Now, we are trying to implement our ideas into city and state laws. The Housing Committee of the City Council is reviewing a new bill, sponsored by Councilman Lewis Fidler, which would block the several loopholes used by many boards of directors of co-ops and condos. We have met with Councilman Fidler, as well as Queens Councilman Marc Weprin, head of the council’s Co-op and Condo Task Force, and have offered several amendments to the bill. We have suggested that public hearings on the problems of co-ops be held.

Additionally, the Housing Committee of the state Assembly is reviewing the state laws on co-ops, considering a bill, sponsored by Assemblymen Jeffrey Dinowitz from the Bronx and William Colton from Brooklyn, which would restrict the ability of the sponsors of unsold shares to influence the election and performance of directors on the boards of co-ops and condos.

We were surprised that many city and state lawmakers were not aware of the problems that ordinary co-op shareholders face and the many violations committed by boards of directors. If you are a co-op or condo shareholder, we ask that you contact us, and we will forward your complaints and concerns to city and state lawmakers as they consider these new bills. E-mail us at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 718-432-6616.

Alex Litvak
Midwood

Editor’s note: Bay Currents will stay abreast of the progress of these bills, in our print and online editions.