The Building 33 Association is a resident-led board dedicated to communication,
transparency, and community engagement within Building 33.
This website serves as the official source for meeting notices,
governance documents, and updates for residents.
Next Building 33 Association - General Meeting :
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Building 33 Association room
Agenda includes:
TBD
Thursday, October 22, 2026
The Building 33 Association held its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 22, bringing residents together for an evening of information, community planning, and discussion about upcoming activities.
The meeting was led by Association President Tobias Garcia, joined by Secretary Alethea Cherebin. Vice President Jazmin Ramos was unable to attend but sent her regards.
We also welcomed the President of the Building 35 Association, who joined us for the evening.
Topics included a proposed Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, a new Riverbay Call Sheet to help residents address maintenance and service concerns, Halloween activities, our annual holiday collection for the building's porters, and several upcoming community events.
Our featured presentation was given by Section 5 resident Ms. Teneia Wooten, who introduced the possibility of establishing a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Co-op City.
Community Supported Agriculture is a system in which community members work together to purchase fresh produce from farms and distribute it locally.
Rather than relying exclusively on supermarkets, participants can receive fresh vegetables and fruits through an organized community purchasing program.
The goal is to provide residents with another source of fresh food while supporting farmers and encouraging community cooperation.
A CSA would not replace traditional grocery shopping. Instead, it would provide an additional option for obtaining fresh produce.
Ms. Wooten discussed her experience helping organize a similar program at Hunter College.
Under that program, participants could purchase weekly shares of produce. Volunteers helped organize and distribute the food, and participants collected their shares at a designated location.
The program previously cost approximately $14 per share, although that was before the pandemic and does not represent a proposed price for Co-op City.
For a potential Co-op City program, several options would be explored:
Weekly produce distributions at a designated location.
Different share sizes for individuals, couples, and families.
The possibility of paying weekly rather than committing to an entire season.
Optional additional items, such as eggs or honey, when available.
Community input regarding which fruits and vegetables would be purchased.
Volunteer participation in organizing and distributing produce.
Ms. Wooten also discussed GrowNYC's food distribution model, which could potentially allow the community to purchase produce through its Hunts Point food hub and arrange deliveries to a local distribution site.
According to the information presented, the model has a minimum order requirement of approximately $250, with delivery costs depending on the size of the order. These details would need to be confirmed during the planning process.
Residents asked several important questions, including:
How much would it cost?
Pricing has not been established. The exploratory committee would research available options and determine whether a program could offer good value to participating residents.
Would everyone receive the same produce?
The structure would be determined by the participating members. Different share sizes could be considered, and the contents could change based on seasonal availability.
Would participants have to pay for every week?
That has not been decided. A flexible weekly purchasing option would be among the possibilities explored.
Could SNAP/EBT benefits be accepted?
This was raised during the discussion and would require additional research. No determination has been made.
Would participants have to volunteer?
The proposed model would involve shared responsibilities, with members taking turns assisting with distribution rather than relying on the same individuals every week.
Ms. Wooten is seeking approximately three to four interested residents to form an exploratory committee.
The committee would meet approximately every two weeks, beginning in November, to research available programs, costs, logistics, volunteer requirements, and community interest.
The tentative planning schedule calls for research and feasibility work first, followed by community outreach and potential enrollment during the early months of 2027.
No CSA program has been formally established, and no residents are being asked to make a financial commitment at this time.
The immediate goal is to determine whether enough interest exists to make the program practical and sustainable.
Although the discussion took place at Building 33, the possibility of involving other Section 5 buildings was also raised.
Residents interested in helping organize the program or potentially participating in a CSA are encouraged to contact the Building 33 Association.
One of the Association's priorities is helping residents understand how to address problems involving their apartments, building maintenance, and Riverbay services.
During the meeting, President Garcia introduced a new Riverbay Call Sheet, designed to make it easier for residents to identify the appropriate department to contact when problems arise.
