scooters is their fire hazard. In just the nine months of 2024, lithium batteries started fires in 30 trash trucks, including a fire down the street in Fort George on Saint Nicholas Avenue at 186th Street in September.
Drought warning
We’ve gone without sufficient rain for so long that the city is asking us to reduce water usage to protect water supplies. Here are some steps you can take to help
prevent a worsening drought:
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily and take shorter showers.
• Avoid running the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth.
• Take measures to fix leaky faucets and pipes within your house.
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full, and use shorter cycles if available.
And if you see an open fire hydrant or outdoor leak, call 311.
Exterminator
Regular visits from Pest Pro help keep tiny interlopers at bay. The sign-up sheet is available in the laundry room; if you can’t make it there see ask John for a link to the online sign-up. The technician will write the next visit date on the sign-up sheet.
Pest Pro will visit the building on Friday mornings. We hope that having visits on Friday mornings will allow more of you to be home when Pest Pro visits. If you will not be home then, please let Michael know that he can give the technician access to your apartment in your absence.
Before every visit, please clear under your kitchen and bathroom sinks so that there is space for the technician to examine and treat those areas. If you have areas blocked off by furniture or items, prepare to move them so the tech can do a full visual inspection.
Gas Meter Reading, Inspections, and Safety
Review these gas safety tips from ConEd so you’ll know what to do if you smell something off. And remember that if you notice that rotten egg smell, do not light a match, smoke, flip a switch, ring a doorbell, or touch appliances or electronics, including your phone. Doing so can produce sparks that might cause the gas to explode.
The state mandates inspections of gas meters and piping to keep you and your neighbors safe. If your meter (it’s probably in your kitchen) has not been inspected, call (800) 643-1289 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. or send an e-mail to gasinspections@coned.com.
Alternatively, if yours has in fact been inspected and you’re still being asked to set up a time, take a picture of the inspection sticker and email it to the same address.
ConEd bills you for the natural gas you use, typically for your range. Your gas meter is probably in your kitchen and looks like the one on the right. ConEd determines your gas bill by looking at those little dials to find out how much gas you used, and for accurate billing prefers to read your meter monthly.
If you’re home when the gas meter reader knocks on your door, just let him in and he’ll be done in less than a minute. If you miss him more than once, you may receive a letter from ConEd asking for access to your apartment to read your meter. For $19, you can schedule a visit at www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/how-to-read-your-meter, or you can just follow the instructions and record the meter reading yourself.
Oh, those meters in the basement across from the elevator? They’re for electricity.
General Data Protection Regulation Info
Visitors to this website from the European Union have the protection of GDPR 2016/679 which on May 26, 2016, went into effect.
Data collected from on thepinehurst.org are stored on the servers of Ionos, the web hosting service used by 447 Ft. Washington Owners’ Corporation doing business as The Pinehurst. The Controller is the webmaster, who may be reached at web@thepinehurst.org, and the Controller’s Representative is the property manager, John Duff, who may be reached at (212) 896-8600 or at Argo Real Estate, 50 W 17 St, New York NY 10011. The Data Protection Officer is the president of the corporation, Alison Hiroto, who may be reached at 447fwa@thepinehurst.org.
The data we collect are those submitted voluntarily by shareholders to promote notices of sale of their apartments. There is no requirement to submit any information at any time. We store personal data for the duration that an apartment is for sale; once it is sold we delete it within four weeks of being notified of the sale. If a shareholder revokes permission for us to store personal information we shall delete it within two weeks of the shareholder’s notification.
An individual subject to GDPR 2016/679 has the right to request from the Controller access to and rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing concerning the data subject or to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Such an individual also has the right to make a complaint the supervising authority, which is The Board of Directors. It may be reached at secretary@thepinehurst.org or at 447 Fort Washington Ave, Apt 68, New York NY 10033.
Grilling in the Parks
Looking for a place to light up a grill? This resource shows the safe spots in Fort Washington Park and Inwood Hill Park.
Grilling on the Pinehurst’s balconies and fire escapes is prohibited by law — not to mention common sense.
Hazardous Waste: Paint, Pesticides, CFC’s
After sprucing up your walls you probably have more paint than you can use for touch-ups. To dispose of them in the trash, let the paint dray out—just be sure you keep a window open. Once the paint is dry you can put it in the trash.
If it’s latex paint (and it’s still wet), you can take up to five gallons to one of the city’s hazardous waste collection points. You can also drop off pesticides, electronics, motor oil and the like. The city also runs occasional Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics disposal events that are closer to home, but last only a day.
House Rules
Our building is a community, as well as our home. Residents share the responsibility to ensure a safe and pleasant quality of life at reasonable cost. We count on each other to treat all areas of the building as our home, and to protect and respect the rights of all of the Residents to a safe and comfortable home. A set of guidelines helps us achieve these goals.
The House Rules are available here. Return the cover sheet to Argo.
Please keep yourself familiar with the information in this document, which is part of your Proprietary Lease. The House Rules also include the Smoking Policy. Until the house rules are revised, shareholders who intend to sell or sublet must include the smoking policy in their sale or lease agreement. A copy of it is below, under “Smoking Policy.”
Pinehurst 447 House Rules with Acknowled[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [605.9 KB]
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Severe Weather
Severe weather is an uncommon but dangerous phenomenon. In the summer and early fall, hurricanes may threaten the northeast. If a hurricane is threatening the city, keep on top of the evacuation map found on this page.
Hurricanes are rare but their effects are not. Have a plan in case the weather turns severe.
The late spring and summer can produce tornadoes. Before you hear of a tornado watch (which means that weather conditions could produce a tornado) or a tornado warning (which
means a funnel cloud has been spotted, though it may not have touched the ground yet), please review these safety precautions for you and your family.
In short, go to the lowest level of the building, stay away from windows and remain there until the all-clear sign has been given (by the National Weather Service, typically), and have a first aid kit handy.
Laundry Room
Pay for your laundry with your smart phone. Hercules has an app that connects to the washers and dryers so you don’t have to keep track of a card anymore.
Download the Hercules CyclePay App from the Apple Store or Google Play for your IOS or Andriod phone. Full instructions on its use are in the chart on the right, which you can doawnload in the pdf below. It’s also posted in the laundry room.
If you use the app, you can set it up to give you alerts when your laundry is done.
The laundry room is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. La lavandería está abierta todos los días de 7 a.m. a 11 p.m.
When you load the machines, it’s easy to feel you need to use more detergent than is necessary. That’s beacause modern cleaning products, including cleaning boosters and fabric softeners, are formulated to require less than in years past. When you put in too much, the washers cannot rinse it all out, leaving chemicals in your clothes—and leaving scents in the washers that your neighbors may not care for. Check the instructions on your detergent, boosters, and fabric softeners, and use only what’s recommended.
After you’re done washing your clothes, use one of the door-propping arms to keep the door open for the next person doing laundry, as in the photo on the right. That way, the tub and door seal dry in the open air, which keeps them from getting smelly and moldy when the door closes before they’re dry.
Hercules maintains the laundry machines, both the washers and dryers. With our dryers, to add five minutes you
must do so when at least five minutes remain in the cycle. If there is less time, you will be given 30 minutes and charged for a full cycle.
If a machine is malfunctioning, note the machine number and then call Hercules at (800) 526-5760, or use Hercules’ website. Alternatively, send an e-mail to service@hercnet.com. If you want to vent on social
media, go ahead—Facebook is the perfect pain sponge. Make
your next step getting in touch with Hercules. If you lost money, you can even ask for a refund. Hercules will need to know:
BUILDING NAME Pinehurst
BUILDING ADDRESS 447 Fort Washington
Avenue
BUILDING LOCATION Manhattan
LAUNDRY ROOM LOCATION Basement; super required for
access
MACHINE MALFUNCTIONING Take note of the
number on the machine, and if you’re asking for a refund, include your apartment number
Maintenance Fee Statements
We welcome you to switch to paperless billing for your monthly maintenance fee.
If you’ve signed up and chose not to receive paper statement but they’re still arriving, we have a solution. Just send an email to John and he’ll get it straightened out.
Manhattan Maintenance Fees
Our fourth look at maintenance fees across Manhattan neighborhoods is available on the On The Market page. The previous survey, the third, compares fees to those in 2006 and 2008. Want to compare? Download a copy of the 2012 report by clicking on the link below.
If you’re specifically interested in Hudson Heights maintenance fees, we have that data too:
Manh Maint Hudson Heigts 2017.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [47.4 KB]
Noise
Washington Heights is known for its noise. Luckily, Hudson Heights is a bit quieter. However, if you are bothered by loud music, a party, fireworks or other terrestrial sound, please call 311.
If you’re tired of the drivers racing up and down Fort Washington at all hours of the night and day? Sign a petition seeking speed bumps to slow down the traffic.
Other noise comes from the skies. Aircraft fly over our neighborhood en route to LaGuardia Airport or on their way to points
west.
If the sound of aircraft is bothersome, please 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.
In late 2020 a group of Uptowners formed a task force on noise, which includes drag racing. In the spring of 2021, Council Member Mark Levine came out with a ten-point proposal to address it. One Uptown group, Respectful Decibels, seeks your comments.
NYC Notify
New York has a way to keep you informed of emergency information as well as less-critical topics like parking changes. Sign up to receive notifications by e-mail, text, or phone messages. To stay informed, click here: https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/
The city is expanding the types of notifications you can receive from its email and message service. If you’d like to add updates from the 34th Precinct, or about weather that’s dangerous to residents of basement apartments, go to NYC.gov/notifynyc, log in to your account, and update your preferences under the “My Account” tab. From here, the instructions get specific:
• On the right-hand side menu, select “Notification Addresses” to see your enrolled addresses.
• Select the pencil icon next to the address you would like to add notification to.
• At the bottom of the page, select the notifications you would like to receive for that address.
• Select Submit
These groups are also available on the mobile app.
Recycling: Glass, Metal, Paper, Plastic
The Pinehurst is committed to recycling in accordance with New York City’s goals. Most paper and plastic (but not all), glass and metal are recyclable in our bins in the garbage area.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs require special recycling because their contents are hazardous. Also known as CFL’s, these bulbs are typically curly in shape. For more information on CFL recycling, click here. And for nearly anything else, look here.
There’s a drop-off point in each borough. For Manhattan, it’s under the Manhattan Bridge at 74 Pike Slip, between Cherry and South Streets. If you have a car, the closer site is in Hunt’s Point, next to the Fulton Fish Market. The sites are open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at the same time on the last Friday of the month (but check before you haul your stuff). As an alternative, take your CFL bulbs to a retailer that accepts them, such as Home Depot.
As we’ve switched from shopping in stores to shopping online, the delivery boxes and their packaging lead to a substantially larger volume of garbage than before. A cost of the convenience is growing expenses to manage our refuse. Your assistance will help us keep a lid on the budget.
- Flatten your boxes when you put them in the recycling area. The picture at right, from July, shows what we want to avoid.
- Do not put your recycling in plastic bags. That includes plastic recycling. You can throw it all directly in the bin, which contains special bags that the city accepts.
1. Aplana tus cajas cuando las pongas en el área de reciclaje. La imagen arriba muestra lo que queremos evitar.
2. No ponga su reciclaje en bolsas de plástico. Eso incluye el reciclaje de plástico. Puedes tirarlo todo directamente a la papelera, que contiene bolsas especiales que acepta la ciudad.
Las reglas son impuestas por el Departamento de Saneamiento. Entonces, si no lo hacemos, Fehim habrá dedicado más tiempo a tu reciclaje. Si no lo hace, pagamos multas.
Recycle: Reusable Household Items
When you clean some clutter you may find yourself with perfectly good things that you don’t have any use for anymore. If you’d like to donate old clothes, electronic, or housewares to a place where they can do some good, take a look at Donate NYC, a site run by the city. It will help you find a place to drop off reusable items for upcycling.
The city accepts a surprisingly wide variety of household items for recycling. They’re on the pdf you can download below. Before taking out bedsprings, a paper shredder, cabinet or other large item, get in touch with Michael. We’re limited in how many large items we can set out each week.
Here’s our list of the kinds of larger household items you may recycle at the curbside, and a list of items you cannot recycle here. Typically, these are items that are too large to fit into a trash or recycling bin or a bag.
