Election Results 2012
Ballots have been tallied for 136 units representing 54.8282% of the beneficial interest in the Condo.
Votes have been collected and tallied by the Condo Association attorney, John T. Morrier.
For the 2 open Trustee positions, serving 1/1/2013 - 12/31/2015, our Court Square Press Condo Association ownership has voted Matt Johnson and Jennifer Ledet to the board of trustees. For details, please see Chris Mullen or any board member.
Thank you for your participation.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Annual Community Meeting Nov 27th, 2012
To all Court Square Press/Macallen Owners and Residents:
OUR ANNUAL MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 27, 2012 AT 7 PM IN THE FORMER YOGA STUDIO IN THE MACALLEN BUILDING.
Below is a both the agenda for the meeting and a brief status update. Please make the effort to attend the meeting so we can fully update you. We also want to hear your comments and answer your questions!
Management: Bayberry has been on site for nearly (4) months and a contract has been signed with an option to renew. The Board feels the transition, though abrupt, went as smoothly as we could have hoped for and that the properties are in good hands.
Association Budget: Bayberry’s accountant has been successful in taking over books and records and can now presenting a meaningful assessment of the association’s finances. We have $490,000 in reserves and are current on all accounts. The 2011 review by Friedman Suvalle & Salomon PC has been completed and will be distributed at the meeting or upon request. The 2013 Budget will be presented and explained in detail at the annual meeting. A Capital Reserve Study to be performed by an outside consultant has also been commissioned to assist the Board in long-term planning to ensure the Association remains prepared to deal with future replacements and repairs.
Sales and rentals: Both buildings are now warrantable. Re-sales and sales of developer units continue to be robust and there has been some interest in the retail spaces. The Macallen penthouse unit has been split and will go on the market in early 2013.
Collections: Collections continue to be aggressively pursued. Bayberry’s accounting team has made significant progress and delinquent accounts are coming down steadily. Legal action is being taken against accounts 90 days out, including payments to the Association and to Minol (CSP only).
Condo Fees: Increases will be announced at the annual meeting. As previously stated, they will not be inordinate and details of the budget will be thoroughly reviewed. A revised schedule of additional fees (for moves and Screening Room rental for example) will also be available.
Maintenance & Improvements: We hope you have noticed the improvements and repairs being made around the properties! Many of the items noted in the previous update have been completed or are in progress.
Communications: In our last update we mentioned the installation of BuildingLink software. This software will be installed and staff trained in December! Details of the functionality of BuildingLink will be discussed at the meeting and are available at www.buildinglink.com.
Community Groups: Groups of 3-5 volunteers are being formed (with Board approval) to facilitate resident involvement in community improvements and activities.
Trustee Elections: Details of the upcoming election for Jen Ledet and Thomas Calus’s seats will be discussed at the meeting. Please start to think about whether you are interested in being involved!
2013 Schedule & Events: The Board will share what to expect in 2013.
We hope to see you at the meeting for more details and in the meantime, as always, please address questions and comments (or complaints) to Chris Mullen at cmullen@bayberry-management.com or to us. It is important that maintenance issues and comments regarding Bayberry or Palladion staff always go to Chris. Remember - he keeps the Board informed!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Annual Meeting Scheduled
The 2013 Annual meeting has been scheduled:
The CSP Board of Trustee has opted to hold our annual community meeting earlier than in years past. Please mark your calendar for Nov 27th at 7pm. Location shall be in the former yoga studio in the Macallen Building.
The board will release an agenda with a few announcements in the next week. Thank you in advance for your attendance.
The CSP Board of Trustee has opted to hold our annual community meeting earlier than in years past. Please mark your calendar for Nov 27th at 7pm. Location shall be in the former yoga studio in the Macallen Building.
The board will release an agenda with a few announcements in the next week. Thank you in advance for your attendance.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Weather Emergency info
Dear Residents,
As Hurricane Sandy is approaching. Please note announcement from Bayberry Management related to emergency situation.