The handout covers common issues, including:
Apartment maintenance and repairs.
Plastering, painting, flooring, and other restoration work.
Entrance doors and accessibility equipment.
Elevator problems.
Janitorial and cleaning concerns.
Extermination services.
Laundry room equipment problems.
For many maintenance-related concerns, residents should begin by contacting the Riverbay Call Center.
Riverbay Call Center: 718-320-3300, Option 2
The meeting explained that the regular Call Center operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with urgent after-hours issues handled through the appropriate emergency service process.
Residents should consult the Call Sheet for department-specific instructions and contact information.
For elevator entrapments, residents were reminded to use the elevator emergency communication system or call 911.
An important part of the presentation focused on what residents should do when they have already reported a problem but have not received a satisfactory response.
The Call Sheet provides additional departmental contacts and an escalation process.
Residents were encouraged to keep records of their communications, including the date a problem was reported, whom they spoke with, and any follow-up information.
A written record is particularly helpful when an issue requires further attention.
The Association also encouraged residents to use email when appropriate, since it creates a record of the concern and the attempts to resolve it.
Residents who are following up with Riverbay by email may copy the Building 33 Association at:
office@wearebuilding33.org
This allows the Association to remain aware of unresolved concerns and, when appropriate, assist with additional follow-up.
The Association cannot replace Riverbay's maintenance departments, but it can help residents navigate the process and advocate for issues that require attention.
The discussion also addressed the importance of residents reporting problems themselves rather than assuming someone else has already contacted management.
As an example, the broken accessibility button at the building's front entrance was discussed.
Although residents had reported the problem, it remained unresolved at the time of the meeting, and the Association had contacted management for follow-up.
Residents were encouraged to report concerns when they observe them, particularly when safety or accessibility is involved.
The goal of the Call Sheet is simple: help residents get their concerns to the right people, keep track of unresolved problems, and prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.
The Association shared plans for Halloween festivities on Saturday, October 31, including candy distribution and a special photo booth experience.
The Association plans to begin distributing candy at approximately 5:00 PM.
Residents and families are invited to stop by and participate.
To help prepare, volunteers will gather on:
Thursday, October 29, at 7:30 PM
Building 33 Association Room
During this preparation session, volunteers will help assemble individual candy bags for distribution on Halloween.
Residents wishing to donate candy are encouraged to bring it to the Association Room on or before October 29.
Monetary contributions toward purchasing additional candy are also welcome.
In addition to candy distribution, the Association is preparing a Halloween photo booth featuring green-screen technology and themed photo backgrounds.
The setup will allow residents to pose for pictures that place them into different Halloween scenes.
Additional photo opportunities and decorations are also being planned.
The goal is to create a fun experience for children, families, and adults who stop by.
Residents are encouraged to help with candy distribution, the photo booth, or both.
Volunteers are being asked to arrive at approximately 4:45 PM on Halloween to help prepare for the 5:00 PM start.
Costumes are encouraged but are not required.
The Association emphasized that these activities are intended to be community efforts. Even volunteering for a short period can make a difference.
With the holiday season approaching, the Association announced plans for its annual holiday appreciation collection for the Building 33 porter team.
Our porters perform important work throughout the year, and this collection provides residents with an opportunity to express their appreciation.
The Association will have volunteers stationed in the building lobby on designated dates to accept contributions.
Date
Time
Thursday, November 19
5:00–7:00 PM
Friday, November 20
5:00–7:00 PM
Saturday, November 21
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Thursday, December 3
5:00–7:00 PM
Sunday, December 6
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
There is no required or suggested donation amount.
Residents may contribute whatever amount they feel comfortable giving. Whether it is a few dollars or a larger contribution, every donation is appreciated.
Participation is entirely voluntary.
Residents who prefer to give directly to individual porters are welcome to continue doing so.
The Association also discussed accepting electronic contributions in addition to cash.
The Association is seeking residents to assist during the collection periods.
