We Can Improve Our Finances

We’re making far more money than ever before because of that big carrying charge increase in January 2023. So, let’s see how we can reduce our expenses and save a lot of money.

Let’s Make It Happen

To start, our year runs from April – March. So, starting from April 2023 – March 2024, my estimate is that we will probably make $270 million. Now, to me, that’s a lot of money for our community. However, some people might think that we’re just making enough money to get by.

So, they might try to convince everyone that we should be paying more money to live here. However, are they correct? No! So, that’s one reason why I write strong viewpoints to get everyone to see things from a different perspective. In reference to money, I want our community to see that we can make dramatic imhere.

For instance, do you actually think that we need to have 27 departments here? Now, if your answer is yes, then do you know that we’re spending $135 million just to run these departments? So, we’re spending about half of what we might earn just to keep these departments functioning here.

Therefore, is that the best way to utilize our money? In my opinion, the answer is no because everyone needs to understand that we have a lot of other operational expenses. And, sometimes, our other operational expenses might exceed our budgeted projections. Then, unfortunately, everyone starts thinking about a carrying charge increase to cover those ex- operational expenses to increase. However, everyone needs to understand that we must try to keep all of our with our biggest expense: our payroll. Question: Can we reduce our payroll of more than 800 employees in 27 departments and still operate our housing company in a proper manner? Absolutely!

We also need to review this concept of paying our contractors $18,000 for labor and materials just to restore a 1-bedroom apartment. Also, everyone needs to keep in mind that former shareholders are charged for the damages that they caused in their apartment. Furthermore, let’s say that a former shareholder’s apartment was vacant for a period of time. Well, regulations from the NYS Homes & Community Renewal coup those vacancy losses, up to a time period of three months, from that former shareholder’s equity. So, do you think that Riverbay and our former shareholders could save a lot of money if our vacant apartments were restored in a good manner within a short period of time? Absolutely!

Bottom line: It’s incredible that we might make year. Thereafter, with some budget cuts, we can save a lot of money and avoid a carrying charge increase.

New Gas Regulations

Starting in December 2023, NYC will ban gas-powered stoves, heaters, and water boilers in NEW buildings under 7 stories. This same ban will start in 2027 for taller buildings in NYC. Again, this ban affects only NEW buildings in NYC. So, will you be able to legally install your gas-powered stove inside of a NEW building in NYC when this ban starts? No! Now, let’s see what’s going on with NYS.

NYS is trying to enact some tough laws on natural gas. So, is it possible that these new laws might affect our power plant? Yes. Therefore, is it possible that we might have to shut down our power plant, our gas stoves, and our entire convector system? Yes! Now, if that’s the case, then do you think that we should be pouring millions of dollars into our convector system that’s more than 50 years old? In my opinion, the answer is no.

Bottom line: We need for our management to have grants for our community. These grants must cover:

1. Upgrading the electrical systems in our buildings. 2. New heating and cooling units that are designed to replace our convectors.

3. A solar panel system that can generate more power than we need plus extra power that we can sell to Con Ed. And, 4. A backup electrical system wherein we can import electricity just in case we have a problem with our solar panel system.

Fraudulent ATM Transactions

Recently, some folks went to a bank and tried to withdraw some money. Then, they noticed that their bank card could not be inserted into the card slot. Next, a man then entered the bank and told them to tap their card on a section of the screen. So, they tapped their card and received their requested amount of money.

Later on, these folks noticed that additional cash withdrawals were made against their account. So, they reported these thefts to the bank. The bank then rejected all of their claims. So, what happened? Well, it turned out that someone clogged the card slot with glue. Therefore, no one could use the card slot. So, they tapped their card on the screen and walked out of the bank logging out of their account. Thereafter, the alleged thief was able to steal their money.

Bottom line: The bank refunded their money only after a television reporter showed up. Anyway, please be careful when you use an ATM.

Close

My next viewpoint is going to be about some controversial resolutions.

Thank you.

