Hi Waawaa,

I agree with Karla. You do need to get additional information about the true feelings of the board president.
Do you know any other members on the board. Perhaps they could get some info for you or interced on your behalf.
The elderly can be sensitive to noise that most people would ignore. This situation should also be dealt with. Do you have wood floors? Is the sound of walking bothering her. Or, are you actually rowdy, playing loud music or other things that might be annoying? Make contact with her. Found out precisely what she objects to. Try to fix the problem. Maybe an area rug or carpeting can help. If you play loud music do it during early hours--she probably goes to sleep early. Or lower the volume, especially the base since that level of sound is very penetrating. Who knows, you may be able to get her on your good side.
I believe in facing the problem directly. After getting some additional information you can approach the board president directly to try and straighten things out. You can also see if any of the other board members have a problem with you.
In your question you didn't mention who you are renting from. Is it an individual owner, the sponsor or does the coop own the apartment? An individual owner or the sponsor could possibly neutralize the pres. if they are anxious to sell and the other board members have no problems with you.
There should be a way around the problem which you (may) perceive. You should also remind the other board members that the more owner occupants a coop has the more stable its perception and that makes financing or refinancing less difficult.
Keep trying! Try to turn the situation by getting more people on your side! Unless you are truly a problem in the building and others also think so then you should be able to accomplish your goal.
If all else fails follow Karla's advice and find an apartment in a nearby building. The market is on your side and there are many units to choose from. You may even find something better and make new friends!

Good Luck! If you decide to go elsewhere contact me and I will help you find a friendly building.

Allen Bauman
Century21 Yve R.E.
Licensed R.E. Agent
NYS Certified Residential Appraiser
516-791-3846
allen.bauman@gmail.com

Do you know someone who is on good terms with the board president who could inform her of your interest and assess her reaction? If so, the first thing I would do is send this scout. The idea is to find out if your perception of the situation is truly accurate--maybe they like the idea of your buying in after all!

The second thing I would do, right away, is to start looking at apartments right near your beloved building. Forest Hills is a great neighborhood with lots of opportunities. You might be very surprised to discover what's there and how inviting it is. This will help you evaluate your emotional tie to your current place.

I know from personal experience how it feels to love a building and even a block. But if you move nearby, you can still see your old friends very easily, and you'll make new ones in your new building.

If I can help you, let me know,

Karla Harby
Vice President
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Charles Rutenberg Realty
127 East 56th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 688-1000 ext. 383
(917) 365-0876 cell/text
kharby@rutenbergrealtyny.com
http://kharby.topproducerwebsite.com/home.asp
http://www.rutenbergrealtyny.com/agent_details.aspx?agentid=51888