The Astor

I think these are totally overpriced. are you looking for a 1bdrm?

Yeah, looking to buy at least a 1br / 1.5ba but if I rent a 1br / 1ba is fine. Definitely something in great condition though. Near 72nd / Bway. Looking around, I seem to be seeing 1brs in upper $3ks which seems high to me. Are the Astor units overpriced in general or are the apts not even that nice? Any suggestions on bldgs in the area to look at?

Park belvedere is 79th /columbus.(101 west 79th). I am renting there now , it's a condo bldg.. great staff lvg because i am buying something in the area

The ASTOR IS overpriced. New ownership came in a few years ago and kicked out a lot of the tenants by raising their rents to astronomical amounts that made it impossible to renew. These vacant apartments were renovated with modern kitchens and baths which allowed the rents to be raised. There are also renovations being done throughout the building that will increase expenses. The building is nice but just not worth it, IMO. There are also some rent controlled apartments in which tenants are paying very little and that doesn't help either.

"by raising their rents to astronomical amounts that made it impossible to renew."
isn't that illegal? rent increases have to be justified if you pay retail. if no renovations to the building, then new management should not be able to do that.
shouldn't the tenants have organized and gone to court?

janejoey - if the tenants weren't rent stabilized, the landlord can raise the rent on renewal to whatever they want. If they don't like you they can offer you that 1 BR for $20,000 a month and if you don't like it, you can move. Reality of a free market rental... And given the rents there, I'd say many/most weren't' stabilized.

Back in the 1980s, this building was entirely rent stabilized/ rent controlled. I wonder how they managed to convert it to mostly market apartments. Did apartments just keep coming up to the $2000/mo. level and as a result get destabilized?

Yes they did and most tenants were not privy to the rent controlled rules. This building is so over priced and not worth the money for the square footage. Plus I have seen roaches in the halls and common areas. I moved out a few months ago because I got tired of the ridiculous rent increases from lease to lease. If you are looking for something relatively long term, be prepared for rent hikes that are outrageous.

It's now for sale: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2013/04/29/westbrook-puts-1b-nyc-portfolio-up-for-sale/

If you'd stayed, maybe the new owners would've given you a deal, just because you're you.