Bulk - Large Items.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [165.3 KB]
For food items to compost, see Compost Collection, and for hazardous waste, look for that category; just scroll up (they’re listed alphabetically).
Smoke Detectors
When you replace your smoke detectors, you need to upgrade to a 10-year sealed model. A 2019 state law says that all new or replacement smoke detectors must be powered by the long-lasting battery or be hardwired to your electrical system. If you want to sell your apartment, you will need to upgrade your smoke detectors before the sale goes through.
Smoking Policy
In August 2017 Mayor DeBlasio signed legislation that requires all NYC cooperatives and condominiums to adopt formal smoking policies. The Board adopted a policy in August 2018 and revised it in June 2023 to prohibit smoking within apartments.
STAR Property Tax Rebate
BOROUGH 1
Subways and Transportation
Interactive Subway Map
The famous map has been revised and moved online. It shows live updates of train locations, such as the one leaving 181st Street, right.
“A” Train
Scheduled maintenance is posted here by the MTA.
181 Street: Busway
Increasing commuters’ travel along 181st Street has been a goal of everyone for years, and with the busway plan speeds have increase by 30 percent and more. In summer 2022,
the Department of Transportation made permanent its pilot plan to restrict on 181st Street traffic that isn’t a bus, truck, or emergency vehicle—unless you’re turning at the next
intersection.
Traffic is restricted from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Download the department’s presentation to Community Board 12 in July 2022:
181-st-broadway-ave-amsterdam-ave-jun202[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.6 MB]
A previous review from Department of Transportation’s of 181st Street is here.
Announcement Archive
Weekend picks A new exhibit of Spanish art and artefacts opened yesterday at the Hispanic Society Museum on Audubon Terrace. This afternoon you can join a birthday celebration of St. Frances Cabrini at the shrine in her honor in Hudson Heights. Tomorrow morking, take part in an interactive seining event as part of City of Water Day, right, to learn about the health of the Hudson River estuary. On Sunday morning, join a walk through Fort Tryon Park to discover its natural secrets. —7:37 a.m., July 11
Compost collection Thanks to everyone for helping out with the compost initiative. The Sanitation Department picks up all leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. But do not compost trash such as diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, and foam products. More details below, under “Composting.” It’s picked up every week, so have yours set out by Wednesday afternoon. —7:31 a.m., July 10
Bombs bursting in air The Fourth was Friday, but the sounds of celebration just won’t stop. Click on at the map on the right, from The Gothamist, to see which neighborhoods make the most fireworks complaints. (Hint: You won’t be surprised.) Fireworks of all types are illegal in the city, so call 311. Even if your complaint doesn’t lead to a quick change, know that someone is taking it down. We can hope that one day the illegal use of fireworks can be adequately addressed. —7:24 a.m., July 8
Housing inflation Over the decade ending in 2024, home prices in WaHi increased 16 percent (an average of 1.6 percent per year). In Inwood the rate was 30 percent, and it was 17 percent in most of Harlem’s neighborhoods. The data, from Property Shark, doesn’t break out Fort George, Lower WaHi, and Hudson Heights. —8:37 a.m., July 6
Weekend picks Happy Independence Day! If you’re heading outdoors to grill this weekend, here’s a list of spots to cook your burgers and hot dogs in Inwood Hill Park and Fort Washington Park. When you finish your meal, head to the Cloisters at 3 to cool off with a special tour of its collection. Tomorrow afternoon you can climb to the top of the Little Red Lighthouse, under the Great Gray Bridge. Follow expert avian scouts, right, on Sunday afternoon on a birding expedition in Highbridge Park. —8:52 a.m., July 4
Missing keys Did you find a key fob this morning? An Uptowner named Joal lost his keys while jogging this morning and his key fob tracker led him to the Pinehurst. (Could these be his?) If you happened to pick them up, please call Joal at (917) 716-1734. —12:38 p.m., July 3
On the market We’d hate to see you go, but if you’re ready to move on to a new home remember to share your lising with us. Our On the Market page is one of the most-visited pages on the website. You can email a link to the listing or just use the form on the page. —7:37 a.m., July 2
Rockets’ red glare Bothered by the sounds of Independence Day celebrations, even though the Fourth is still days away? You’re not the only one. Click on at the map on the right, from The Gothamist, to see which neighborhoods make the most fireworks complaints. (Hint: You won’t be surprised.) Fireworks of all types are illegal in the city, so call 311. Even if your complaint doesn’t lead to a quick change, know that someone is taking it down. We can hope that one day the illegal use of fireworks can be adequately addressed. —7:17 a.m., June 30
