THE DORCHESTERVOICE

THE DORCHESTER VOICE
MAY / J UNE 2 0 1 3
TABLE OF CON T E N T S
2013 Election Results...................... 1
President’s Message........................ 2
2013
ANNUAL ELECTIONS
Spring Has Sprung! (And Other
Springtime Reminders).................... 3
Around the square calendar............ 3
2013 Ball on The Square................. 4
Dorchester Swim Club
2013 Season.................................... 5
Flowers for Children’s Charity.......... 5
The 2013 Pool Season is Here!....... 5
Philadelphia Real Estate Tax Alert... 6
Garage Elevator Repairs................. 6
Welcome, Our Littlest Residents!.... 6
Front Door Decorations.................... 9
Grocery Deliveries........................... 9
Free Money from PECO!!.............. 10
The Dorchester
Owners Association
The 2013 election to fill four open Council Seats closed April 23rd at 5:00pm.
34.10 percent of the eligible votes were cast either in person or by proxy
resulting in the election of four Council members. The results are as follows:
My HVAC Unit and Me................... 10
2013 election results
What are the hours?...................... 10
*Total Votes
% of Votes
M ANAGEMENT
1. Frank Devine
21,396,170
24.42
Patricia Yonekawa, General Manager
2. Mary Lou Savarese
20,522,627
23.42
3. Ed Kurland
19,416,536
19.43
4. Allen Dubroff 16,699,209
19.06
5. Donald Gudhus
9,587,557
10.94
pyonekawa@thedorchester.net
Don Hadfield Jr., Building Engineer
dhadfield@thedorchester.net
Julie Zusin, Bookkeeper
jzusin@comcast.net
Kyle Maloney, Resident Services
The 4 candidates with the highest total votes will fill the 4 open seats.
Thank you to all the Owners who participated in this important process.
kmaloney@thedorchester.net
Jackie Ransom, Head Housekeeper
jransom@thedorchester.net
Management Office
*As set forth in the Dorchester Code of Regulations the aggregate number of votes for all Unit
Owners shall be one million (1,000,000) and shall be divided among the respective Unit
Owners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests in the Common Elements.
(215) 546-1111
Vi s i t our w eb s i t e a t w w w. t h e d o rc h e s t e r. n e t
1
President’s Message
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Annual Open
Meeting held at the Ethical Society on Wednesday, April 3rd.
The Meeting commenced with an introduction of the five
candidates running for four open seats on Council. Each
of the candidates (other than me) gave a short presentation
to the audience of approximately fifty attendees.
Dennis Connolly, CPA of Connolly, Grady & Cha presented
the 2012 Audit of The Dorchester’s finances and we are
pleased to report that at the end of 2012, The Dorchester’s
total liabilities and fund balances were $3,433,971 (2011’s
total balance was $1,672,370). We were given the highest
rating an auditor can give, with positive comments on
Council and Management’s handling of funds.
The third item on the Agenda was a presentation by Gary
Krimstock, Esq. on the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) and
the status of property taxes in Philadelphia. Most of us have
received our new “actual value”, which in some instances
has raised the estimated value of our homes as much as
three times the old rate originally set by the BRT. While this
may be a shock to some, in most cases, the values stated are
below the actual present selling prices for our homes.
The 2014 property tax rate is the part most of us are
waiting for with baited breath. At this time, estimates of
the new rate vary from 1% to 3% and while no one knows
what the actual rate will be, many are hoping for 1% to
1.25% because this would mean little or no increase in our
taxes. At this time it’s a wait and see period, although the
Mayor has indicated that he is trying to keep any potential
increases “revenue neutral”. As more information comes
in, Gary will sort through it and let us know what, if
anything, is happening. We will pass along this information
in our next newsletter, on the home channel, or by email.
Gary left informational handouts and Management has
put together notes on the meeting. If you would like this
information, contact the Management Office and they will
be pleased to forward same to you.
One issue that has been ongoing in Rittenhouse Square
since before The Dorchester was “born” is the problem of
pigeons. This “lovely” British import is one that is quite
difficult to get rid of or control on the South and West side
balconies of our Building...so we’re now trying to trap
them. We’ve worked with several different bird control
experts who have used spikes, hot feet, ribbons, plastic
owls, birth control (yes, birth control, don’t try to picture
it) and more, to little avail. This year we’re going to try
the old fashioned bait and trap method. Hopefully this
will work and our balconies will once again be usable.
