RE: New energy management system

November 10, 2023

Dear Residents:

Heating season is here. I know there have been several questions about the new energy management

system for the boilers and how it works. Before I can explain this, you must first understand the NYC Heating Laws. Whenever the temperature falls below 55 degrees during the hours of 6AM and 10PM, we must maintain an inside temperature of at least 68 degrees. From the hours of 10PM to 6AM, we must maintain an inside temperature of at least 62 degrees. This is in accordance with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

Unfortunately, the old system has no inside thermostats to monitor the inside temperature. So, these buildings have been overheated for many years. The new system comes with 24 inside temperature sensors. The new system will read these sensors via Wi-Fi and use them to establish an average inside temperature. It will then maintain the inside temperature (based upon the average temperature) at 72 degrees during the hours of 6AM to 10 PM and 69 degrees from the hours of 10PM - 6AM. This will lessen the cycles of the boiler and reduce fuel consumption. Lowering fuel consumption will reduce our fuel bills and our greenhouse gas emissions.

I’m not sure how many of you are aware of Local Law 97. This law was passed by the City Council in April 2019 as part of the Mayor’s New York City Green New Deal. This law requires us to meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits. We are currently in line with 2024’s limits but are working on stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 (40% reduction) and 2050 (80% reduction). I know seven years may seem like a long time, but these upgrades are costly. So, we must transition gradually. Early this year, we completed a master venting project that will allow steam to travel more quickly through the system. This, in turn, will complete our heating process faster. This will also help reduce the length of a boiler cycle, which will further reduce our fuel consumption, save us money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are currently exploring roof upgrades, solar panels, motorized barometric dampers, and electric heat pumps for the domestic hot water during off season heating period. All these improvements will put us on a path to becoming a greener or more efficient cooperative.

I would also like to remind everyone, to avoid radiator leaks, please remember to turn your radiator valves all the way to the left to allow heat in or ALL THE WAY to the right to turn the heat off. The heat is either ON or OFF. There is no middle. Turning the valve slightly to the left or the right does not control the temperature; it only causes leaks.

Best,
Douglas Elliman Property Management a/a/f
Bonnie Mutignani
Account Executive

2023 Boulevard Gardens’ Memorial Day Ceremony Program

Sponsored by American Legion Post 1836 and Moore Jackson Community Garden. Joined by the FDNY Ceremonial Unit

  • Posting of the Colors

  • National Anthem sung by Sue Landis

  • Opening Prayer by Father John O’Neil, Corpus Christi Church, Woodside, NY

  • Remarks by American Legion Post 1836 Commander Alan Feuer

  • Remarks by our Local Elected Officials & Presentation of the American Legion Blue Marble Image Award to NYS Senator Gianaris

  • Remembering our former Post Commander James “Jimmy” Lanza and recitation of Names of Honored Dead & Deceased American Legion Post 1836 & Women’s Auxiliary Members by Legionnaire Robert McCarthy & former Auxiliary President Jeanne O’Driscoll

  • Playing of Amazing Grace, FDNY Ceremonial Unit

  • Presentation of Wreaths: Northern Democratic Club, BG Owners Corp., American Legion Post 1836, Northern Woodside Coalition and Moore Jackson Community Garden

  • Taps (FDNY Ceremonial Unit) and God Bless America

  • Closing Prayer

Lithium Battery Key Tips

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS

December 16, 2022

With the recent fire at an apartment building in Midtown caused by a lithium ion battery (see https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/05/us/manhattan-apartment-fire-injuries/index.html) and the proliferation of lithium powered devices we are all accustomed to seeing/using (phones, cameras, tooth brushes, bicycles, scooters, etc.), we want to provide a guide for safe handling, charging and storing of devices powered by lithium ion batteries.

