Seward Park’s new rent-by-the-hour fleet, in partnership with Hertz

ince his election as the new president of the Seward Park Co-op board of directors, Michael Tumminia has been bursting with the energy of innovation. When we asked him recently how it felt to be president, he opened with the cautious stuff, about what "a privilege it is to impact positively the thousands of people who live in Seward Park." So we asked for an example, and he started running with it.

So far, Tumminia counts as his major success keeping shareholders informed. The new board has sent out at least one report every month, and held five shareholders’ meetings, and three community events.

And how was the turnout?

"It depends on the subject matter," says Tumminia. "From 30 or 40 to 200, but I have not been disappointed at any of the meetings."

The board, under Tumminia, has had several initiatives, most notably, their effort to "make our buildings as green as possible." They will have an energy audit this quarter, following which they’ll be charting their plans for providing heat in future years. SPC is one of the largest facilities provided with steam by Con-Ed in the city.

Speaking of going green, Tumminia and his board are about to give all of us "a green alternative to car ownership." Seward Park co-op has recently become partners with the Hertz Company, running a branch of the Connect by Hertz venture from their property.

According to Tumminia, this is the first such deal between Hertz and a coop. Two Hertz vehicles will be parked on co-op property, available 24/7, not just to Seward residents, but to everyone in the neighborhood as well.

Both cars are fuel-efficient: one is a Toyota Prius, the hybrid; the other is a Smart Car, the cute two-seater which can be easily confused with your children’s toy car. Both cars will be parked next to the SPC’s management office on Clinton Street.

Paula R. Rivera, Public Affairs Manager at the Hertz Corporation, told us that "by partnering with Seward Park we’re able to bring economical transportation solutions to the co-op’s residents. With everything included – gas, insurance, parking – Connect by Hertz provides members with the freedom and flexibility of having a car available while taking the burden of car ownership off of their shoulders."

"If we’re successful, we’ll have more of these cars available on our property," Tumminia promises.

The car comes with a gas card, and you get a certain amount of mileage included in the rental. The rate starts as low as $8.50 an hour.

Hertz offers the Grand Street News readers a special deal: register online for membership with the code word "Seward." You will not be charged the membership fee, and you’ll get a 100 dollar driving credit. You’ll only have to pay a 25 dollar driver’s license verification fee.

To become a member go to www.connectbyhertz.com, use the special code "Seward".