Building Evacuation: Do not use elevators! There are maps of all stairwells in each Elevator Lobby, if you do not know of all the staircases please have a look before the storm.
Power Loss: Our emergency generator is for life safety only. it will light all common areas in the event of an emergency but will not power your unit. Please keep cell phones charged and ready for use.
Stock up: As domestic water could be shut down at periods, bottled water and extra dry foods would be helpful.
Leaks: Roof and window leaks are very possible. If you experience a leak please make staff aware and we will help get it situated until the storm passes. Have towels buckets available.
Roof Decks: Those of you with private roof decks should bring in any items that could blow off the roof.
Garage Items: Storage in the garage is NOT permitted at any time. Please remove any items you might have or they will need to be disposed of to prevent damage to vehicles.
For more information, please see Chris Mullen, Property Manager, Bayberry Management.
cmullen@bayberry-management.com or Tel 617-482-8694.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Board Update Sept 2012
Thank you for your patience. It was a very busy summer for the newly expanded Board of Trustees and we are
pleased to be able to deliver this update to you:
Management: You have probably all seen Chris Mullen and his familiar staff since the turnover to his company, Bayberry Management, in early August and hope you have welcomed them in their new roles. Many of you have asked why Bayberry is working on a short‐term contract. Although a Board subcommittee held meetings in July in anticipation of a future management change, the Board had to make a decision on very short notice to terminate the Pappas Properties contract. The intent of entering into a short‐term contract with Bayberry was to get them started immediately and to give both Bayberry and the Board adequate time to deal with the inevitable transitional issues.
It is our intent to avoid a complicated RFP process and enter into a longer‐term contract with Bayberry within 6 months, and discussions have already commenced.
Association Budget: Bayberry’s accountant has been diligently sorting through the Pappas Properties books with the goal of presenting, when completed, a meaningful financial picture of the association’s finances. Pappas Properties has been cooperative in handing over the books and records which we believe are now substantially in the Board’s possession. Overall, the Association’s financial health has vastly improved since December, 2011. With a significant injection of funds resulting from a settlement on the developer units back condo fees, we have well over a half million dollars in our reserves and are current on all of our accounts.
A review of the 2011 books by Friedman Suvalle & Salomon PC will be completed and distributed this month.
Sales and rentals: Both buildings are now WARRANTABLE. Re‐sales and sales of developer units taken over by the new owner of Macallen Properties, LLC in January are robust. Since this ownership transition, of the 48 remaining developer units 21 have been sold and an additional 9 are under agreement. As a result of these sales, the percentage of owner‐occupied units has significantly increased.
Collections: As noted at the last Association meeting, collections are being aggressively pursued. This action has yielded tangible results. Overdue accounts are being closed out weekly and legal action is being taken against owners who continue to be delinquent in their monthly payments to the Association and to Minol (CSP only). Overall, we have made significant progress and are not allowing delinquent accounts to slide as had been done in the past.
Management: You have probably all seen Chris Mullen and his familiar staff since the turnover to his company, Bayberry Management, in early August and hope you have welcomed them in their new roles. Many of you have asked why Bayberry is working on a short‐term contract. Although a Board subcommittee held meetings in July in anticipation of a future management change, the Board had to make a decision on very short notice to terminate the Pappas Properties contract. The intent of entering into a short‐term contract with Bayberry was to get them started immediately and to give both Bayberry and the Board adequate time to deal with the inevitable transitional issues.
It is our intent to avoid a complicated RFP process and enter into a longer‐term contract with Bayberry within 6 months, and discussions have already commenced.
Association Budget: Bayberry’s accountant has been diligently sorting through the Pappas Properties books with the goal of presenting, when completed, a meaningful financial picture of the association’s finances. Pappas Properties has been cooperative in handing over the books and records which we believe are now substantially in the Board’s possession. Overall, the Association’s financial health has vastly improved since December, 2011. With a significant injection of funds resulting from a settlement on the developer units back condo fees, we have well over a half million dollars in our reserves and are current on all of our accounts.
