My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: NY

About two unit owners (one of them is on the Board) in my Condo took it upon themselves to repair a common element servicing their units (e.g. fixing a pipe), and said it was a means to save the condominium money (don’t need to get a full building assessment, spent their own money). My unit is in need of a similar repair, and the Board has said they will not fund the repair of this common element basically because it is too expensive for the Condo. They said that if they fund my repair, they would have to refund the other unit owners who have used their own money to repair the common element. And a third or forth unit owner would take advantage of the Condo by asking for the same repair. They said I should repair it myself.

Am I even legally allowed to modify/repair a common element? Is there a way the Board could justify making the repairs to my unit alone without being obligated to refund the other two unit owners? For example, it is unclear what work they did, maybe it was an upgrade and not a repair. Or maybe say that they broke the rules of the Bylaws, and have therefore forfeited any kind of refund.

I'm looking to write a letter to the Board, but am concerned that some Board members have already planted their roots. Your comments will be most helpful.