Like a lot of things in this building, the state of the elevator near the front of the building is shrouded in mystery. Even as tenants try to organize, despite repeated attempts to thwart it, explanation about the protracted amount of time it has taken to repair the elevator remains elusive.
Why is this? Why must tenants be frustrated over and over in their attempts to get a straight answer to a simple question from anyone connected to the building? Is management keeping state secrets?
It is rumored that there are cameras being installed into the elevators. If this is true, what exactly is the point? Is there some problem in the elevators that requires monitoring? Wouldn’t cameras be better utilized outside the garage entrance? The front doors? The doors into the building from the garage? The stairways? The roof?
These, to me, seem to be positions where the safety of the residency is in mind, yet a camera in the elevators sounds more like a move to keep an eye on the tenant’s. Now, I could understand an argument being made for safety in the elevators if there were a number of altercations, but I’m not aware of an ongoing problem. Is there something we don’t know?
It has been noticed by a few tenants that the permit for the elevator has been expired for some time. Does this have anything to do with why they have been inoperable? If so, why hasn’t it been addressed by management to tenants?
Whatever the reason, this is a continuance of the same contemptible behavior by management against the residents of this building where they refuse to keep us in the loop about things that directly concern us.
A handful of tenants met recently in an attempt to form a tenant association. A number of fliers were posted in prominent places around the building, but they were repeatedly removed. If one were inclined to engage in such things, this could be a game played by two.
There will be subsequent meetings that I will keep you apprised of. Please step up and do your part to organize with your neighbors to give us all a voice. Attend the next meeting.
I agree JT (and nice post, by the way). The solution to all of this is just better communication from management to tenants. I'm so confused as to why this seems to be such a challenge for management. I'm also frustrated that despite numerous attempts from numerous tenants, tenants are still being ignored and communication is still lacking. This is such an easy situation to resolve and yet the problem continues to fester.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I'm not sure how to better articulate our concerns and requests for change to management. I lived in a building once that mailed a survey and we mailed it back to the management headquarters. A follow up to the survey was sent along with a list of items that were slated to change. Subsequent follow up notices were sent on an on-going basis. This is what we need.
I'm not a big fan of printing memos on paper and slipping under a door - this can be wasteful in the long run, but, I do think that management should solicit the email addresses of every tenant and establish an email list-serve to communicate with tenants. We need this list-serve set up by management to email us weekly emails about the status of some of our concerns and overall general building items (upcoming building events, names of new concierge, etc). First on the list to communicate is the elevator situation (broken, cameras), as well as the security/sigh-in situation.
Communications = Resolution.
The "camera men" are in the broken elevator installing the cameras now. Don't hesitate to ask questions.
ReplyDeleteThank you Concerned.
ReplyDeleteYou make some excellent points. I too would like to see a listserv area or direct emails in which management could communicate with residents directly on an ongoing basis.
The problem I see with this is one of desire. I don't think that management really wants to communicate with the tenants. If they did it would be an easy matter, except that they would actually have to keep up with the service, and that might be too much too ask of them.
I also agree that papers under the door are wasteful. I'm very concerned about the environment and I hate to such indiscriminate use of materials. This is very emblematic of the entire situation here. We live in a digital age, and management operates in the stone age!
I went downstairs to inquire about the cameras that were installed and was ignored for a good 10 minutes. What a miserable and unfriendly group of women down there in the leasing office.
ReplyDeleteSo much for an in-person approach.
Despite our best efforts it just doesn't get any better, does it?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea Concerned. I was thinking that but wasn't sure how to communicate it.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled on this blog. I'm not one for the apartment ratings site as it seems like a battle that will only piss me off the more I read it.
I did not know about the meeting but would be interested in attending. I will try to keep tabs on this site and wait for the next meeting? Are there any contacts for those leading this meeting?
I think there is a bit of a disconnect between the Google group, an email list of the tenants who attended the first meeting, and this blog.
ReplyDeleteThe Google group:
http://jeffersonatcapitolyards.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-google-group-area-for-jcy-tenants.html
is a good start. I haven't tested it to see if it's possible to blast an email out to all group members for announcements and such, but it should be possible to do that. I believe the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1st in the club room.
Thanks Snake.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I was hoping to make this blog the primary means of conversing with one another in a general manner (not everyone is a joiner), and the Google group to disseminate documents and such to residents after joining. The Google group is also a way for residents to lead a conversation if they'd like, as they are able to post documents and create posts.
PS. I believe you are correct about the next meeting date.
ReplyDeleteIt was my understanding that the elevator motor shorted out and that it would take two (2) weeks to replace. That two weeks was Monday. When Management called to inquire as to the status of the installation of the new motor, they were informed it did not arrive as scheduled. New date for installation is the beginning of next week. All this information has been posted on the broken elevators door... while frustrating, how is it managements fault that the replacement motor was delayed in arriving? Nor does this explanation seem elusive...