A review of the 2011 books by Friedman Suvalle & Salomon PC will be completed and distributed this month.
Sales and rentals: Both buildings are now WARRANTABLE. Re‐sales and sales of developer units taken over by the new owner of Macallen Properties, LLC in January are robust. Since this ownership transition, of the 48 remaining developer units 21 have been sold and an additional 9 are under agreement. As a result of these sales, the percentage of owner‐occupied units has significantly increased.
Collections: As noted at the last Association meeting, collections are being aggressively pursued. This action has yielded tangible results. Overdue accounts are being closed out weekly and legal action is being taken against owners who continue to be delinquent in their monthly payments to the Association and to Minol (CSP only). Overall, we have made significant progress and are not allowing delinquent accounts to slide as had been done in the past.
Condo Fees: Due to the improved finances of the Association, the Board does not
anticipate an unusual increase in condo fees. As previously noted, we are still in the
process of transitioning the books to the new accountant and plan to have a 2013
budget and any proposed condo fees increases available by the end of November.
We are also pursuing capital reserve studies on both buildings in order to develop a long‐ range budget and sound capital replacement plan. As soon as this information is available, we will promptly distribute it, either at the annual meeting or via email.
NOTE: Some of you may be receiving a notice with your October 1 statement from Bayberry of minor charges that should have been billed by Pappas Properties.
Maintenance & Improvements: With our new management team in place and stabilization in the association’s finances, you have hopefully noticed changes and repairs being made. At the September 6th Board meeting, we agreed upon many of Bayberry’s recommendations and soon you should be seeing improvements to the functionality of the CSP desk and security system, painting in hallways (especially where art has been removed), replacement of stained carpets, cleaning and re‐striping in the garage, increased maintenance of the terrace landscape, etc. You may not see repairs and maintenance on the mechanical systems, but it is being done.
Bayberry is also pursuing proposals for replacement and upgrades to the gym equipment and other possible projects which will enhance our common areas.
Proposals for artwork and furniture upgrades are also in progress.
Communications: The Board recognizes that communication (or lack thereof) between the Board, Management and the Community has been a sore spot. We’d like to put an end to that. You may already have noticed that Bayberry has been sending monthly updates and has sent out forms for each of you to fill out in order to ensure correct contact information is on file. We are moving towards installing BuildingLink software to manage many aspects of the Association’s business. We will send detailed information on this when we are ready to roll it out, but you can visit www.buildinglink.com for more information if you are curious. Bayberry and the Board feel this will streamline many aspects of life at the two buildings (as well as helping us go paperless) and we hope it exponentially improves the Board’s ability to communicate with you.
In the meantime, please address questions and comments (or complaints) to Chris Mullen at cmullen@bayberry‐management.com or to us.
It is important that maintenance issues and comments regarding Bayberry or Palladion staff always go to Chris. He keeps the Board informed!
We are also pursuing capital reserve studies on both buildings in order to develop a long‐ range budget and sound capital replacement plan. As soon as this information is available, we will promptly distribute it, either at the annual meeting or via email.
NOTE: Some of you may be receiving a notice with your October 1 statement from Bayberry of minor charges that should have been billed by Pappas Properties.
Maintenance & Improvements: With our new management team in place and stabilization in the association’s finances, you have hopefully noticed changes and repairs being made. At the September 6th Board meeting, we agreed upon many of Bayberry’s recommendations and soon you should be seeing improvements to the functionality of the CSP desk and security system, painting in hallways (especially where art has been removed), replacement of stained carpets, cleaning and re‐striping in the garage, increased maintenance of the terrace landscape, etc. You may not see repairs and maintenance on the mechanical systems, but it is being done.
Bayberry is also pursuing proposals for replacement and upgrades to the gym equipment and other possible projects which will enhance our common areas.
Proposals for artwork and furniture upgrades are also in progress.