(If it were legal to purchase a few Peregrine Falcons to
let roost on the roof of the Building, our pigeon problem
could rapidly be resolved, as is exemplified at the front
of the building and in the Square itself, thanks to several
neighborly Falcons roosting in the 18th & Locust Streets
corner of the Square. In case you’re unaware of it, Falcons
enjoy dining on the juicy pigeons.)
Moving right along, as you read this article, we’ve already
completed one of our 2013 Capital projects; the heating
riser in the 17 Units. This phase was more difficult than in
past years because the temperature has been cooler than
in 2011 and 2012. The need for riser replacements was
demonstrated when we started this year’s project. As work
began, one of the corroded connections caused minor
flooding in several Units. Later, as we filled the new line,
2 convection units experienced cracked coils. Fortunately,
we were working on the riser just as they cracked, so we
experienced only minor leaking. Although this project can
be time consuming and slightly invasive, it is far better
than having a riser or convection unit break or leak at an
inopportune time.
By the way, as people renovate their Units, maintenance
would like to access the Unit to check the condition of any
pipes that are visible. Maintenance requests that if you’re
planning such a project, kindly keep this in mind and let
the office or Don Hadfield know. Your exposed pipes can
then be checked and replaced, if necessary, to minimize
the possibility of a future leak.
Another preventive maintenance project we have ongoing
this summer are the repairs to the facade, where required.
We’re working on the loading dock area now, the last
area to be addressed. We started facade work 10 years
ago and during that period, the City decided to make
facade inspection and repair mandatory. Inasmuch as we
had already addressed three quarters of our facade, we
were well ahead of the game and had no trouble getting
certified by the City. With this last loading dock phase,
The Dorchester will be certified until 2017.
While we on Council do our best to perform our fiduciary
responsibility to the owners and residents, we also need
your input to help us do our best. Please drop us and/
or management a line or stop by the office, if you have
suggestions, ideas or thoughts that may assist us in this
task. Thank you.
Ed Kurland
Spring Has Sprung! (And Other Springtime Reminders)
As the warmer weather rolls in and we all enjoy the
increase in temperature (before it gets too warm and we
wish for winter once more), take note of a few of these
springtime reminders:
• For those of you with balconies, you know what a
wonderful place they can be to relax, read a book,
listen to music or just enjoy the weather. While you’re
out there, remember that you’re only a few feet away
from your neighbors on all sides. Be considerate
of noise levels so they can enjoy themselves too.
Unfortunately, grilling is strictly prohibited (by
the City of Philadelphia and the Dorchester) on
all balconies. If a grill is seen on a balcony, it will
be removed immediately by Dorchester staff and
disposed of at the occupant’s expense.
• The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the flowers
are blooming as they fall off your balconies…wait,
what? Flowers are a quintessential part of springtime;
however, those smaller planters can be very dangerous
if left on the ledges or railings of your balconies.
To prevent injury, make sure everything (and this
includes chairs, tables, etc) is either secured or heavy
enough to withstand those winds. The last thing we
want is for your beautiful perennials ending up in the
middle of Rittenhouse Square, on the loading dock
driveway or on a passing pedestrian’s head.
•S
pringtime is synonymous (for some) with
cleaning. As you start to clear out all of that stuff
you accumulated over the winter, just remember a
few things:
oL
arger boxes tend to get stuck in the trash chute,
which has the potential to set off the fire alarm.
Call Jackie Ransom for help disposing of these
larger boxes.
oM
ake sure you’ve tied that bag securely before
dropping it down the trash chute. If it breaks
open, there is the possibility of setting off the fire
alarm that way as well.
• I f you need to retrieve
anything from the storage
room that has been stowed
away since last year, see
the Front Desk and they’ll
find someone to escort
you to your locker.
AROUND THE SQUARE CALENDAR
Here are some events and holidays to look forward to:
• Wednesday and Thursday, May 8-9:
Rittenhouse Square Flower Market for
Children’s Charities
• Wednesday, May 22: CCRA Annual
Meeting featuring Sharon Pinkenson at
the Academy of Vocal Art. 1920 Spruce
Street, 7:00pm-9:00pm
• Friday and Saturday, May 10-11: Filter
Square Spring Fair, 23rd and Pine Streets.
Friday 10:00am-6:00pm and Saturday
10:00am-4:00pm
• Sunday, May 12: Mother’s Day
• Saturday, May 18: Rittenhouse Row Spring
Festival, Walnut Street between Broad and
19th Streets. 12:00pm-5:00pm
• Monday, May 27: Memorial Day
• Fri-Sun, May 31-June 9: Philadelphia Beer
Week. A celebration of the Best BeerDrinking City in America.
