Castlegram
The Voice of the Manor
Spring 2022
Dear Homeowner,
The canopy of cherry blossoms over our main entrance has announced the arrival of Spring. Off season construction projects are in full swing to be ready for the 2022 Summer Season. The west side chimney is being restored to the original look of 1926. All paving stones on patios and walkways around the property have been power washed and re-sealed. Both barbecue areas have been upgraded and the basketball court hoop is being replaced. Our landscapers are planting the beautiful flowers we all enjoy throughout the Summer.
Since the last Castlegram, the Board of Managers met by conference call on April 2nd. The main topics of concern were when we can safely resume having our Annual Homeowner’s Meetings and board elections, and getting our indoor pool and spa back into service. The Board voted unanimously to have a Homeowner’s Meeting and election on October 29th, followed that evening with our Harvest Festival and wine tasting party. Details will follow in early September. As for the indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and locker rooms, our contractors are awaiting final approval of the necessary East Hampton Town permits so that they may begin the restoration.
The Montauk Manor Rental Committee met in person on April 6th. Units in the Rental Program that upgraded more than five years ago plus other selected units were inspected by the committee to make certain that they are being maintained by their owners in accordance with the high standards of the program. As expected, all units were tastefully and attractively furnished and maintained, and ready for the season. Montauk Manor is unique on all of Long Island because rental guests get a beautifully decorated, one-of-a-kind apartment complete with a full kitchen and a free ride to and from the beach for the same price they would pay for a room at one of the hotels in town.
The Rental Committee also addressed the following issues:
- Replacing amenities that were discontinued. Specifically, the committee will recommend and is evaluating replacing the putting green, the shuffleboard and bocce courts, plus the squash court. The squash court is currently being used as a storage space which includes bicycles and other recreational items. The management has sent a letter to all homeowners for them to call if they have a bicycle at The Manor and are not sure that an owner ID tag is on it. If the squash courts usage is reinstated The Manor will provide an alternate storage area for bicycles and other recreational items. All areas will need to be approved by the Board before any changes are made.
- Room amenities. The committee conducted a blind taste test of five popular coffees and selected Maxwell House to replace the Hawaiian Blend currently provided to rental guests. Also, the toiletries we provide are of the highest quality, but are difficult to shake out of the plastic bottles. The same products will now be provided in easy access tubes.
- The in-room guest survey was reviewed and revised to better assist management and housekeeping in meeting the needs of our rental guests.
- Current advertising practices were reviewed. Presently, only the Hilltop Restaurant is highlighted in printed ads. The committee felt that families might be better attracted by advertising that mentions our full kitchens, barbecue areas, tennis courts, sunset views, van service, etc. on a rotating basis which will also include that the restaurant is open, but not be limited to only that. Also, the committee plans to expand our advertising initiatives into social media. Committee member Rich Albano is looking into that.
- The outdoor pool will open in May. The committee is reviewing the purchase of cushions for the pool lounge chairs and a storage shed for them.
- The committee inspected the outdoor furniture on patios, decks, etc. of rental units. Most rental units, and many of the non-rental units have already placed orders for new, color coordinated furniture, Delivery is expected before the summer season.
The Board of Managers meets again, by conference call on May 14th. Approved minutes of all Board meetings are available to homeowners on the Montauk Manor website.
Yours truly,
The Board of Managers