Communications: The Board recognizes that communication (or lack thereof) between the Board, Management and the Community has been a sore spot. We’d like to put an end to that. You may already have noticed that Bayberry has been sending monthly updates and has sent out forms for each of you to fill out in order to ensure correct contact information is on file. We are moving towards installing BuildingLink software to manage many aspects of the Association’s business. We will send detailed information on this when we are ready to roll it out, but you can visit www.buildinglink.com for more information if you are curious. Bayberry and the Board feel this will streamline many aspects of life at the two buildings (as well as helping us go paperless) and we hope it exponentially improves the Board’s ability to communicate with you.
In the meantime, please address questions and comments (or complaints) to Chris Mullen at cmullen@bayberry‐management.com or to us.
It is important that maintenance issues and comments regarding Bayberry or Palladion staff always go to Chris. He keeps the Board informed!
Community Groups: Groups of 3‐5 volunteers are being formed (with Board approval)
to facilitate resident involvement in community improvements and activities.
Bayberry’s update mentioned an Art &Design Community Group which will be working
to select replacement art and furniture for common areas. Trustee Jen Ledet is working
on forming a Group focused on kid’s activities and issues. Please contact her if you are
interested in getting involved.
Annual Meeting and Trustee Elections: The Board will announce a meeting date as soon as we are confident we have the 2013 budget ready for presentation. In addition to the budget, we will have several important agenda items to discuss (including the possible addition of a mid‐year Association meeting) and welcome discussion on all issues. There is also an upcoming election as both Jen Ledet and Thomas Calus’s terms end on December 31, 2012.
We truly hope you find this this update useful in answering your questions. We understand the last year has been a difficult one for all of us living here in the Court Square Press and Macallan buildings and thus are extremely pleased to report the progress made in making our association a first class organization consistent with our expectations.
We have been working hard and, we like to think, efficiently, to right the ship and achieve this goal. As always, suggestions and comments (even criticisms) are very welcome.
Thank you for your patience.
Annual Meeting and Trustee Elections: The Board will announce a meeting date as soon as we are confident we have the 2013 budget ready for presentation. In addition to the budget, we will have several important agenda items to discuss (including the possible addition of a mid‐year Association meeting) and welcome discussion on all issues. There is also an upcoming election as both Jen Ledet and Thomas Calus’s terms end on December 31, 2012.
We truly hope you find this this update useful in answering your questions. We understand the last year has been a difficult one for all of us living here in the Court Square Press and Macallan buildings and thus are extremely pleased to report the progress made in making our association a first class organization consistent with our expectations.
We have been working hard and, we like to think, efficiently, to right the ship and achieve this goal. As always, suggestions and comments (even criticisms) are very welcome.
Thank you for your patience.
- The Trustees
Ken Bello kbello@belloblack.com
Thomas Calus tcalus@trocaderodevelopment.com
Jennifer Ledet jenniferledet@comcast.net
Samantha Fratus Samantha.fratus@gmail.com
Mike Maina mikemaina@mac.com
David Allen dallen@rfpadvisors.com
Tom Tavenner ttavenner@rfpadvisors.com
Ken Bello kbello@belloblack.com
Thomas Calus tcalus@trocaderodevelopment.com
Jennifer Ledet jenniferledet@comcast.net
Samantha Fratus Samantha.fratus@gmail.com
Mike Maina mikemaina@mac.com
David Allen dallen@rfpadvisors.com
Tom Tavenner ttavenner@rfpadvisors.com
Monday, August 27, 2012
More lights, More Grilling!
Bayberry Management team has installed new light fixtures at each outdoor grill station in anticipation of extended usage this season until first snow fall.
Just a few reminders: All residents can reserve a grill with at the Macallen lobby desk. Respect your neighbors, Please clean your grill and seating area and please turn off gas after use.
Friday, August 24, 2012
New Park on A Street
Neighborhood announcement:
Good news for our community in the works.
Boston Redevelopment Authority will be holding a community design meeting about the new Park on A Street associated with The State Street Project at One Channel Center. We welcome all interested community members to get involved and help design our new neighborhood park.
See BRA announcement from June 2012
The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept 29th at 9-12.
Sketch attached
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