LeHavre Owners Corporation has just completed an ambitious $32 million renovation over the past three years. This renovation project involved installing new roofs on all 32 buildings, waterproofing the façade of all the buildings, upgrading the windows in 1,024 apartments so they are now energy efficient and repaving all of their parking lots.
Under any circumstances, such a project would be an impressive undertaking. However, LeHavre, located in Whitestone, raised the bar even higher, completing the project ahead of schedule and within budget without significantly disrupting the residents’ lives.
Penni Nussbaum, a member of the board of directors, noted the exemplary cooperation of the residents during the construction period.
“It’s not easy to live months with your building undergoing major renovation.” She added that in the beginning everyone was worried about the renovation. “These buildings had not had major repairs and renovations since they were built in 1958,” she said. “Maybe in part because of all the challenges, I think that everybody involved really stepped up and put in extra effort to make it go as well as it did,” she added.
About LeHavre on the Water
The name LeHavre simply means the harbor or the port. The complex was built by Alfred Levitt in the late 1950s on a former farm owned by W.W. Cryder. The farm is long gone. However, standing at the corner of 162nd Street and 9th Avenue is the old water tower that once belonged to the Cryder farm.
When the LeHavre complex was built, the structure was never touched and, although the water tower no longer serves a purpose, it proudly represents its past farming history and the wonderful LeHavre community of the present.
LeHavre underwent a major transition in September 1984 when it was converted into cooperative ownership. Although the majority of the apartments at LeHavre are occupied by shareholders, a few are owned by an investor, Shares of NY, and are rented.
Spread over 28 acres along the waterfront, LeHavre offers its residents a sense of space and relaxation unavailable in more crowded New York City neighborhoods. LeHavre is a waterfront community of 32 buildings that offers its residents many luxurious amenities. The community contains one, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all of which have 20-foot terraces. Every floor has four apartments, each a corner layout. The community sports facilities include two pools, a clubhouse, three tennis courts and two playgrounds. Additionally, it is situated in an area recognized as one of the safest in the city.
LeHavre offers spectacular views. From some apartments, a view of Manhattan can be seen. Other apartments have a view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Neck Bay. Adding to the fact that every apartment is a corner unit, each apartment offers a beautiful exposure.
“LeHavre on the Water is unique in many ways,” said Romy Bochow, the vice president of the board of directors. “Where else can you find a waterfront co-op so close to every convenience, yet set into suburban living? It is extremely quiet in this neighborhood; there is minimal traffic and residents can walk to most anything they may need. LeHavre on the Water is ‘The Hamptons meets Manhattan.’
“I have been living here at LeHavre with my husband and two children for 13 years. I can remember back when I was looking for my apartment in 1997. What stuck out in my mind the most, and I will always remember, is how friendly people are here. People will be walking their dogs or just on their way down to the fitness center and they are smiling and saying hello to each other in passing as neighbors. LeHavre has a real small town atmosphere.”
Residents are able to stay active without leaving their community as LeHavre has a large variety of organized monthly activities. The clubhouse contains an onsite restaurant, library and a gym. The gym has been recently remodeled and has a wide variety of equipment. A resident can hire a trainer to work with them one-on-one, if they so desire. The gym offers classes for all ages and abilities. Classes are added based on the interests of the residents.
LeHavre residents are also busy with the many clubs that are available for a variety of interests. Some of these clubs include the Landscaping Committee, where residents assist in the beautification of the LeHavre grounds; the organization Le Cats on the Water, where residents assist in the care of a feral cat colony; a book discussion club; a Nifty Fifty club and a knitting club.
For younger residents, LeHavre hosts the “LeKids” club. Residents young and old can grow their artistic talents by taking one of the art classes that are offered or watch a movie during the weekly movie nights, popcorn included.
Throughout the year, all residents can enjoy various special events. Previous events that have been held include pool parties, holiday get-togethers, and fundraisers. In addition, LeHavre holds an annual art show where residents are able to display their talents.
“The clubhouse always has something going on,” Bochow said.
LeHavre has three tennis courts. Each year, LeHavre employs a tennis professional. A children’s summer tennis program is available as well as lessons, clinics and tournaments for all ages.