• Fri, Sat and Sun June 7-9: Rittenhouse
Square Fine Art Show. 82nd Annual Spring
Show. Fri and Sat 11:00am-7:00pm and Sun
11:00am-5:00pm.
• Sunday, June 16: Father’s Day
• Wednesday, June 19: Little Friends Festival
• Thursday, June 20: Rittenhouse Annual Ball
on the Square
• Friday, June 21: First day of Summer
3
2013 Ball on The Square
Save The Date
Thursday, the 20th of June
Seven O’Clock in the Evening
Rittenhouse Square
Little Friends Festival
Wednesday, The 19th of June
Five Thirty to Seven Thirty In The Evening
Centennial Pre-Ball Champagne Reception
Thursday, the 20th of June
Hosted by The Rittenhouse Hotel
Formal Invitation to Follow
Questions? Contact Kate Kosarek at 267-586-5675 or kate@friendsofrittenhouse.org
Each year we are proud to raffle off one pair of tickets to the Ball on the Square to Dorchester Owners. This year the
Ball will be held on Thursday, June 20th. For the first time, we are excited to announce we will also raffle off one pair
of tickets to the Little Friends Festival, held Wednesday, June 19th! These two drawings are for Dorchester Unit owners
only. Please fill out the entry form below and return it to the Management Office by 5pm on Monday, May 17th.
2013 Ball on the Square and Little Friends Festival Entry Form
Owner’s Name: ______________________________ Unit Number:_________
Contact Number (day): ________________ (evening):_____________________
4
E-mail Address:_________________________________________
(only one entry per unit)
Dorchester
Swim Club
2013 Season
Owner/Resident Memberships:
Owner/Resident Pool Usage (Mon – Thurs).................... Free
Owner/Resident Membership (Mon – Sun)
Single Owner/Resident Membership.......................... $225.00
Second Owner/Resident Membership......................... $150.00
Additional Owner/Resident Membership/
Children 5-16 years....................................................... $75.00
Children (4 years and under)......................................... FREE
Guest Pass (15 years and up, per guest, per day)............ $15.00
(No Unit Owner or Resident of The Dorchester may be a Guest)
Guest Memberships:
Single Guest Membership......................................... $1000.00
Additional Guest Membership.................................... $500.00
Children 5-16 years of age.......................................... $150.00
Children 0-4 years of age.............................................. $75.00
Guest Pass (per guest, per day)..................................... $20.00
The 2013 Pool Season is Here!
The Pool is now open for your sunbathing pleasure!
The official season runs from Memorial Day to
Labor Day, but opens earlier and closes later, weather
permitting. Check in with the Front Desk for the early
opening date if not already posted.
In order to maintain the security of the building and to
comply with State regulations, pool memberships will
be restricted to residents of The Dorchester and the
previous years’ guest members. Resident memberships
are free from Monday to Thursday while weekend
memberships, running Friday to Sunday, are priced
at $225 for the first resident and $150 for the second.
Guest Memberships are priced at $1,000. Applications
must be filled out for each tier of membership. Once
completed and approved, you will receive your pool
ID and you fob will allow you to access the pool deck.
If you have any questions regarding the Dorchester
Swim Club memberships or would like to make a
suggestion regarding our pool, feel free to email Kyle
Maloney at kmaloney@thedorchester.net or stop by the
Management Office.
We hope you have a superb summer!
Flowers for Children’s Charity
The Rittenhouse Square Flower Market for Children’s
Charities will be held Wednesday and Thursday,
May 8th and 9th in Rittenhouse Square. Orchids and
other plants will be available for sale, just in time for
Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th. A flower for that
special lady would mean so much more to her if she
knew the proceeds went to helping a child in need.
5
Philadelphia Real Estate Tax Alert
Garage Elevator Repairs
On Wednesday, April 3rd at the Dorchester Owner’s
Association’s Open Meeting, Gary Krimstock spoke
about the current and upcoming changes to the
Philadelphia Real Estate tax. In a nutshell, the City
of Philadelphia is (and has been for a few years now)
reworking the way it handles real estate tax. The old
system, which was non-uniform and broken, has been
replaced with one that better reflects actual market value
of the properties. The City is aiming for a revenue neutral
switchover from the old to the new system, but since
there are so many factors still up in the air, it is much too
early to have a good idea of what your tax will actually
be come 2014. Gary Krimstock has recommended we
wait it out until new information is available. Things are
bound to change between now and October 7th, which is
the last day to make an appeal to the Board of Revision
of Taxes (so if you missed that March 31st deadline, not to
worry! You still have
plenty of time). For
now, sit tight. Check in
with the Management
Office for more
information, and we’ll
be sure to pass along
anything we come
across as well.
