March 27, 2014
About 21 people in attendance…
Starting next month, management will post notices about monthly meetings of the tenants’ association inside the bulletin boards in each lobby. This way we can hold them accountable. If the notices are not posted, we’ll know.
You may notice crews digging in the streets around the complex. They’re replacing the oil heat with natural gas. If you smell gas, call 911 and get away. They are switching over the system. Natural gas is cheaper and cleaner. But if you smell something, especially outside, where it’s not near anyone’s stove, report it immediately. The infrastructure under the streets is aging. Will require billions in investment in the coming years.
If you see people wearing green jackets who happen to be near the traffic island at Macombs Place, they’re doing a study for the Department of Transportation. They’re counting cars and pedestrians, with the idea of possibly turning the triangle into a pedestrian island. Doesn’t make sense to spend $150,000 to create a plaza when there are projects in the neighborhood like youth basketball for 122 kids that can’t get money anywhere.
The chairman of the tenants’ association will not run for reelection. He’s served for eight years and wants to spend time with his grandchildren.
The group discusses motorcycle packs that ride in the city. The police point of view is don’t chase them.
Cleaning of common hallways is lacking. “It’s not the Dunbar,” says one woman. “It’s the Dump-bar.” Tenants discuss possible need for a petition. Note that management reduced staff just as a rough winter arrived, bringing ice and snow, which results in salt and grime being tramped across floors.
But even with a snowstorm they have to sweep and mop the buildings and clean the grounds. Head of tenants association spoke with the property manager about this. If we had the right amount of staff the situation might be better. Head of tenants association might ask for a volunteer from each courtyard for petition drive. Will speak with manager.
The people responsible for removing snow are not supposed to be the same people coming into apartments to make repairs. Someone notes that’s not followed, however. Someone else asks about union, which might object to that.
When the current management took over the Dunbar they had 75 vacant units. They are renovating the apartments and bringing in additional tenants, which they say will help them to do more as far as staffing. “I’m not impressed by what they say,” someone says. “I’m impressed by what they do.” He notes that insufficient services may entitle us to a reduction in rent.
Work on renovating apartments must take place between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, not late at night or on weekends. Report problems to 311.
If your rent increases sufficiently the landlord can require you to give them additional security deposit, up to one month’s rent.
The number for security is a non-working number. Security company’s personnel don’t seem to be patrolling. They sit inside. Security monitors aren’t working – another decrease in service we can add to our petition.
Request for dues. Meeting adjourns.