A full safety guide, of which there are many, can be viewed at https://humanpoweredsolutions.com/safe-lithium-ion-battery-storage-and-charging-procedures-for-the-ebike-shop/ 

Briefly, the following are a few key tips of which to be aware:

Procurement 

  1. Purchase batteries from a reputable manufacturer or supplier. 

  2. Avoid batteries shipped without protective packaging (i.e., hard plastic)

  3. Inspect batteries upon receipt and safely dispose of damaged batteries. 

Storage 

  1. Store batteries away from combustible materials. 

  2. Keep batteries from contacting conductive materials, water, seawater, strong oxidizers and strong acids. 

  3. Keep all flammable materials away from operating area. 

  4. Charge or discharge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity before long-term storage. 

  5. Disconnect batteries immediately if, during operation or charging, they emit an unusual smell, develop heat, change shape/geometry, or behave abnormally. Dispose of the batteries. 

  6. Charge and store batteries in a fire-retardant container like a high quality LiPo Sack when practical. 

  7. Allow time for cooling before charging a battery that is still warm from usage and using a battery that is still warm from charging. 

  8. Do not place batteries in direct sunlight, on hot surfaces or in hot locations. 

  9.  Remove batteries from the device for long-term storage. 

  10. Store the batteries at temperatures between 5°C and 20°C (41°F and 68°F). 

  11.  Separate fresh and depleted cells (or keep a log). 

  12.  If practical, store batteries in a metal storage cabinet. 

  13.  Avoid bulk-storage in non-laboratory areas such as offices. 

  14.  Visually inspect battery storage areas at least weekly. 

  15.  Charge batteries in storage to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every six months. Chargers and Charging Practice 

  16.  Never charge a primary (disposable lithium or alkaline) battery, store one-time use batteries separately. 

  17.  Use chargers or charging methods designed to charge in a safe manner cells or battery packs at the specified parameters. 

  18. Remove cells and pack from chargers promptly after charging is complete. Do not use the charger as a storage location.

  19.  Do not parallel charge batteries of varying age and charge status; chargers cannot monitor the current of individual cells and initial voltage balancing can lead to high amperage, battery damage, and heat generation. Check voltage before parallel charging; all batteries should be within 0.5 Volts of each other.

  20.  Do not overcharge (greater than 4.2V for most batteries) or over-discharge (below 3V) batteries. Handling and Use 

  21.  Handle batteries and or battery-powered devices cautiously to not damage the    battery casing or connections. 

  22.  Inspect batteries for signs of damage before use. Never use and promptly dispose of damaged or puffy batteries. 

  23.  Consider cell casing construction (soft with vents) and protective shielding for battery research and experimental or evolving application and use. 

Disposal 

  1.  Dispose of damaged cells and cells that no longer hold a substantial charge. To check the general condition of your cells, charge them, let them rest for an hour, then measure the voltage. If your cells are close to 4.2V, the cells are in good condition. 

  2.  Dispose of used batteries by taking them to an e. Media bin (if less than five pounds) or by completing an Online Chemical Waste Collection Request.

— Management






Backpack Giveaway at St. Michael's Playground

With students returning to the classroom next week––the Office of Council Member Tiffany Cabán is kicking off the back to school season with a series of backpack giveaways! Please help us spread the word––our office, in partnership with the Office of Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, will be hosting a Backpack Giveaway on Wednesday, September 7th from 3:30pm-5:30pm at St. Michael’s Playground (Baseball Field, 62-05 30th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377). 

We will have backpacks, other school supplies, free home covid tests, and much more! I have attached our event graphic—if you could share on social media/e-newsletter/in person we would greatly appreciate it! 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to my colleague Oriana via email at osrosado@council.nyc.gov or call our office at 718-274-4500.

