I never got a chance to meet Mahesh as he was away - but we stayed in constant communication. He even organised a friend who lived about 3 hours away to meet me to hand over the keys.
The apartment is small, but cosy. The apartment was well equipped, and really made me feel like I was living there. There is a bed that fits two, and a large couch that could also fit two. The wifi was fast, and there is an Apple TV with all the favourite apps. Mahesh also provided a very folder filled with details about the neighbourhood, sightseeing and places to eat.
The neighbourhood is very diverse - with a variety of culture and food available. There are many people that hang around the streets - but everyone minds their own business, and I never felt unsafe for a minute. It is a bit further away to the iconic tourist spots, but transportation was very easy. You could walk to Yankee Stadium from the apartment.
If you want a more 'lived in' feel, away from the hustle and bustle, and don't mind travelling a bit further - I'd recommend this apartment.