ReplyDeleteI agree there are better places for cameras...
Just a note to your post...we already have cameras all over the Jefferson (some more conspicuous than others). I found this out when that attempted robbery situation happened earlier this year. Not really sure if cameras are going to do much in the elevators, if there is indeed any issues which I have not heard of.
ReplyDeleteI'll take the elevators (not just the ones at the front) working more consistently any day. The ones down the hall from the front ones are constantly busted as well.
Oh my god. Can Management posting as Anonymous at 4:39 and 5:14 please stop? It's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, the elevator has been out for WEEKS. Not 2 weeks, but SEVERAL WEEKS. We pay to have these elevators - and we pay managements salary - both aren't working.
ReplyDeleteWe need this nonsense fixed pronto.
While I agree that we shouldn't automatically assume that it's management writing every time someone says something supportive of them, I'd like to point out that this is another communication issue that can be solved by management. If management made any real attempt to create a line of communication with tenants then we wouldn't have to assume that they are posting on this blog. Seriously, management, this only gets worse for all of us until you decide it's worth your effort to actually communicate with your tenants.
ReplyDeleteOn the issue of elevators, I would be more sympathetic if the inspection certificates were not 6 months expired.
What the hell! There ARE cameras up in the elevators. Why haven't we been notified? This seems like a violation.
ReplyDeleteAs the Jefferson Resident who posted at 439, I am glad to see that everyone views the blog as an open forum to discuss the buildings issues. I will strive to only post critical ranting comments from this point forward.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:52, you're a tenant, they're the landlord. Does your employer need to notify you if there are cameras going in at work?
ReplyDeleteIt's not like the camera has been installed in your apartment or the public restrooms in the basement. As a matter of fact, there aren't even cameras on the roof, as far as I can tell.
I'm going to go on a limb and say that this has something to do with some of the issues that the building faced earlier this year and hopefully will circumvent some of those.
I think your 'What the hell!' comment is a bit out of place and knee-jerk.
So in response, what sort of violation occoured? Wouldn't you rather have cameras installed in the elevators than have your wife or child accosted by a drunk stranger let into the building?
As it's been pointed out numerous times on the blog, the concierge takes a verbal beating on the weekends...I've witnessed it myself and stood up for her! People also sneak in through the garages as well. There's no 100% perfect way to keep the occassional unwanted elements out of our building.
While I do agree with the fact that the tenants could have been notified about the cameras (if they exist, haven't seen them yet myself) I do applaud management for stepping up and trying to ensure that our safety is a priority.
Also, I'd also like to thank them for putting together more tenant events. While I didn't get to take advantage of the sushi night and some of the others, I think the kids crafts hung in the mailroom are really neat and make our building more cozy and inviting. I can tell that they're trying and that's important to me.
Conversely, I did walk into the office on Saturday afternoon because I had a question about something and couldn't find a leasing agent...so not perfect, but apparently getting better.
Not everyone who posts as anonymous is management guys...some of us just don't want to login with our Gmail account that give our full names. As the poster from the 5:14 comment, I don't see that big a deal with cameras in the elevators (I know I am not doing anything illicit in them). Granted I'd prefer if the elevators worked properly during the process and that they'd notify us, but my interactions with the office are slightly better. Not great, but better.
ReplyDeleteThe cameras aren't a big deal, so long as MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATES TO THE TENANTS about them. Got it?
ReplyDeleteBingo DFT!!
ReplyDeleteIs there anyone we can complain too about the management? I have several issues from the way the conceirge handles guest/packages/people to the lack of response when messages are left about issues(including leaving messages for Melanie) to general maintenance/safety. It is obvious, as a resident, this management staff doesn't care.
ReplyDeleteI am sick of being reated so rudely at the front desk when I need to ask a question or am picking up a package. God forbid someone ask about when the broken elevator will be fixed! All I get is attitude out of pretty much everyone there. For now, this place is my home--not a party and not just an annoyance the leasing agents and conceirge have to put up with. If this building doesn't really want residents, then close up.
If anyone knows who we can contact at Greystar to complain about the problems we are having, please let me know.
I have to agree that some of the frustration expressed about certain issues is perhaps misplaced and possibly, on occasion, over the top. I am as guilty of this as anyone.
ReplyDeleteBut you have to ask yourself, "why is this the case?"
For a long time I think a lot of us have been disconnected from each other. We may have even started to wonder if we have done something wrong to deserve management's poor treatment and/or indifference.
But the mere fact that this blog exists and the fact that it gets so much traffic should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that there is something very wrong here. I don't think blogs like this exist for many apartment buildings. And I don't think residents of many other buildings have any need or desire to engage in a public discussion about their living situations. I, for one, have rarely even thought about the management in previous buildings.