American Legion Memorial Day Program

Annual Blvd. Gardens’ Memorial Day Ceremony Program

Sponsored by American Legion Post 1836 & BNY Mellon VetNet

Posting of the Colors

National Anthem sung by Sue Landis & Pledge of Allegiance led by Girls Scouts Troop 4210

Opening Prayer by Father John O’Neil, Corpus Christi Church, Woodside, NY

Remarks by American Legion Post 1836 Commander Alan Feuer

Remarks by Elected Officials & BNY Mellon VetNet Rep. Alister Murray

Recitation of Names of Honored Dead & Deceased American Legion Post 1836 & Women’s Auxiliary Members by Legionnaire Robert McCarthy & Auxiliary President Helen Drew

Playing of God Bless America

Presentation of Wreaths - Northern Democratic Club, BG Owners Corp., American Legion Post 1836, Northern Woodside Coalition & Women’s Auxiliary

Proclamation & Citation Presentation to Legionnaire John Hoffman

Legion Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Assemblyman Barnwell

Closing Prayer by Father John O’Neil

Playing of Taps

Following the ceremony, a wreath will be laid in Strippoli Square in memory of Woodside resident PFC Patrick Strippoli who was killed during the Vietnam War.

Participatory Budgeting for D22 in 2022

The People’s Budget!

Participatory budgeting is a year-long process of residents nominating, researching, and voting on local community projects to receive City funding. We have over $1 million in District 22 to spend this year!

Vote on projects to allocate funding towards:

  • Safe Green Spaces

  • Arts and Culture

  • Local Organizing

  • Community

  • Development

  • Creative Youth Play

  • Education

  • & More!

Voting open to D22 residents age 11+

Vote Week: April 2–10

— Tiffany Cabán, City Council Member, District 22

Astoria | Jackson Heights | Woodside | East Elmhurst

El presupuesto del pueblo

El presupuesto participativo es un proceso en el que los residentes nominan, investigan y votan sobre proyectos de la comunidad local para recibir fondos de la Ciudad. ¡Este año tenemos más de $1 millón en el Distrito 22 para gastar !

Voté por proyectos para financiar:

  • Espacios verdes seguros

  • Arte y cultura

  • Organización local

  • Desarrollo comunitario

  • Juego de jóvenes creativo

  • Educación

  • ¡Y mas!

Residentes de D22 mayores de 11 años pueden votar

Semana de votación: 2–10 de Abril

— Tiffany Cabán, City Council Member, District 22

Astoria | Jackson Heights | Woodside | East Elmhurst

Tai Chi for Arthritis Every Tuesday for NORC Participants

Please join us on Zoom

Beginning on Tuesday, March 15 and every Tuesday at 12:30 pm for virtual Tai Chi for arthritis with Dilshad!

Zoom link: https://selfhelp.zoom.us/j/93930239464?pwd=qjvmbe5uchfubtdtl3pldnfuumljut09

Meeting ID: 939 3023 9464

Passcode: 800450

By phone: 646 876 9923

For more information please call the NORC office at (845) 213-6438 or email boulevardgardensnorc@selfhelp.net

Mask Mandate Update

March 7, 2022

Dear Residents,

Face mask

In light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines and New York City’s move to eliminate most mask mandates, the Board of Directors has decided to lift the mask mandate for the outside grounds and common areas. However, the Boulevard Garden’s Maintenance Staff will still be required to wear masks, when working in occupied apartments. We kindly remind everyone to continue to be courteous and respectful of your neighbors as everyone has varying degrees of comfort levels.

The Board of Director will continue to monitor the CDC’s and NYC’s guidelines and be prepared to revise policies if these conditions change. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and patience as we continue to navigate these rapidly changing times.

Best Regards,
Douglas Elliman Property Management a/a/f

Bonnie Mutignani
Account Executive

Talkin' Sports (Selfhelp

BOULEVARD GARDENS SELFHELP NORC

PRESENTS

TALKIN’ SPORTS

PLEASE JOIN US ON ZOOM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

12:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://selfhelp.zoom.us/j/93930239464?pwd=QjVMbE5ucHFubTdtL3pLdnFUUmlJUT09

Meeting ID: 939 3023 9464

Passcode: 800450

Phone: 1 (646) 876-9923

Meeting ID: 939 3023 9464

Passcode: 800450

TOPIC:

SUPER BOWL LVI

CINCINNATI BENGALS VS. LOS ANGELES RAMS

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL THE NORC OFFICE AT (845) 213-6438 OR EMAIL

BOULEVARDGARDENSNORC@SELFHELP.NET