An Association Executive Board member is expected to be present during each session, with additional volunteers helping greet residents and explain the collection.
Residents who can volunteer for any of the scheduled dates are encouraged to contact the Association.
The Association announced an upcoming community book discussion and movie night in collaboration with The Literary Lounge, a community book club.
Our first featured selection is If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Building 33 Association Room
6:00 PM: Book discussion
7:15 PM: Movie screening
Residents are encouraged to read the book in advance and participate in the discussion.
Copies may be available through bookstores, libraries, digital book services, and audiobook platforms such as Libby.
However, reading the book is not required to attend the movie screening.
Residents who simply want to enjoy the film are welcome to join us.
The Association hopes to continue organizing similar events featuring books that have been adapted into movies, giving residents opportunities to enjoy literature, film, and community discussion together.
The Association also introduced a new event called Café 33, which will be organized and led by Building 33 resident Nikki.
Café 33 is designed to offer residents a relaxed, coffeehouse-style environment right here in the building.
Nikki explained that she enjoys the atmosphere of coffee shops where people can sit, read, work on their laptops, enjoy a beverage, or simply relax.
She wanted to bring a similar experience to the Association Room.
Rather than organizing a formal meeting or structured activity, Café 33 will provide an opportunity for residents to come downstairs, enjoy refreshments, and spend time in a comfortable setting.
Residents can bring a book, laptop, or simply themselves.
Coffee, tea, donuts, and other light breakfast refreshments are planned, along with soft background music and reading materials.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Building 33 Association Room
This first event will serve as a trial to see how residents respond.
If there is sufficient interest, Café 33 could become a recurring activity, with future dates and hours determined by resident participation and feedback.
The Association looks forward to seeing how this resident-led idea develops.
During the meeting, the Association also took a moment to recognize and celebrate a resident's birthday.
A special birthday presentation was shared for Jill Felix, adding a personal touch to the evening.
These moments are an important reminder that the Association is about more than meetings and building concerns. It is also about recognizing our neighbors and creating a stronger sense of community.
The evening concluded with a raffle and several additional prize drawings.
The featured prize was a movie-themed gift basket containing a $25 Fandango gift card, along with candy, popcorn, and other movie-night treats.
The Association extends a special thank-you to Ms. Karen Butler-Brock, who generously donated the gift card and assembled the basket. Her thoughtfulness and contribution helped make the giveaway possible.
Although raffle tickets were originally offered for $1 each, President Garcia purchased one entry for each meeting attendee so that everyone present could participate.
A total of 24 attendees were included in the drawing.
Congratulations to Ms. Francis Louis, winner of our movie-themed gift basket!
Several additional drawings were held for smaller prizes, including puzzles, word games, journals, and Knicks-themed coasters.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated. We appreciate the residents who continue to contribute their time, ideas, and resources to help make our community events possible.
Our next meeting will be held on:
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Doors open: 7:20 PM
Meeting begins: 7:30 PM
Location: Building 33 Association Room
Please note that the November meeting will take place one week earlier than our usual fourth-Thursday schedule because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
All Building 33 residents are encouraged to attend.
The October meeting highlighted several ways the Building 33 Association is working to strengthen our community.
From helping residents navigate Riverbay services to exploring fresh food programs, organizing holiday activities, and creating new opportunities for neighbors to connect, our focus remains on building an active, informed, and involved community.
But none of these efforts can succeed through the work of a few individuals alone.
We encourage residents to share their ideas, volunteer when possible, attend meetings, and participate in activities that interest them.
Whether you help organize a new program, assist at an event, report a building concern, or simply attend a community gathering, your involvement matters.
The Building 33 Association is here to represent residents, support our neighbors, and help make Building 33 a better place for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who attended our October meeting, to our guest presenter, to our volunteers and contributors, and to the residents who continue to support the Association.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and at our next meeting on November 19.
Building 33 Association of Co-op City
Email: office@wearebuilding33.org
Website: www.wearebuilding33.org