Cost + Cons
Pros
Great neighbors, wonderful and responsive doormen. pet friendly and great location. It's the first building I've lived in that felt like it had community. I've gotten to know my neighbors and I know they often watch each other's dogs while out of town or at work. Lots of families in the building and park right across the street. The amenities are really attractive and one of the reasons I stayed as long as I could before being priced out.
Cons
Like many landlords, they are enticing folks in with a good deal and then raising the rent considerably. Given the fact that there was a horrific rat infestation affecting the basement and first floor apartments, it felt ridiculous for them to raise the rent. The infestation went on for months before a professional was called in despite the affected tenants complaining and reporting to 311. There has also been a history of doors not locking and the gate not closing. Those issues have been resolved at this point but it took a very long time. For that amount of money, I would expect that issues are handled in a timely manner and dealt with fully rather than consistent temporary fixes. There were issues with the common area con-ed bills that the management is responsible for. They always ended up paying right before the deadline so we never lost power in common areas but we (the tenants) all received notifications several times that there was a large outstanding bill. As someone who needed to rely heavily on the elevator that was very stressful. It's very hard to bring a stroller down the stairs with a baby or toddler in tow. Also, some units had mold.
Advice to the owners
Address issues as soon as they occur. The rat infestation didn't have to escalate if handled properly when first brought to your attention, same with mold and flooding.
Please ignore the smell, it’s just mildew and rotting rats
Pros
Newer building Amazing doormen (but only 8 am - 6pm - basically jus to manage packages and keep the building clean, but kindest guys ever, they keep the building clean and afloat) Relatively cheap parking (but parking lot is a nightmare) Rent-stabilized Dog-friendly (almost every tenant has a dog of all sizes) Stackable W/D in unit (but ventless European ones so not my fave) There’s a gym (but it’s tiny and half the machines work?)
Cons
First floor units have been plagued by flooding and rats (yes rats, not mice) the building had a horrible infestation through the garbage compactor room. The rat issue lasted months and months with very little communication from management. They have finally taken it seriously and have gotten it under control. But the lasting smell of dead rats still plagues the stairwells and elevators. Which is fun to have to explain to guests. We stay because we got in at such a good price 3 years ago, and have fallen in love with the neighborhood. But will be moving out after this lease is up due to the horrible management of the rat issue and just outgrowing the space.
Advice to the owners
Communicate, communicate, communicate. Don’t fall into stereotypes. Hold yourself and your staff accountable to be better. Respond to email. Be transparent. Start managing, stop mismanaging
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