People who live at 23 West 76th street retrieved some of their property on Saturday after a fire on Thursday night burned several floors of the building and rendered it uninhabitable. The residents are living all over the place — most are bunking with relatives or friends, and a few have found lodging courtesy of the Red Cross. It’s still not clear what caused the fire.
I asked a resident if she needed help — perhaps people could move her belongings for her — but she said that she’s okay for now, and is living with her sister downtown. We also reached out to Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal to see how we could help, but have not heard back.
The building’s owner, Joe, says he’s going to rebuild the interior of the landmark building with some changes — for instance, the second floor will become one large apartment as opposed to four smaller ones. He told us the building had 17 tenants.
Joseph Bolanos, the 76th street block association president, told us that there had recently been construction at that building, and it had not been done properly. “The construction contractor(s) used by this landlord have been seriously non-compliant and unsafe at times.”
There was a complaint filed last week against the building for doing plumbing work without permits. But the Buildings Department said there was “no violation warranted for complaint at time of inspection.” Bolanos said the buildings department sometimes arrives at the site too late to witness improper work.
The building owner said that all work on the site was done properly.
Please note that joseph bolanos is a self appointed president of a non-existent “block association” that he has made up himself. As everyone on 76th knows, Joe is merely someone who likes to make trouble with existing homeowners and tenants, in the hope that there will be remuneration for him as a result. Quoting him as a source of anything is an insult to the integrity of your blog.
As a resident of West 76th Street for more than 30 years, I take offense of your characterization of Joe Bolanos.
Yes, indeed, he is the self-appointed president of a block association. Were you running for that position?
If you call its existence questionable, have you volunteered to organize and lead any other such association?
Who else chooses to defend or represent the block – or to even SHOW UP – at various community board and precinct meeting?
Who else plans the spring plantings around the trees and gets goods and services?
Who else had those snazzy hats embroidered a few years ago?
Have you ever had a situation or problem you thought might be addressed by a block association and approached Joe to discuss it? Have you asked to discuss ANYTHING with Joe only to be told he couldn’t – or wouldn’t – try to help?
For years, even decades, Joe has stepped into a void, helping the block in any way he thinks appropriate. If you don’t like it – him or his activities – step up. Organize a block association and run it the way YOU see fit.
And, so what if publicity strokes Joe? Not only does he earn it, YOU pay him NOTHING for his efforts.
In the meantime, leave Joe alone, as he’s the ONLY person doing ANYTHING on 76th Street.
Hear, hear, NYCEd!
Have no idea who Abner and Ethan are (nor where they live), but most of who live in this block think we’re very lucky to have a watchdog as vigilant Joe Bolanos.
In order to maintain journalistic integrity, this allegation of the illegitimacy of Mr. Bolanos’s reported position as “76th street block association president” should be examined further by the editors of this blog.
Well, I guess not everyone knows. But more now. Thanks, AB.
What happens to the people who were in one of the four apartments on the second floor?
Haven’t you been following the discussions here about the transformation of the Upper Wealth Side?
The answer to your question is: It doesn’t matter what happens to the four families who lived in the four suddenly-ruined apartments. No one cares about them (unless they become homeless and take shelter on West 95th Street, in which case OMIGOD!! “Why do we have to have all the homeless *here*??”)
What’s important is that there will now — suddenly! voila! — be a single, unified manse suitable for a banker and his wife, and of course their obligatory three children.
And of course we need *lots* more of those to support the boutiques and high scale restaurants that are supplanting the businesses that used to cater to … the middle class people who can no longer live here.
if you read the article, you will see the plan is for 4 floor thrus not a unified “manse”. It was built as a single family house for the gentry, as most where, that is why we have these amazing buildings – for the rich “bankers” of the last century.
But don’t let facts get in the way of a chance to spew class warfare and demonize others, while self declaring yourself better and more worthy.
That banker and his family are the new middle class of Manhattan. The middle class of 30 years ago is no more. That ship has sailed.
Wow.
A plan for four becomes one already.
That was fast.