Contact Information

Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Velocity Track Club

On Sunday, February 26, Velocity Track Club competed in the USATF New York Championship at Ocean Breeze Recreational Facility in Staten Island, NY. The traditional events were contested. The top six athletes in individual events and relays earned medals. The competition was intense, and medals were hard to earn. But Velocity was up for the task! We were blessed with 44 medals (eight gold, 14 Silver, 10 Bronze, three fourth place, six fifth place, and three sixth place medals). Plus, many athletes broke their PR (personal record).

The following athletes earned medals: in the 8 and under age division (girls): Ezmerelis earned a 6th place medal; (boys) Mason earned a gold medal, bronze and 5th place medal. In the girls 9/10 age division: Serenity, a silver and bronze medal; Madison T., a gold medal; Savannah B., a silver medal; Victoria, a 5th place medal; Rayne, Kaylynne, Madison T. and Serenity earned bronze medals in the 4x200 meter relay. In the Boys 9/10 age division: Bryce, earned two gold and a silver medal; Xoan, a 5th place medal. In the 11/12 age division (girls): Lyon earned a silver medal; Madison S., a bronze medal; (boys) Justyce earned 4th, 5th and 6th place medals. In the 13/14 girl’s division: Hannah earned a 6th place medal; Shyenne earned gold and silver medals; Savannah M., silver and bronze medals; Khloe, a 5th place medal; Brianna, a gold medal; Ryann, a silver medal; Hannah, Shyenne, Ryann and Brianna earned silver medals in the 4x200 meter relay. In the Boys 13/14 Division: Zorion, two gold and two silver medals; Chase D., a bronze medal; Zuriel, a silver and a 4th place medal; and Tyler, a bronze plus 4th and 5th place medals.

The following athletes broke their personal record: Mason, Autumn, Ezmerelis, Serenity, Victoria, Madison S., Hannah, Shyenne, Ryann, Khloe, Chase D., Tyler, Zorion, Bryce, Hunter, Chase, Dylan, Justyce, Brianna, Savannah, Lyon, Katherine, Makayla, Elaia, Sarge, Rayne and Aarali. Great job, VTC!

––Coach Winston Dinkins

Co-op City Little League

Co-op City Little League Baseball Season 2023 registration for youth ages 4-16 is open via the new website at coopcitylittleleague.com.

In-person sign-up is also available by appointment only Monday-Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the league office will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 17.

With our first three clinics in the books, we still have two clinics left, which means players can still participate. CCLL will be conducting Winter Baseball Clinics on March 12 and March 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at “The Dome” at the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, located at 1930 Lacombe Ave., Bronx, NY 10473. To sign up for the clinic, email alexruizccll@gmail.com.

During the Winter Baseball Clinics, emphasis will be placed on various fundamentals, including proper throwing technique, fielding, pitching, and hitting. This will help players have a better understanding on how to play baseball. Our drills are kept simple and repetitive. Co-op City Little League alumni, owner of Game On 13 Baseball and Softball Training and former Israel WBC Team Manager Eric Holtz will be joining us on March 19 along with another New York native and former professional player, Chris “Rock” Rowan, who also brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about the game of baseball. Chris was drafted in the 14th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1997 out of Mt. Vernon HS. Rock went on to play part of 10 years in professional baseball and has been a mentor to youth for over 20 years.

At the clinic, players should bring their own glove, bat and wear gym attire. Catchers must provide their own gear. Hand sanitizer will be available. Participants must also bring their own water or sports drink.

CCLL is also having a raffle fundraiser with our drawing on Opening Day, April 27. We have four great prizes being raffled off from some of our generous sponsors in the community. Please check out our website for more information.

CCLL is also looking for community volunteers to help out around our ball fields to get the fields ready for our rapidly approaching season opening day. Some of those tasks include painting, garden work, and field maintenance. Please contact alexruizccll@gmail.com.

To keep the players safe and as mandated by Little League International, all volunteers are required to complete a background check authorization form. We will have our annual Opening Ceremonies Parade on April 22 with Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, April 29.

For more information, check out our website, www.coopcitylittleleague.com, or you can email us at info@coopcitylittleleague.com.

––Alex Ruiz