Why do we overreact? Because that's what happens when legitimate issues and concerns are ignored by the people that have the sole power to address them.
Why do we accuse anonymous posters of being management? Because many of us have been stonewalled when we try to engage with management in person, and we assume that they MUST be trying to communicate with us in some way. Maybe they aren't after all.
So, yes. To a certain extent many of us on this blog may be tilting at windmills. But to those of you who would criticize us for this, I'm interested to know what you think the alternative is. To whom should we address our concerns and frustrations if management will not listen? I am really asking.
Anonymous at 12:31 - Here you go. Start working your way up the chain.
ReplyDeleteGreystar Regional Manager: Patty Holt (pholt@greystar.com)
Greystar Executive Director of Management: Stacy Hunt (shunt@greystar.com)
Greystar COO: Bill Maddux (bmaddux@greystar.com)
Greystar CEO: Bob Faith (bfaith@greystar.com)
DFT--Calm down, are you expecting management to get your John Hancock everytime they decide to do something? Again, check your lease and check any lease you've ever held...they don't need to ask your permission nor do they need to notify you.
ReplyDeleteWhere's the uproar about the note we got the other day, that individuals are using a storage unit without permission...in my book, that's called stealing.
Yeah, I'd like to know exactly how they lose track of who the storage units are rented to. When we moved in a few months ago, I was told there were none available.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go on a limb and serve up a drastic example to pull together the arguments here.
ReplyDeleteI will assume most people are familiar with the recent media coverage over the TSA security scanners, no? Well do a quick Google search and see what you come up with.
Two lessons to learn here. While the scale of similarities between TSA security and our building security are vastly different (well, not if we're including the sign-in policy. Sorry, bad joke), the bottom line is that security is necessary in some cases. There is security for a reason - safety - and we need this.
The difference between how TSA handled communicating this to the public versus how our management team has decided to exclude the tenants from any communication or engagement whatsoever, is a problem.
I'm not seeing so much that the problem is with the security measure, but the lack of communication from management to tenants.
The lack of communication is the root cause of many problems in this building - plain and simple.
We live here, so why should we tolerate being ignored by management and shunned when we ask for an explanation. For this reason I understand the frustration behind some of the posts here. The lack of communication and engagement with tenants is so bizarre to me, and this is what needs to change.
Does anyone know all the names of the building service and concierge employees?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else suspect that the back elevator (to the right, if you're looking at them) is broken? There is no sign posted, but 1) that elevator has not come when called for days and 2) there is generally a large crowd waiting for the other elevator at the lobby level, even at times when it's normally easy to catch a lift. I went to ask about it, but the concierge must have stepped out -- plus, you all probably know better what the deal is!
ReplyDeleteYeah that elevator has been down since Wednesday morning at least.
ReplyDeleteDear lax @2:47 Nov 16,
ReplyDeleteContact Rivers Lamb at rivers.lamb@gmail.com. He has agreed to moderate the meetings. I believe there is another scheduled for Dec. 1 in the pub.
Rear elevator is back up as of Friday. I actually think it was broken for the bulk of the week, but to avoid our ire, mgmt decided not to put an "out of service" sign up.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Cassiopeia - I'm not surprised mgmt decided not to put up an out of service sign. Mgmt doesn't communicate, so this doesn't surprise me. I am concerned that the elevators are frequently breaking and that the elevator license is still expired. This could be a case of mgmt just not putting the updated license in the elevator. In any event, I'm not pleased to have my children ride these half-working elevators -- seems dangerous to be putting anyone at risk, much less children. I really do wish mgmt was more considerate about our concerns and would address them properly.
ReplyDeleteMaybe not breaking news, but has everyone noticed the camera in the rear elevator (to the right if you're looking at them). Don't know if they're in both because only one seems to be working again.
ReplyDeleteI work in Facility Management for a local gov't in Northern VA I don't really see the problem with having additional cameras in the elevators. I myself have authorized numerous cameras throughout all of our facilities and everyone seems pretty happy when a theft or burglary is sovled due to them. If you aren't doing any illegal or immoral in them than who cares if they see us scratch your self or pick your nose. Grow up folks. We don't own this building and therefore have no need to know their every decision.
ReplyDeleteNow when it comes to the elevator I would like some more communication as that affects everyone in the building. I have replaced/upgraded several elevators in my current job and they do tend to take a while, but a simple motor replacement is pretty uncommon. A typical total elevator refurbisment takes 4-6 weeks on average and that's if we still use the "bones" of the current elevator. That 4-6 weeks doesn't include the lead-time to actually get the parts delivered to the site. That can take an additiona 4-6 weeks as most elevators are custom made. I don't know what's going on with ours, but a little more communicaton to the tenants would do a lot to calm our frustrations.