Some people just amaze me! If an owner of a building wants to renovate a building that he owns, that he worked hard for…….. Who the hell is anyone else to comment. I’d be damned if I owned a bldg and wanted it to work for me, if anyone dare comment. The way the tenant found that apt, they will find another. That’s why it pays to own.
well said Stephanie.
As we all know, some people use this website for their political agenda.
Ah, yes. “The way the tenant found that apt [= apartment], they will find another. That’s why it pays to own.”
People who rent small apartments probably aren’t doing so because they haven’t yet reached your level of financial enlightenment. They’re renting because they can’t *afford* to own. Surely you’ve heard about people like that?
And with luxury development consuming the Upper Wealth Side the way it has, where do you propose those families burned out of their homes find those other “apts”?
As a spiritual ancestor of yours once famously said, “If they can’t afford bread, let them eat cake!”
well said in both of the posts above, Cato.
Thank you, Bruce.
Of course they potentially have that right. It is just interesting that in a matter of a few days, all the legal issues with the existing leases in effect for those four units are presented to the press as resolved and a new renovation plan is announced. At the least, the owner missed the first day of class for Intro to Public Relations 101. Just saying.
correcting typo “…an the VERY least…”
I also agree with Kenneth too.
Timing is way too soon for any announcement.
I am very offended by the disparaging comments about Joe Bolanos and I suspect that they are from building owners who do not follow laws, policies, and procedures that have been put in place by federal, state, and local government. These were created by the politicians that were elected by the PEOPLE and are designed to protect safety and security.
In the 2 decades that I have lived on the block I have personally attended a few block association meetings, received important updates about security concerns/recent break ins, etc. Recently Landmark 76 distributed a very professional and balanced update on the fire activity which included information regarding assistance from the Red Cross, praise for our first responders, and information regarding delivery of mail while building 23 is uninhabitable. The flyer took pains to end speculation about the cause of the fire. “Although there is some speculation as to the cause of yesterday’s fire, we have to wait until the NYFD Fire Marshalʼs Investigation Report is released.”
For those who have lived (rented or owned) on the block for quite some time we should be thankful that in a city of 8.3 million New Yorkers we have someone who cares enough about our block to volunteer to organize an annual spring clean up day, liaises with NYPD to support the needs of the community, kept the neighborhood apprised of meetings when the Historical Society wanted to add an 280 foot tower that would forever alter the nature of the block, etc.
Additionally, as an emergency management professional I am very pleased to know that Joe Bolanos received training by the New York City Office of Emergency Management as a member of their CERT program. As per the OEM website, “training included skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations, are now prepared to assist emergency personnel when needed in emergencies affecting their immediate communities. They are also committed to helping their communities better prepare for all types of emergencies.” I am sure this training was helpful in assessing some of the needs of our neighbors and matching them up with appropriate resources.
For all of those who do not appreciate the work that Joe and Landmark 76 due to make our block safe, sanitary, and secure perhaps you would like to go back to the days when we had movie shoots on the block endlessly, were overrun by rats, and our safety was compromised when building owners didn’t follow the law. I for one am thankful that those days are behind us due to the diligence of one of my neighbors.
My thoughts and prayers go out to my neighbors who have been impacted by this fire.
Hello. I’m Joseph Bolanos.
And I’d like to clarify a few things. First and foremost, as a community leader and advocate for almost two decades, I’ve learned that being thin skinned is certainly not a qualification for community work. So, for the most part, I respect people’s opposing opinions and criticisms. However, when statements border on slander then I have to take issue with them and address them, and the anonymous people that post them.
Anonymous online “flaming” in the form of blogging has given freedom of expression and constructive dialogue a very bad name. More often than not, such vitriol is done anonymously which says a lot in itself.
It has also been my experience that persons that may target me for criticism are usually people who I’ve done battle with and lost. Really. The last one was an animal abuser on my block two years ago.
And whereas, my record should only matter to my neighbors that I represent, and area residents who I share valued friendships with, I feel that I should address a few blatant falsehoods posted in this blog’s comments.
