Warren Schreiber's journey from Brooklyn to becoming one of New York's most influential co-op advocates reveals the hidden power dynamics shaping housing policy throughout the city. As a retired MTA veteran who stumbled into co-op living through marriage, Warren transformed from an ordinary resident to a formidable voice representing thousands.
The Bay Terrace community, with its 18 co-ops housing nearly 6,000 residents, has become a political force that candidates simply cannot ignore. "If they can't carry Bay Terrace in the election, they're in trouble," Warren explains, pointing to recent elections where this single neighborhood delivered decisive margins. This grassroots influence has opened doors to governors, mayors, and senators, creating unprecedented access for everyday New Yorkers fighting to protect their homes.
At the heart of Warren's advocacy is a simple truth: lawmakers fundamentally misunderstand co-op communities. Through the President's Co-op and Condo Council, he's built bridges across political divides, working with officials from both parties to educate them about the unique challenges facing shared housing. The results speak volumes—from legislative victories to courtroom battles reaching New York's highest court.
Perhaps most urgent is Warren's fight against Local Law 97, which threatens co-ops with impossible financial burdens. "For my co-op, it would probably cost about $10-15 million," he reveals, questioning how 200 middle-class shareholders could possibly absorb such costs. His passionate argument that corporations who created climate problems should fund the solutions resonates far beyond housing circles.
Behind these policy battles stands a morning person who rises at 5:30 AM, collects Snoopy memorabilia, and knows the best pizza joints in Queens. Warren represents thousands of volunteer board members—"probably the smartest people I know"—who dedicate countless hours to their communities without recognition. Their expertise and dedication ensure that cooperative housing remains a vital, affordable option for New Yorkers seeking stable communities in an increasingly unstable housing landscape.