Real Estate

Toddlers & tantrums

Neighbors of mine have a 2-year-old who cries incessantly. I’ve had the management company request they keep their windows closed when he’s having a fit, but their letters have gone unanswered. Worse, still, when the boy gets in one of his moods, his mother often follows suit, yelling at a volume louder than his own crying. Can the co-op board do anything about this? — Lauren T., Sugar Hill

Though it sounds like this boy is more than his poor parents can handle, their failure to so much as close their windows shows tremendous inconsideration. Start by consulting your building’s house rules. They most likely indicate the co-op’s quiet hours, and also the manner in which noise violations are handled, often with fines. The board is also empowered to arbitrate disputes and come up with reasonable solutions for all. If these parents are approached considerately but with real-world consequences, chances are they’ll turn out to be a bit more obedient than their offspring.

My wife is expecting next month, and we plan to use the “cry it out” method to help our baby learn how to soothe itself to sleep. I know it will be hard for us to cope with his bawling, but I can only imagine what it will be like for our neighbors. How can I prepare them for the noise that is to come? — Jason F., TriBeCa

Give your neighbors fair warning, and if possible, begin the process during a period when they’ll be on vacation. Even if they stick around, offering to wait until they’re not around shows your thoughtfulness, and will help win them over. As you anticipate your baby’s birth, if possible, locate the nursery in a room that doesn’t abut your neighbor’s apartment. Do what you can to soundproof the space, too. Last but not least, don’t forget a thank-you card and gift when all is said and done. This isn’t going to be much fun for any of you, but if you’re successful, the long-term benefit will be quieter nights for all.

The president of my co-op just had a baby and the board sent her a stroller as a present. Is it just me, or is that an inappropriate use of building funds? — Teresa P., Upper West Side

If you’ve ever served on a building board before, you’d know what a time-consuming and thankless job it can be. Neighbor disputes, intra-board battles and hassles with contractors all come with the territory. To handle all of that while pregnant should earn any woman a Medal of Honor. Unless the building’s finances are in poor shape, the stroller seems to me a thoughtful (and, frankly, economical) way to say thank you to a volunteer who is likely spending far more time looking out for your building than you or any of your non-board member neighbors ever would.

Next up: Talking Trash. Have a gripe about your neighbor’s garbage?

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