Banishing bugs To schedule a visit from our exterminator, add your name to the sign-up sheet in the laundry room or use the Google form. If you won’t be home when the exterminator is here, please let Michael know if he may give the technician access to your apartment. Before every visit, clear the space under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, and if you have areas blocked off by furniture, prepare to move it so the tech can do a full visual inspection. —2:50 p.m., June 29
Weekend picks Summer’s in full swing. The city’s pools open today, or you can relax with any of the eleven Uptown concerts between this afternoon and Sunday evening. Other highlights inlude a tour of medieval art that pushes gender boundaries this afternoon at the Cloisters. Shop from farm to table at the Inwood Greenmarket on Saturday morning. And the final service of the Fort Washington Collegiate Church, right, takes place Sunday morning in Hudson Heights. —6:51 a.m., June 27
Board election Thanks to everyone who participated in the sharholder meeting. The directors held their first meeting of the new term and elected officers:
Jennifer Peng – President
Allison Hiroto – Vice President
Greg Donovan – Vice President
Jessica Benoit – Secretary
Nilou Safinya – Treasurer
The next time you see one of these volunteers in the elevator, thank them for their service to the building! As always, you can reach them at board@thepinehurst.org. —10:53 p.m., June 25
Annual meeting The shareholders’ annual meeting takes place tonight at 7 on Zoom. Join us virtually to hear updates about the building, finances, and to elect a new board. —6:34 a.m., June 25
Election day Cast your ballot in primary races for mayor, comptroller, Manhattan district attorney, and more. Our polling place, in Holyrood Church, is open until 9 p.m. —6:54 a.m., June 24
Find Uptown election results here.
Proxy form If you think you may not be at the shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday night, please sign your proxy form and hand it to someone who will. Your shares are how we count the quorum, which we need to start the meeting and elect directors. —7:17 a.m., June 23
Heat wave The heat index is forecast to reach values up to 107 degrees through Tuesday. That can be dangerous to your health. Consider checking in on neighbors to make sure their air conditioning is working, and starting Friday you can encourage active kids to visit the Highbridge Park swimming pool, right. The library branch in Fort George also welcomes visitors who need a respite, though it’s closed on Sundays. Here’s a list of other places to cool down. —9:09 a.m., June 22
Smoke detectors Summer’s here and with it the draw of the outdoors. Keep in mind the indoors too: When’s the last time you changed the battery in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector? The new season is a good reminder. If you need help, ask Michael. —8:35 a.m., June 21
Weekend picks The final performance of this year’s Scandinavian Music Festival takes place this evening in Fort Tryon Park, right. A neighborhood party on Audubon Terrace tomorrow features performances and activities organized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Hispanic Society. In addition to the Scandinavian performance, you have your choice among six more concerts Uptown this weekend, closing out with the ThEMA ensemble playing in Hudson Heights on Sunday evening. —7:17 a.m., June 20
Meeting reminder The shareholders’ annual meeting takes place a week from tonight on Zoom. If you won’t be able to attend, remember to fill out your proxy and hand it to a neighbor or to a board member. Your proxy counts as attendance, which we need for a quorum. —6:35 a.m., June 18
Green retreat Have you visited the refurbished outdoor oasis in Hudson Heights? Thanks to an anonymous donation, the Cabrini Woods Nature Sanctuary, a birdwatching and wildlife refuge in Fort Tryon Park, has a new entrance on Cabrini Boulevard, trail improvements, and more. The sanctuary provides a green space for native plants, birds, and other wildlife. —7:54 a.m., June 16
Father’s day Our best wishes to the dads of the Pinehurst! Take a hike this afternoon with your family on a special outing with the Urban Park Rangers in Inwood Hill Park. —8:57 a.m., June 15
Missing laundry Did you forget to collect your laundry? A couple of baskets have your clothes in them, waiting for you in the basement. Pick them up soon or they will be donated. —11:21 a.m., June 14
Weekend Picks The Public Theater’s mobile troupe is visiting Uptown to perform a Latin-inspired version of Much Ado About Nothing, right, in J. Hood Wright Park this evening and tomorrow. The Jazz Power Initiative holds an outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon in Inwood Hill Park. The Scandinavian Music Festival continues its summer series on Sunday afternoon in Fort Tryon Park. —8:12 a.m., June 13
Buzzing in It’s the season for sketchy pamphleteers to come around and buzz randomly, hoping for entry. When someone unexpected buzzes you, ask who they are and why they’re buzzing you before you let them in. If you’re leaving and people are waiting right there for entry, use your judgment so you don’t let in anyone who clearly is a pamphleteer. —4:49 p.m., June 11
Package pick-ups Help keep the bin accessible to new deliveries: Retrieve your parcel to make room for the next box. It’s a practical way to keep them from going missing, too. A few other tips:
1. Ensure delivery confirmation with the delivery service (USPS, UPS, Amazon, etc.).
2. Can’t find your package? File a police report with the 32nd Precinct at (212) 690-6311.
3. Notify Michael of your missing package.
We’ve assembled more suggestions under “Delivery Security,” below. —6:40 a.m., June 10
Board election Running a business requires people with a variety of skills and experiences. Have you considered helping run the business that runs your home? At the annual meeting on the 25th, we’ll have an election for seats on the board. If you’re curious, ask a board member what serving on the board is like. —8:18 a.m., June 8
Weekend picks This evening is family game night in Highbridge Park. Tomorow morning you can help a fish conservation project in Fort Washington Park and the Hudson River. Learn the secrets of mushroom cultivation in Sherman Creek, right, on Sunday afternoon. If you prefer a less strenuous weekend, enjoy one of the six concerts between this evening and Sunday, from Inwood to Audubon Terrace. —4:22 p.m., June 6
Air quality alert Today's air quality index is forecast to reach level orange – unhealthy for sensitive groups, including adults over 65, children younger than 14, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with heart or lung disease. Reduce strenuous outdoor activities, take extra breaks when outdoors, and monitor coughing or shortness of breath. —6:47 a.m., June 4
Alert continues The orange alert has been extended through today. —7:16 a.m., June 5
Bike routes A proposed bike path would add to a crosstown route by adding Cabrini Boulevard, 181st Street and 182nd Street, making it easier to connect the Washington Bridge to GWB bike paths. The goal is to increase safety for bicycle riders. Tonight in Lower WaHi the Department of Transportation will share its proposal and listen to your ideas. —10:23 a.m., June 2
Natural gas Although we heat our water with steam, most of us cook with a gas range. Review these gas safety tips from ConEd so you’ll know what to do if you smell something off. And remember that if you notice that rotten egg smell, do not light a match, smoke, flip a switch, ring a doorbell, or touch appliances or electronics, including your phone. Doing so can produce sparks that might cause the gas to explode. —7:43 a.m., June 1
Keys found Are you missing your keys? Maybe you were getting a box from the package bin? Ted found a set of keys there on Thursday. —7:17 a.m., May 31
Weekend picks The Uptown Arts Stroll begins its annual array of gallery shows, performances and concerts tonight at a reception in Sugar Hill. Explore the restorative power of flower essences tomorrow and make one of your own in Fort Tryon Park. Spend some time on Sunday with Native American dance at Drums Along the Hudson, right, in Inwood Hill Park. —7:06 a.m., May 30
Billings Lawn The most popular expanse in Fort Tryon Park is in serious need of help. Thanks to Con Edison, $50,000 will help repair the eroded expanse and install water runoff methods. The lawn closed on May 5 and should reopen in November. Alternative spots in the park to enjoy the summer include Abby’s Lawn, the Cloisters Lawn, and the Café Lawn. —7:06 a.m., May 29
Furniture give-aways Could you use an update to your storage pieces? Molly is giving away a sideboard, right; an Ikea wardrobe; a crib with zipper sheets, bumpers, and mattress; a child’s desk—the top converts into a Lego board—and two chairs. You have until the end of June but if you’re interested don’t delay. Some of the items already have a new home. Send her a text if you’d like one or more. —8:21 a.m., May 28
On the market We’d hate to see you go, but if you’re considering moving on let us help you sell your home. Our online page featuring apartments On the Market is among the most-visited on the website. Just send us a link to your listing and we’ll do the rest. —7:11 a.m., May 27
Memorial Day Pause to honor the women and men who gave everything for us. Wars are usually distant occurances with few close connections, but one was fought on the ground we walk every day. If you pass the momument to the Continental soldiers who died in the Battle of Fort Washington in 1776, remember that even if you lose the battle to keep fighting until the war is won. The tablet is on the east side of the Bennett Park, on Fort Washington Avenue near 183rd Street. —7:39 a.m., May 26