Summertime brings the pool fun. With two pools in the complex, there is always ample space for those wishing to swim laps or just sun on the deck. When the temperatures heat up, the residents of LeHavre are able to cool down after a day in the office, as the pools are open well into the evening hours. Residents take part in a variety of pool activities such as water aerobics, swim lessons and volleyball. Many residents stay during dinnertime, enjoying the meals provided by their club restaurant.
Strategically located near several major highways, LeHavre provides easy access for those traveling just about anywhere. In addition, the community is located within a short drive to both LaGuardia and JFK airports. For those that prefer public transportation, the Q15 bus has several stops within the LeHavre community. In addition, LeHavre is fortunate to have the QM2 express bus at its doorstep, providing a 45-minute commute to Manhattan. Residents of LeHavre also enjoy close proximity to several shopping centers.
Although LeHavre is located in one of the safest neighborhoods of New York City, the community boasts its own security kiosk, which enables the shareholders and visitors to obtain building information, contact appropriate parties in an emergency and even notify the 24-hour maintenance staff of a problem, if one does arise. LeHavre has a security vehicle patrolling 15 hours per day along with a patrol officer who walks the grounds to make sure it is safe and to give residents an increased peace of mind. LeHavre utilizes Mikan Protective Services. The security personnel assigned by Mikan to LeHavre remain long-term and develop a rapport with the residents.
LeHavre’s community is self-managed and the day-to-day operations are run by 11 unpaid members of their board of directors. However, to ensure the finances are controlled professionally, the board utilizes the services of a management company, MetroManagement.
“By utilizing MetroManagement for our back office operations, we ensure financial control and oversight and are better able to turn our attention to the day-to-day operations,” said Bochow.
The board of directors oversees several committees such as the Building & Grounds Committee and the Finance Committee. Numerous shareholders volunteer to be a member of the committees. Assisting with the site management of the cooperative is a management office run by Margaret Costello. The management office is known to be available to any shareholder to hear any issues they may have and resolve the issues quickly.
LeHavre is well set financially for the present and the future. The cooperative has managed to complete a major renovation project and still keep a healthy operating reserve fund.
“Many cooperatives do not have a concept of an operating reserve. We feel it is an integral part of our operations,” said Michael Palladino, the president of LeHavre.
The Finance Committee meets on a monthly basis and reports to the board. It reviews the actual monthly spending results versus the budgetary plans and makes financial recommendations. In addition, the committee works hand-in-hand with the board to produce the annual budget.
To secure the financial controls further, LeHavre has monthly financial monitoring by an outside accounting firm, Cesarano and Khan. This firm provides monitoring of operations by reviewing all ongoing operational activity. The reports they produce are reviewed by the board and the firm is available to answer any questions that may arise. MetroManagement, the back office management company, also provides monthly financial reports to the board, in addition to reviewing and ensuring that particular transactions are done by an appropriate person. They also maintain documentation to substantiate transactions.
By having several layers of financial monitoring and oversight, the multi-tiered system LeHavre has put into place enhances communication and information flow and leads to faster, more accurate record keeping, all critical elements for proper management and control. This gives the shareholders an extra level of comfort, knowing they are part of a financially stable community.
LeHavre has a maintenance crew of 36 employees. The maintenance crew handles the day-to-day upkeep of the grounds and buildings. Many of these employees have been at LeHavre for more than a decade, providing the stability and historical knowledge that is required for a well-run department. Behind the scenes managing the maintenance department are two superintendents.
LeHavre has a reputation of having a large community of politically active residents. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has visited, along with several other politicians. In addition, there is no need for any resident to leave the complex to vote as the clubhouse is used as the local polling place.
LeHavre is in New York City School District 25. The local public school P.S. 193, Alfred J. Kennedy, is known for its warm atmosphere and has partnerships with Queens College, St. John’s University, City Center, Time Warner, City Arts, Alley Pond Environmental Center, Park rangers and the NYC Learning Leaders Program.
LeHavre on the Water is a special place where so many choices abound. At LeHavre, you really can have it all.
For more information about LeHavre on the Water, visit their web site at www.lhocorp.com or call onsite broker Patti Gottlieb at 718-357-2261.
