why is the maintenance so high in the building? is it financially sound?

Maintenance is actually in line with other coops in the city, as most units are very large. Also unlike most coops, big plus in this building is the maintenance includes all utilities, and basic cable.

Also seems at least 1/2 is tax deductible

It's good if you use a lot of power, but not if you don't.

Speaking of which, look at the LR wall in #14N: http://img.streeteasy.com/nyc/image/19/31448319.jpg

The owner added 20 extra outlets to the two that were already there. Can't imagine what for.

Those outlets look like they're for a lot of servers, which suck huge amounts of power. If I had that many servers, I'd want to live in an apartment with included electric.

Grow-op.

Not so sure about the 'data center' idea...

a) there's no communications connectivity
b) you wouldn't build that quantity of outlets -- you build a few higher-capacity receptacles and plug in a UPS
c) even if service is unmetered, you're still capped by the size of the feeder from the basement
d) cooling?

The UPS comment could be said for any use. I'm leaning toward crazy.

Perhaps for a vast multi-media entertainment center (i.e., wall mounted flat screen tv, multi-channel sound system, computer, video game console, etc).

Makes perfect sense to me, considering their location, if that's what they're for.

RSure beats overloading an outlet or two, plugging in power strips & running unsightly extension cords (even if hidden in those flexible plastic tubes. They're very neatly placed as well, & actually wouldn't be bad when ironing or vacuuming, as the cords would be somewhat elevated. I like it!