building at 220 West 98th Street

still kind of sketchy

@new_yawker - did you end up moving in? what's been your experience? just applied for a unit today...

I paid market rate for a good prewar two bedroom apartment All I want was to live in a comfortable regular enviorment. I am a no frills kind of person, and don't need pampering but Have you ever gone to the grocery store and said to yourself "I will never come here again." Pissed off cashiers, delapidated and badly managed store? Thats the feeling I had every day in this place, but I was stuck.I had a most unpleasant experience living in this building. The staff was oppressed and nervous, the super mean and surly, the building manager was unhelpful double talking snake.
To get something simple fixed you would have to request a repair in writing, wait days and follow up. Then you would have to be nice to the surly super and he might schedule you in between his alternate side parking space stalking obsession. You usually find him sitting in his minivan outside saving his favorite spot. (better not take it)The building manager comes by, often illegally parking, in his car sporting bogus parking plaques supporting fallen police officers and "on medical call" so he can come in and get the high rent from you he does not deserve. It sickens me.
Saw rats in the basement when doing laundry, elevator was often out, washing machines always broken,scaffold up for a year in front of all the windows with no explanation or end in sight. No hot water several times.Neighbors leaving because of random huge rent increases, Staff and super harassing guests of tenants. 1 year leases only. Oppressive atmosphere.
Moving anything or deliveries were a nightmare, as the super would be totally uncooperative...especially if a truck was a little late.He would know you had to have his permission and would let you squirm til the last minute.
Everything was "no" "you cant" "building does not allow that" ""fill out a request" " I don't know" Random rules.
I would tip always, so it was not that. I was always easy going and cooperative. My family was nothing but pleasant and nice.
After a year or so I took a more assertive yet very respectful approach as the sweet as honey approach was not working. Everything was a time suck in that place.That was my demise. I had the nerve to ask that my door be secured, after a few days of requests, as I could not lock it.And I had the nerve to complain that the hot water was out.....
Its like living with a dysfunctional partner....so glad we are out of there.
We now live in a building that is nice and normal. Super is great, staff is great, building is great, and is about the same price.
220 west 98 street is just so annoying and a little depressing, sorry to say.
A lot of great people live there.....

I second the comments

Can I ask where you moved to? I am also at 220 W98 but wanting to move, for the reasons outlined so well above.

The building owners and management company are professional bullies. The current owner has inherited a lot of money from his daddy (who was apparently a very nice guy), and uses it to pick legal fights with his tenants. Apparently that's how he gets his kicks. The staff are probably trapped and can't get a better job.

Yes, please tell us where you moved to. Lease is expiring soon and I'm not renewing it even if they let me stay for free.