The Esplanade Report - Winter 2010-2011

2010-10-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

THE ESPLANADE REPORT Winter 2010-2011 The Esplanade Condominium Association, Inc.

New Board of Trustees

President – Paul Kraemer

Vice President – Susan Fulgieri Treasurer – Dolly Sternesky Secretary – Kurt Tellefsen Trustee – Kathryn Verrochi

2010 at a glance

In order to maintain the Esplanade as one of Asbury Park’s

premier properties – and enhance our property values – we made numerous improvements in 2010. Our monthly fees go to regular maintenance, so these improvements were primarily funded by the two months’ assessments, levied in February and March.

We tackled the #1 concern: leaks.

Our close proximity to the ocean takes its toll on buildings. For over half a century, the Esplanade has been under assault by the wind, salt water, sand, and the expansion of ice. As a result, some units have suffered major water damage, while others have experienced minor but recurring leaks.

This year we launched an all-out campaign to help make the building waterproof.

1- The entire building was power-washed with a non-toxic

cleaner to eliminate surface grime. Two coats of Weather Seal were then sprayed onto the bricks. (You may have seen the workers on the high-lift, putting boards over your

windows before spraying the sealant.) This is a water-based

product that enters the pores of the brick and grout, and then crystallizes to close up the pores, keeping water out. In order to reach the west side of the building without

getting too close to the pool, the shrubs had to be removed;

these will be replaced.

2- The elevator penthouse/stair tower on the roof was treated with a product called Liquid Siding. This will create a waterproof barrier on the exterior of the walls, which should end further water infiltration into a couple of areas on the top floor and in the stairwells.

3-The 12 north-facing heat pumps (A/C units) in the building’s outer wall received new covers, helping to keep rain from entering those units during storms.

4- Ten balconies received a waterproof floor coating, which will help eliminate water leaking to floors below.

The cost for this was split between the unit owners and

the Esplanade Condominium Association.

After the first severe storm, these actions appeared successful in eliminating leaks. However, we will get a better idea of how effective they were as we go through the winter into spring. At that time the Board will determine if further actions are needed.

Extensive masonry work was done on the building and surrounding wall.

The building masonry (bricks, cement and grout) required

extensive repair work:

1- The entire cement wall along Sunset Avenue/Park Avenue and around the north side of the building was repaired. This consisted of replacing worn bricks and then cementing, including adding a crown along the top of the wall to facilitate water run-off. Several Esplanade owners donated their time and effort to paint the wall, helping to defray additional costs.

2- Much of the building’s masonry was repaired. Many disintegrating bricks were replaced, and eroded cement corners and ledges were repaired and painted.

Other improvements and changes in 2010

1- Driveway potholes were filled.

2- New fire-escape door handles were installed on all floors to comply with code.

3- All new pool furniture was purchased.

4- A new bike rack was purchased.

5- The garden area was improved, thanks to Rob Buntzen, Chris Daniels, Kathryn Verrochi and Jay Lowell Juckett.

6- Esplanade owners voted on a new pet policy that allows

two neutered cats per unit; dogs are prohibited.

7- The building was wired for Verizon FIOS TV, phone and internet; outside cables were cleaned up.

8- Many unit owners replaced their windows. This helped eliminate leaks – not only in their units, but in the units below. (For approved vendors and window design, please contact Townsmen Properties.)

Word to the wise: if new windows are installed in 2010,

owners may be eligible for a tax credit.

Projects scheduled for 2011 and beyond

In 2010 we focused on exterior repairs. This will continue

– however, 2011 is the year of improving the interior. This includes:

Interior

1- The elevators, hallways and lobby will be redone. This will add immensely to the esthetics and perceived value of the building. Three design concepts will be presented; unit owners in good standing will vote on which design to implement.

2- In the hall outside the laundry room, the protruding square doorway of the Maintenance Room will be removed. This will make it easier for wheeling the cart around the corner, or for those moving in or out. To accomplish this,

a door will be created leading from the boiler room to the

outside.

Exterior

1- The broken sidewalk slabs on the southeast side along

Sunset Avenue will be replaced.

2- The shrubs along the west side of the building will be

replaced.

Updated Rules and Regulations

All unit owners and tenants will receive a complete set of

updated Rules and Regulations in the near future. Please read them carefully. In order to make life in the Esplanade comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, these rules will be strictly enforced, with fines levied for infractions.

Service Requests

Now you can easily alert Townsmen Properties of any

Service Requests, simply by visiting their website at www.aptownsmen.com – click “Service Request” on the home page to get the Service Request form. Once you complete the form and hit “Send,” you will be provided with a tracking number for your reference and follow-up, if needed.

Save the Date!

The annual Esplanade Holiday Party will be held in the lobby on Saturday, December 11 at 4 pm. Meat entrees and wine will be provided; we welcome appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Please sign up in the laundry room, and indicate what you will be bringing.

Help us decorate the lobby on Saturday, Nov. 27 at

10:00 am. All volunteers are welcome; please sign up in

the laundry room.

Miscellaneous Notes

1- There was a rash of car burglaries over the summer.

Although the perpetrator was caught, the danger continues. As a precautionary measure, it’s a good idea to lock your car doors and hide items that will encourage theft, such as cellphones, GPS devices, etc. (Remind guests, as well.)

2- Avoid parking tickets!

• Don’t park on Sunset Avenue on Tuesdays during street cleaning times.

• Don’t park within 50 feet of a stop sign. The city plans to paint the strip of curb on Park Avenue near Sunset Avenue yellow – but until then, you could still get a ticket.

In Memoriam

We are saddened to note the passing of four of our neigh-

bors in the Esplanade: Gene Fabry, Rosemarie Tarrant, Joe

Bowen and Michael Brim.

Michael Brim was incredibly loyal and committed to the Esplanade and to the city of Asbury Park. He served as President of the Esplanade Condominium Association, and was a tireless volunteer in anything that was vital to Asbury Park’s revival – head of the Urban Economic Zone, Mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the city’s Democratic Party, and always in attendance at city events. In his honor, the city of Asbury Park has established the Michael Brim Humanitarian Fund, and is planting a tree in his name. (His favorite restaurant, The Harrison, has even dedicated a bar stool in his honor!) We here at the Espla-

nade will dedicate a plaque to Michael in our garden, where his name will always be remembered, surrounded by

beauty.