COVID hit co-ops, condos too

To the editor:

As we all do, the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums welcomes the arrival of coronavirus vaccines that have been approved for immediate distribution and inoculation.

We understand and appreciate that initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to health care personnel and long-term care facility residents. And with you, ARC eagerly anticipates the time that supply and availability will increase in the weeks and months to come.

During the past year, as we all endured the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus, ARC has looked inward to its mission of serving the co-op/condo community, and maintained its focus on the very special issues confronting co-operators, condominium owners and management as they evolved — sometimes on a day-to-day basis.

By staying closely attuned to the ever-changing political, labor and medical landscape, ARC was able to bring vital information to the attention of all of our area co-ops and condominiums, boards of directors, building managers, and every resident on a timely basis.

Including:

• New and changing health-related protocols in all buildings
• New responsibilities of board and management with regard to residents
• Management responsibility toward employees
• Second phase reopening guidelines
• Refinancing property mortgages in the current financial climate
• The ever-changing and confusing financial recovery packages
• New and special costs of construction arising directly from the coronavirus
• The reopening and maintenance of building gyms, swimming pools, and other common areas
• Holding virtual board meetings, seminars, annual meetings and elections
• Buying and selling co-ops and condos (virtually)
• Reports on support for co-ops and condos by elected officials in Washington

Complete information on all of these topics and much more can be found on our website at ARC-Riverdale.com/covid-19. We encourage you to consult the website regularly for the latest information.

The Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums is proud of the role it has played during the current crisis, and joins with all of our residents as we look forward to a future that enables a happy and healthful existence.

Stephen Budihas

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The author is president of the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums.