Property manager Cooper Square Realty tells us about a co-op that successfully implemented a "Paper Opt-Out" program.

Residents who sign up no longer receive hand-delivered memos, letters, or notices.  Building communiques formerly dispersed via tree pulp are instead dispensed via Cooper Square's community website, Cooper Square Connect.   New residents are automatically enrolled.

To control the incipient catalog tsunami threatening mailboxes and mailrooms, a free online service called CatalogChoice will cancel your catalogs for you.  

"It saves the mailman's back (and time) as well as the super's recycling and sorting time," says Marlene Hartstein, an associate broker at Warburg Realty.

A push at the building level can nudge neighbors into action: "Many buildings encourage residents to sign up for it," says Hartstein.

The brownstone, billed as the “Greenest House in NYC” and the first residential property in Manhattan to receive the coveted LEED certification, was recently highlighted in Good Housekeeping Magazine.

The system collects rainwater from the roof and funnels it to a 325 gallon cistern located in the basement. The water is then used for the outdoor landscaping. The system was designed by the owner and cost approximately $3.5K.

Unfortunately, the system does not provide water for the toilets - New York City does not currently allow rainwater to be used for this purpose.

If you’re interested in taking a look, view the Open House schedule - the house is currently listed for sale through Warburg Realty.

http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/water/2009/05/26/a-cistern-in-nyc-yes/
 

Posted By Susan Piperato, 04/29/09 

NEW YORK, NY—Warburg Realty Partnership, one of Manhattan’s oldest residential real estate brokerages, has been named the exclusive sales agents for the first LEED-certified townhouse in Manhattan, located at 151 West 122nd Street in Harlem.

“Many new developments and housing communities are increasing their efforts for greener living,” said Marlene Hartstein, one of the townhouse’s exclusive brokers. “However, a LEED-certified townhouse is extremely unique, since the qualifications are so arduous.”

Added Miles Chapin, the other exclusive agent, “This home presents a watershed moment for a new buyer, to support green living and the current owner’s efforts to promote sustainable living in this great city.”

The building, a classic Harlem Italianate brownstone row-house, has been completely gut-renovated and rebuilt with locally-sourced material whenever possible. The features include compact fluorescent lighting; insulation made from recycled denim; recycled wood flooring; energy-efficient appliances; multiple tankless, on-demand hot water heaters; a rainwater collection system for outdoors use; and low volatile organic compound paints, adhesives, and finishes throughout which result in an indoor environment that’s ultra-low in airborne toxins. In addition there is an array of photo-voltaic solar panels on the roof which actually sell power back to Con Edison.

These renovations allowed the current owner to apply for LEED status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which is conferred by the United States Green Building Council. The certification is granted under the strictest circumstances and after rigorous testing.

For those interested in viewing this green townhouse, queries and appointments can be made through Marlene Hartstein (212-327-9633) mhartstein@warburgrealty.com or Miles Chapin (212-327-9660) mchapin@warburgrealty.com. The townhouse may be viewed at www.warburgrealty.com, listing #305072.

Perfect retrofit
New eco-friendly buildings like the Kalahari and Observatory Place have sprouted up in Harlem the last couple of years, but those aren't the classic row houses that Harlem is known and loved for. Priced at $2.995 million, this five-bedroom, four-bath brownstone at 151 W. 122nd St. has been retrofitted green, with recycled wood floors, insulation made out of shredded denim and a rainwater collection system. There are plenty of traditional luxuries, too, including dining rooms, home offices, walk-in closets, terraces and a garden (plus a cellar with a gym and a vault). Even though it's big -- 5,700 square feet -- you won't have to sign over your paycheck to Con-Ed: The photovoltaic solar panels on the roof pump energy back into the electrical grid. "It's funny," says Warburg Realty broker Miles Chapin, "Sometimes when all the lights are off, you see the meter is running backwards." The US Green Building Council stopped by late last month to decide on the home's LEED rating; gold or silver status is expected. Contact: Miles Chapin and Marlene Hartstein, Warburg Realty, 212-327-9660 and 212-327-9633

Warburg Realty Partnership has been appointed the exclusive leasing agent for a new retail and office complex located at 701 West 135th Street in the heart of the bourgeoning Viaduct Valley (ViVa) area of Harlem. 

Warburg’s leasing team of Marlene Hartstein, Elizabeth Steele and Dhia Barnes, will market the seven available units.  Frederick W. Peters, President of Warburg Realty Partnership, made the announcement. 

The two-story, 1926 freight house will be restored into a loft-style building featuring retail/restaurant space on the ground level and office space on the second floor, and is slated for occupancy in late September 2005. 

The property is part of the newly energized area which boasts such notable tenants as Fairway Market, Dinosaur BBQ Restaurant and the legendary Cotton Club. 

Adjacent to Columbia University’s expanding campus, the area will also feature a landscaped bike path and walkways, an increase in public and private parking, widened sidewalks, and a restored pedestrian passage to Riverside Drive. “We are thrilled to be named the exclusive leasing agent for this trendy new retail location, in what has become one of the City’s most increasingly popular neighborhoods,” commented Ms. Hartstein. 

“The value of this product is excellent, providing tenants with the opportunity to lease raw space at highly competitive prices.”

This is an exciting time for Warburg, as the Partnership continues to evolve and remain competitive in this dynamic market. 

As the first major real estate brokerage firm to offer a full-time presence in Harlem, Warburg is pleased to provide residents in every neighborhood of Manhattan with its renowned luxury and personalized service. 

The two story, 1926 freight house will be restored into a loft style building featuring retail/restaurant space on the ground level and office space on the second floor, and will be open for occupancy in September.