Inwood parade Uptowners salute past and presnt soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines at 11 this morning at a Memorial Day parade. Events start on Broadway at Dyckman Street. —7:13 a.m., May 25
F-18 flyover In support of Fleet Week, two military F-18 jets will fly along the Hudson River at 11 this morning at approximately 1,500 to 2,500 feet. Plug your ears. —8:06 a.m., May 24
Weekend picks The ensemble Brooklyn Rider, right, closes out its concert series featuring the complete string quartets of Philip Glass tonight in a crypt in Lower WaHi, performing his compositions for film and stage. Head to Inwood tomorrow morning for the fresh vegetables and other produce at a farmers’ market. Get out on the Hudson on Sunday to paddle the river in a kayak. —7:32 a.m., May 23
Music survey The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra will celebrate ten years Uptown in 2025–26 season. To prepare, the ensemble is asking how its musical and educational programming are being received. Take the brief survey here. —7:51 a.m., May 22
Annual meeting The shareholders’ annual meeting will take place Wednesday night, June 25, at 7 on Zoom. Check your email for login credentials. —7:34 a.m., May 20
Buzzing in With the warming weather, the unhoused may be more likely to seek shelter after a day outdoors. That can be a challenge to our security. When you enter the building, be aware of anyone behind you and if you don’t recognize them, ask them to buzz the person they’re visiting. And when you buzz in your own visitors, be sure to establish their identity first to keep the building safe for everyone. —8:33 a.m., May 18
GWB access The world’s “most international” cycling race takes over the world’s busiest bridge tomorrow when the Gran Fondo World Championship starts on our side of the GWB. Expect delays from dawn to mid-morning. —6:39 a.m., May 17
Weekend picks Enjoy an evening painting in the style of Eric Carle, right, at the Highbridge Recreation Center in Lower WaHi tonight. The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra closes out its tenth season with a concert in Hudson Heights tomorrow evening. Spend some time on Sunday afternoon discovering how perfumes were made in medieval Europe, and the ways people used them (not just for date night). —7:11 a.m., May 16
Board election Running a business requires people with a variety of skills and experiences. Have you considered helping run the business that runs your home? With the annual meeting coming up next month, we’ll have an election for seats on the board. If you’re curious, ask a board member what serving on the board is like. —7:58 a.m., May 15
Parkway closure After a vehicle overturned, all southbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway are closed at Dyckman Street. Consider alternative routes. —1:52 p.m., May 14
Package bin Remember to check for deliveries in the bin, even if you aren’t expecting one. You’ll help make space for new parcels and maybe find a surprise for yourself, too. —6:48 a.m., May 12
Mother’s Day A big hug to all the moms of 447! —10:02 a.m., May 11
Weekend picks A new exhibit of paper arts opens today in Bruce’s Garden, inside Isham Park in Inwood. Celebrate spring tomorrow on Audubon Terrace with the Hispanic Society, which puts on a variety of outdoor activities and indoor exhibits, right. Spend some time Sunday afternoon re-planting Native polyculture plants in Inwood HIll Park. —6:44 a.m., May 9
United Palace It’s been the setting for Only Murders in the Building, for Little Orphan Annie, a Billy Joel video, and plenty of others too. Last Saturday it had its debut as a setting of Two For One, now in its second season on TCM. —738 a.m., May 8
Steam heat Even though it’s cool and damp today, the weather is warming up as we move through the spring. On balmier days you may be tempted to turn your radiator down, but don’t dial it back only partially: Our single-pipe system needs to be turned all the way on or all the way off. Leaving it anywhere in between can lead to rusting your pipes. —6:19 a.m., May 6