You thought we were done,
didn’t you? We’ve done a
lot of work on the garage
in the past two years, and
fortunately, for now, we’ve
completed the necessary
repairs (on Level I).
However, starting Monday,
May 20th we will begin
to do some preventative
maintenance on the garage
elevator. In order to avoid
a possible environmental
disaster, we will be shutting down the garage
elevator for 4-6 weeks to replace the hydraulic jack
system that allows the elevator to function. This will
minimize the possibility of hydraulic fluid seeping
into the ground and allow us to avoid hundreds of
thousands of dollars in cleanup cost.
While this work is being performed, residents may
enter the building by way of the package room
doors with use of their fob (even after regular
package room hours and on Sundays). Guests will
have to use the front entrance unless accompanied
by a Dorchester resident.
Welcome, Our Littlest Residents!
We’d like to extend our sincerest congratulations to a few families here at the
Dorchester on the newest additions to their family:
Jon & Leslie Bari on their new baby boy, Jackson “Jax” Bjorn Bari. Jax was born
on March 21, and weighted 8lbs 8oz. Jon, Leslie and their 8 year old daughter Lexi are
thrilled to welcome Jax to the Bari Family. Jon has lived here at the Dorchester since
1990, and Leslie since 1999.
Doctors Sommer Pio and Anthony Prousi welcomed Delfine Sophia Prousi (Dela)
on January 12th. She weighed 7lbs 7oz and was 18.5in long. Sommer moved into
the Dorchester in August of 2000, and Anthony joined her in 2011. They were
married April 21st, 2012. Pictured with Sommer and Dela are Maria Halpern and
her daughter, Rafaela Marie Halpern. Maria and her husband, Dr. Casey Halpern,
welcomed Rafi to their family on October 22nd, 2012.
6
Moussa Kone and his wife, Maimouna Kone, on the birth of their beautiful baby
girl, Makamba Kone, named after her grandmother. Makamba was born on March
18th and weighed 6lbs 7oz. Moussa has been a part of our garage staff since 2006, and
became the garage manager in 2009.
SHOPPING.
DINING.
FRESH FOODS
TO GO.
Citizens Bank
Di Bruno Bros.
Godiva Chocolatier
Accents by Govberg
Jake & Max’s Deli
LaScala’s
L’UOMO
Mexican Post
Mike’s Steaks
Omega Optical
Panda Express
Percy Street BBQ
Sony/Comcast Labs
Sook Hee Produce
www.themarketatcomcastcenter.com
Table 31
Termini Brothers Bakery
Tokyo Sushi
Under the “C” Seafood
NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
CORNER ONE BEDROOM WITH
PRIVATE BALCONY!
SUN SOAKED TWO BEDROOM
WITH CITY VIEWS!
Spacious one bedroom residence
features a private balcony and north
and east city views. The home has a
large living/entertaining space as
well as a separate dining area. The
kitchen provides ample cabinet and
counter space. The condominium
has two walls of windows and a
large bedroom.
848 square feet
Offered for $359,900
Two bedroom, two bathroom home
with private balcony and south city
views from all rooms. The
condominium has a large kitchen
and generously sized living room
with separate, yet open, dining room.
The master bedroom has an ensuite
bathroom and walk-in closet. There
is lots of natural light throughout.
1281 square feet
Offered for $550,000
Front Door Decorations
Grocery Deliveries
Just as a reminder: decorations are not allowed
on any Unit’s
front door. If
you do have
any decorations,
including but not
limited to, name
plates, wreaths
or banners, take
them down
immediately. If
seen by Dorchester
personnel, theses
decorations will
be removed.
Exceptions made
only for various
religious mezuzahs/
paraphernalia.
We have noticed many grocery deliveries through
the lobby lately. Remember that all deliveries,
from couches and televisions to dry cleaning and
groceries, must be delivered to the package room
during regular package room hours. Deliveries of
any kind, with the exception of flowers and take-out
food, may not be made to the Front Desk.
Breakfast. Lunch.Dinner. 7 Days aWeek.