Regarding being “self appointed” as my capacity as president of our block association…in 1997 I was ELECTED president unanimously by block residents of the EXISTING block association that was formed by my predecessors. If that’s being “self appointed” then maybe I am.
In 1998 I ELECTED vice president of the 20th Precinct Community Council and ELECTED President in 2000.
In 2001, I represented my community after 9/11 as a volunteer for the Red Cross in, and around Ground Zero. Today, I live with the residual health effects of that endeavor. And I have NO regrets.
In 2012 I was awarded the prestigious WESTY AWARD by West Side Spirit for community leadership.
I could go on but I think that I’ve made my point.
As far as the malicious and blatantly false statement accusing me of seeking “renumeration” for “making trouble” for homeowners and tenants….let me be clear…
I have financed out of pocket our annual Beautification Day events for the last 16 years. I don’t get any renumeration from anyone except my professional clients. And if defending tenants, and their rights,from unscrupulous landlords is making “trouble” for tenants, then I am guilty of it 100%
Finally the great thing about being a civilian community advocate, and not a politician, is that I can speak my mind openly and candidly.
That said, my block is my home. My neighbors are my extended family. And only they matter to me.
And so, to the anonymous blogger(s) that hide behind initials and lies, why not grow a pair and reveal yourself?
I won’t hold my breath.
My name is Joseph Bolanos.
..and I don’t hide from anyone.
(to all new blog readers, don’t believe everything you read. Like cigarettes, some bloggers can be harmful to your health)
Joe –
Although I was the first to defend you, as if it should have been necessary, KAW was far more eloquent, and I thank him or her.
And thank you for commenting, as if it should have been necessary!
Although I no longer live on the block, I thank you for your years of service, and I’m certain that the block will continue to benefit from your efforts.
TYPO/CORRECTION:
“In 1998 I WAS ELECTED vice president of the 20th Precinct Community Council and WAS ELECTED President in 2000.”
You sound kind of scary , dude.
I don’t live on the block, nor have I ever heard of you.
But I do hear intimidation on both sides.
Doesn’t sound very pleasant or neighborly.
Just saying.
Dear WestsideRRRR,
Slander is a serious issue. And it isn’t friendly or neighborly.
So it shouldn’t be treated lightly.
Life 101.
JB
More personal attacks behind the shelter of anonymity. We know what that game is all about. If you want to call names, why don’t you use your real name?
More and more progressives and long-time West Siders are posting comments on this site… it is no longer the sole province of anonymous right wing ranters.
JB, I didn’t slander at all , I wrote how i felt and said it came from both sides.
Also, slander is when you say something verbally, not written.
The king of defamation in the name of lefty hyprocracy goes from Bully Bruce.
Joseph,
You didn’t sound scary at all. You sounded like an old-time UWS community activist. A proud and important breed of person.
WestSideRRRR is a right winger who probably was scared by the fact that you mentioned defending tenants against avaricious landlords. He or she likes to take potshots against people from behind the cloak of anonymity. I think you can recognize the game.
best wishes to you and thank you for all your work.
As one who has attended public meetings and heard Joe Bolanos make unfounded but alarmist statements that slander residents, contractors and home owners, I would suggest that it is Mr. Bolanos who should be mindful of what he says in a Public Forum. Joe may (in his own mind) see himself as the “king of the Block”, at least to his cadre of whining loser followers, but in the end he’s just a loudmouth and a blowhard who derives his sense of self importance from stirring up trouble and making causes out of minor incidents. Joe is a two-bit nothing who resents that high real-estate taxes necessitate a new type of resident on the UWS, one with wealth and the ability to improve former run down properties.
“Activist” is the title of people who have failed at everything else and resent the successes of their betters. Jealousy is at the root of Joe’s desire to see the neighborhood stagnate and decay. I don’t think anyone should be taking this self-important buffoon seriously.
Dear Mr.trenton,
Do you work for Lend Lease? Your ilk seems to be based destroying London by evicting thousands of hardworking tenants to build tiny shoebox properties selling for half a million upward…pounds…bought off plan by Malaysian investors.