Gas leaks at 817 West End Ave.

I know someone who was renting in this building last year, it looks like it could be so nice, but it needs a major renovation. She moved after a few months, she said it was like living in a tenement (without the RS price of her neighbors.)

Gas leaks are not good news. Bad news is kept a secret by the Board.
There was a gas shut-off in my building for 5 weeks in July-August, 2008.
No cooking, no laundry (no dryers).
We recently found out that work was done, installing new risers during that time; WITHOUT A PERMIT.

It was a deep dark secret, held by The Condo Board and managing agent.
The $2,400. fine still has not been paid to the DOB.

Tell your friend to check the DOB and HPD websites for open violations on that building. I hope that he/she has kept every communication from the managing agent, both those distributed to all owners/residents; and to him/her .
Print out the copies of all letters/e-mails which were sent to report inadequate services (Please tell me he/she has sent letters!)

Take those letters and those of other neighbors, and re-send them all to the managing agent. Inform the managing agent that if corrections are not made to remedy the problems; a report will be filed with the Office of the Attorney General. Give a time frame of 30-60 days.

If no reply nor remedy: Report them to the A.G.

Take photos/videos, and send those with your report.
There are probably many financial problems associated with that building. The Board is collecting C.C.s/maint. charges, and not using the funds correctly.