Laundry machines Here’s an evergreen tip: If a washer or dryer stops working, call our laundry vendor, Hercules, and the staff will send a repairman. Call the Hercules number, (800) 526-5760, or use its website. Alternatively, send an e-mail to service@hercnet.com. You can even ask for a refund if you lost money. More tips below under Laundry Room, including how to sign up for the Hercules app so you get a notification when your laundry is done. —9:02 a.m., May 4
Weekend picks Explore a medieval garden this afternoon at the Cloisters to see how people used herbs and other plants in the middle ages for food, health, and decoration. Climb to the top of the Little Red Lighthouse tomorrow afternoon in Fort Washington Park—just arrive early because the queue is always long. Close the weekend relaxing at a concert by the Cornerstone Chorale, right, which is composed of Uptown singers. The concert’s in Hudson Heights. —7:26 a.m., May 2
Board seats Running a business requires people with a variety of skills and experiences. Have you considered helping run the business that runs your home? With the annual meeting coming up in June, we’ll have an election for seats on the board. If you’re curious, ask a board member what serving on the board is like. —6:58 a.m., April 30
Fitness room If getting in shape is a plan for the summer, fill out the fitness room agreement to take advantage of our gym equipment. The new document is available below, under “Application Forms.” —6:39 a.m., April 28
Hot water It’s back on. Thanks to everyone for your patience. —1:46 p.m., April 27
The Board just spoke with United Metro and we expect a fuel delivery around 1 this afternoon. Once that’s complete, we should be able to restore hot water to the building. Again, thanks for your patience. —9:39 a.m., April 27
Oil supply Both Argo and the Board made calls to our oil supplier this morning, stressing the urgency to expedite. The oil company is usually closed on the weekends and we are dealing with a message service. However, we will continue to call throughout the day and will update you when we know more. Thank you for your patience. —8:54 a.m., April 27
The boiler had an issue with its oil reserve, and Argo is working to get our supplier to the building tomorrow. We will send an update in the morning if not sooner. We apologize for this inconvenience. —10:19 p.m., April 26
Weekend picks Celebrate Earth Day as it turns into Earth week. This afternoon in The Cloisters you can get a special tour that highlights the museum’s environmental awareness through its art conservation and in its collection. Tomorrow you’ll have your choice of outdoor activities in Inwood Hill Park, Fort Tryon Park, right, and Highbridge Park. Then on Sunday relax with a concert of modern string music in Inwood. —7:07 a.m., April 25
Wild fires The extensive fires in New Jersey may lead you to see or smell smoke this evening. For recommended actions, visit http://nyc.gov/airquality. —5:17 p.m., April 23
Forty years It was on this date in 1985 that the founding directors filed papers to incorporate 447 Ft. Washington Owners’ Corporation. Since then we’ve grown as a business and as a community, through tough times and boon times, to become a building known among brokers and neighbors as well-run, welcoming and comfortable.
To all who have served on the board, or helped organize Halloween fun, or put together a tag sale, cared for our garden, decorated the lobby for the holidays, done a neighbor a favor, or served on the board, thank you! You’re the reason we enjoy living here. —8:25 a.m., April 22
Billings Lawn The most popular expanse in Fort Tryon Park is in serious need of help. Thanks to Con Edison, there’s $50,000 to repair the eroded lawn and to install water runoff methods. The lawn will close on May 5 for about six months. Summer and autumn alternatives in the park include Abby’s Lawn, the Cloisters Lawn, and the Café Lawn. —7:06 a.m., April 21
Happy Easter We wish you the blessings of the season. —9:02 a.m., April 20
Buzzing in Remember, don’t let in visitors you don’t recognize. A contributor to the Hudson Heights page on Facebook says that this man will wait near a building’s door for someone to let him in … and then he steals packages from inside. When you enter the building, if you don’t recognize someone, ask them to buzz the person they’re visiting. And when you buzz in your own visitors, be sure to establish their identity first. —7:11 a.m., April 15
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