Super prohibits tenants "swap meet"

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Super prohibits tenants "swap meet"

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inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

We used to have what I like to call a "swap meet" in our buildings' lobby next to our mailboxes ---

People would leave Books, DVDs, electronics --- I even scored a Wacom Tablet....

that is until sometime last year when a sign went up (and is still up) that states in all caps "DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING HERE!"

I'm pretty certain this has to do with the Super wanting first dibs on tenants' "garbage" ----he figures that if we won't add items to the swap meet that we'll just throw them out and he sorts the trash.

How messed up is that?

We want the swap meet back.

# Posted 1 yr ago
dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
Joined: Jan '05
Posts: 4,619

@inpixels - take control. Rip down the sign. You will be a hero.

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# Posted 1 yr ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

CCTV ---they will totally check to see who did it.
Maybe I should wear my cape (see left)

Maybe I could tip a delivery guy to do it (lol).

# Posted 1 yr ago
brooklynian
senior admin
Joined: Feb '12
Posts: 242

Who cares? Put up a sign that says "I am inpixels and I ripped down the sign." MAN UP, INPIXELS!

Seriously - if it's clear that the super is doing this to boost his stoop sale business (like that guy right off Flatbush and Park Place), then he can't really do anything about it.

The other good approach here is to discuss it with your landlord and figure out what's going on. If it's originating with him/her, then find out why they are upset about junk being left in the hallway. Maybe you can work out an actual and official building freecycle.

# Posted 1 yr ago
GOD
I am what I am.
Joined: Jul '07
Posts: 426

Make up a list of what everyone is giving away and pass it round.

Why attack God? He may be as miserable as we are.

- Erik Satie

# Posted 1 yr ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

yeah--I also fired off a letter to the landlord (anonymously) It wasn't a caustic letter--- I figured w/in 2 weeks the sign would be torn down---Nope...

Thing is I have a lot to be thankful about my apartment and do not (want to) take it for granted.

# Posted 1 yr ago
chuleta
rookie newb
Joined: Feb '09
Posts: 43

Why don't you host a swap meet in your apartment? Talk to your neighbors, tell them you'll be doing in on a date a month away, serve some bagels, and have people come over with their stuff.

Leftovers can be put out on the curb, or a neighbor with a car can take it to Goodwill.

It's less convenient than just leaving it out, but on the other hand it's be a way to get your neighbors to hang out. We don't do that enough in New York, and it's valuable.

# Posted 1 yr ago
PragmaticGuy
above average
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 403

As an insurance broker I can say that I have seen insurance companies do inspections and come back with recommendations that state hallways must be clear of any clutter and debris. This may have been a reason for not allowing your swap meet. Also why many buildings don't allow bicycles in the halls next to your apartment.

# Posted 1 yr ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

I'd bet that either the insurance company or the fire department came for an inspection and cited the landlord for it. I'm sure you could get the landlord to agree to it if you were to do something organized and of limited duration with clean up afterwards instead.

Also, I'm sure that while there was a lot of cool stuff, there was probably a good amount of crap that no one ever took and the super had to end up disposing of himself. Making extra work for the super is always a bad idea.

I'd go with Chuleta's concept either in your apartment or with you manning a table in the lobby at the tradidional location. Let your neighbors know they can come down for a couple of hours to drop off and browse, and make sure you have some volunteers who will help clean up, remove, bag, donate any leftovers. Toss in a radio, cheese, crackers and a box of wine and you've got a cool idea for your building.

# Posted 1 yr ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

Although its possible the clutter got "too large" I don't think a majority perceived it that way. Yes most likely there was some junk mixed in and that ultimately the super had to throw some of said junk out. But to call this "work" is a joke. Enough to get a citation -- well anyone can get cited for anything and the building is waaay oversensitive to that sort of thing (they have left lights *on* indefinitely outside the building for fear of being cited for the dark --- even during the day---no joke) These are certainly reasons that could be given by Super or ultimately the landlord.
Yet i'm fairly certain these are not the true reasons and has more to do with who gets first dibs (rather not mention the specific situation I found myself in).

I do like the idea of hosting a swap meet (at my or someone else's) apartment. Not sure if i'll do it but it is a good idea.

# Posted 1 yr ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

I venture he could have helped himself to anything you left there already, so I don't see how this helps him get "dibs."

My bet is on either a citation or liability concerns. A litigious visitor trips on junk and the landlord has a nice lawsuit going.

If I had strangers in my building, I too would be reluctant to permit that sort of thing to happen in common areas.

By the way, an anonymous letter is kind of cowardly. I'm not surprised it wasn't taken seriously.

# Posted 1 yr ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

...anyone can get cited for anything and the building is waaay oversensitive to that sort of thing (they have left lights *on* indefinitely outside the building for fear of being cited for the dark --- even during the day---no joke)

I think that's your answer. If they are oversensitive to the potential for citations, the swap meet is sure to be frowned upon.

# Posted 1 yr ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

I would be upset, too, Inpixels. I love our building's ongoing, informal freecycle spot. any chance of talking to your super and figuring out what the problem was? Maybe someone was consistently leaving real garbage out instead of taking it to the trash? Maybe something started to smell? Maybe the mailman got after him?

Actually, I could totally see the last thing. It's probably against USPS rules for carriers to have to reach over anything to deliver the mail. I'm being sarcastic, of course--but only a little.

# Posted 1 yr ago
jml
Irregular
Joined: Aug '05
Posts: 204

You can also check out the Yahoo group Brooklyn Free Cycle. Its an email swap meet, sort of. You can post things you are gigving away, and people come to pick them up and vice versa.

# Posted 1 yr ago