Eat in.Take home.Delivery.
1521 Locust Street, Philadelphia
schlesingersdeli.com (215) 735-7305
God.Country.Corned Beef.
9
Free Money from PECO!!
My HVAC Unit and Me
In prior newsletters we told you
about PECO’s rebate program
and several residents with
new appliances applied
for and received their
rebate checks. The program
ends May 31st so you still
have time to take advantage of it.
The thermometer outside
reads 85 degrees, you’re
sweating and your HVAC unit
isn’t working! Before you
place a work order to have
maintenance come check it
out, answer these two questions: Did you check the
thermostat on the wall? Did you turn the HVAC unit’s
fan on? Oftentimes, tenants forget that they haven’t
adjusted their Unit’s thermostat and it is still set too
high for the AC to kick in. Go and check out what your
thermostat is set at before contacting maintenance. If
the setting is where it should be and your HVAC unit
still isn’t working, open up that access panel next to
the blower to ensure the fan is turned on.
PECO customers are eligible for rebates on Energy
Star qualified appliances. If you purchased eligible
appliances through a retail store or contractor, just
fill out a rebate form and attach a paid receipt.
PECO will also pick up, recycle and provide rebates
for an old refrigerator.
If you recently purchased or are planning on
purchasing a new appliance, go to www.peco.com/
SmartIdeas, check to see if the appliance qualifies
for a PECO rebate and print out the form. Not only
is it easy, it is also free!
By double checking these two simple points, you
can save yourself from not only the heat, but also
the $12.50 charge for maintenance to come show
you how to turn on your unit’s fan.
Center City Residents’ Association
WHAT ARE THE
CCRA is a non-profit, volunteerled organization devoted to
making Center City a better place
to live, work and play. Our
members volunteer thousands
of man-hours each year to a wide range of projects that
help preserve and improve the quality of life in Center City
for the benefit of residents, local merchants and visitors.
HOURS?
pm
e 9:00 am to 5:00
Management offic
Maintenance
Porters
Package Room
Exercise Room
8:30 am to 6:00 pm
6:00 am to 5:30 pm
8:00 am to 6:30 pm
nts only
24 hours for reside
Monday - Thursday
Pool
7:30 am to 10:00 pm
Friday and Sunday
pm
10:00 am to 10:00
Storage Room
Garage
Notary
10
th
By appointment wi
r
Head Housekeepe
ts only
24 hours for residen
th
By appointment wi
e
fic
management of
Organized originally as an ad hoc citizen group in
1947 to resist city plans to dig up Rittenhouse Square
for an underground garage, over the years CCRA has
helped to protect the unique historical and residential
character of our community while encouraging
responsible development. We work on projects, large
and small, that contribute to parks, schools, tree planting,
clean streets, neighborhood safety, recycling, and
community events, among other things. We also provide
opportunities to socialize with other civic-minded
members of the community during events like our
annual house tour and Chili Challenge.
CCRA activities are supported mostly by member fees
and we do not receive funding from the City. CCRA
offers memberships at different price levels for residents,
seniors, students and local businesses. We hope you will
join us in improving the quality of life in Center City.
Just Listed
Unit #905
Extremely well maintained, well proportioned three bedroom
home features a renovated kitchen, washer/dryer, wood
floors throughout, custom track lighting, and seven
generously sized California like closets. Best of all, you look
out onto the Center City skyline, tree top views and a terrace
overlooking Rittenhouse Square Park!
Offering Price $829,000
PRUDENTIAL Fox & Roach Realtors
1818 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / 215.893.9800
11
SELLING THE DORCHESTER FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Some of our most recent sales at The Dorchester
205 | 308 | 403 | 413 | 416 | 503 | 511 | 610 | 615A | 809 | 811 | 812
| 905 | 1018 | 1102 | 1118 | 1417 | 1613 | 1707 | 1716 | 1803 | 1806 |
1914 | 1918 | 2002 | 2010 | 2416 | 2417 | 2508 | 2509 | 2605 | 2616 |
2808 | 2913 | 2914 | 3001 | 3004 | 3009| 3016 | 3115 | 3118
Thinking about buying or selling a Dorchester condo?
Call us. We get the job done.
Allan Domb Real Estate
PHILADELPHIA’S LARGEST LUXURY CONDOMINIUM REALTOR®
We cooperate with all REALTORS®.
Phone: 215-545-1500 | Web: allandomb.com
1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Dorchester Condominiums
226 W. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
THE DORCHESTER VOICE