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Quick recap

The meeting addressed concerns about living conditions and property management at Alexander Garden Apartments, with residents expressing issues such as maintenance problems, lack of communication, and potential health hazards. Representatives from various offices provided information on tenant rights, inspection processes, and enforcement procedures for property maintenance infractions. The commissioner and attendees discussed potential solutions, including requesting inspections, improving communication channels, and holding the property management accountable for addressing tenant concerns.

Next steps
Tenants to submit inspection requests through the provided link for their units.
Tenants to send a list of issues to the email address provided by Thanh (he@ernestequities.com). Commissioner Tom Donohue to send a summary of the meeting to Thanh. Thanh to reach out to Commissioner Tom Donohue to establish direct communication. Property Management to update contact information for receiving notices of infractions with the Department of Buildings. Property Management to address the water quality and shutoff issues. Property Management to improve communication with tenants regarding maintenance issues and inspections. Property Management to address rodent problems in the buildings. Property Management to fix structural issues such as cracks in walls and gaps under doors. Property Management to improve cleanliness of common areas and buildings. Property Management to update door lock codes periodically for improved security. Tenants to connect with Commissioner Tom Donohue's Facebook page and sign up for the Listserv for community updates.

Summary
Addressing Living Conditions in Development

In the meeting, Commissioner Tom Donohue, the newly elected Anc Commissioner, addressed concerns about living conditions in the development. He discussed a recent death in a condemned unit and planned to conduct inspections of each unit. The meeting was a listening session for residents, with the aim of addressing their concerns and improving the living environment.

Tenant Advocate Services and Building Inspections

Nicole from the Office of the Tenant Advocate provides an overview of their services, including free legal advice for tenants, assistance with rent increase questions, and help forming tenant associations. Dione from the Department of Buildings introduces her role in residential inspections and code enforcement. The Commissioner explains his efforts to contact the property manager, Ashley, about tenant concerns, but has been unsuccessful in reaching her.

Tenant's Death and Condemned Units

In the meeting,Commissioner expressed concern about the death of a tenant, Mr. Victor Lawrence, who had been allowed to return to a condemned unit. The Commissioner assured the family of Mr. Lawrence that they would be taken care of. The Commissioner also mentioned that Mr. Lawrence's unit had been re-inspected and cleared for the family to return. However, another unit next to his remains condemned. The Commissioner emphasized the need to hold the property manager accountable and fix the issues. The Commissioner opened the floor for residents to share their concerns, with Nicole taking notes.

Alexander Garden Apartments Management Issues

The residents of Alexander Garden Apartments express serious concerns about the property management under Ernst Equities. They report issues with lack of communication, prolonged hot water outages, flooding in basement apartments, and general neglect of the property. Tenants describe difficulties reaching the property manager, Ashley Taylor, who is reportedly managing multiple properties. Long-time resident Tonya Colette states that the property's condition has significantly deteriorated since Ernst Equities took over two years ago. The Commissioner acknowledges these issues and mentions unsuccessful attempts to contact the management company.

Property Maintenance Infraction Enforcement Process

Dione discussed the enforcement process for property maintenance infractions, including the 24-hour and 7-day abatement periods. She mentioned that if the infraction is not paid, it goes through a process with the Office of Administration and Office of Administrative Hearings. Dione also shared that she has seen cases take up to a year to two years to resolve. Nicole demonstrated a public dashboard tool that provides real-time information on current open and unabated violations for specific properties.

Property Management Concerns and Resolution

In the meeting, Commissioner, Marissa, and Thanh discussed various concerns about the property management. Marissa expressed her dissatisfaction with the management's integrity, communication, and maintenance issues, including cold water, water shutoffs, sewage backup, and rodent infestation. Thanh apologized for the issues and announced that a new manager, Ashley, will be in charge from April 1st. Thanh also suggested submitting maintenance tickets and contacting the emergency maintenance team. Marissa, however, expressed her concerns about the lack of response from the current management. Commissioner promised to follow up with Marissa and schedule an inspection.

Residential Property Issues and Resident Concerns

The meeting discusses various issues at a residential property, including water and sewage problems, maintenance concerns, and pest infestations. A resident expresses frustration with unaddressed maintenance requests, lack of compensation for food spoilage due to a faulty refrigerator, and potential eviction despite attempts to pay rent. The daughter of a recently deceased long-term resident, Victor Lawrence, is introduced and shares that the cause of death is still pending autopsy results. The commissioner extends condolences and mentions that the deceased resident's unit has been inspected and cleared by the Department of Buildings, allowing the family to proceed with settling his affairs.

Property Management and Tenant Concerns

In the meeting, Commissioner Tom Donohue and the attendees discussed concerns about the property's management, including issues with the units and potential health hazards. Marissa emphasized the need for appropriate management and communication regarding the property's upkeep and potential dangers. Thanh suggested that the tenants send a list of issues to his email for addressing. Commissioner Tom Donohue proposed that the tenants request an inspection and mentioned the possibility of adding Felipe's contact information to receive notices of infractions. The attendees also discussed the need for changing door passcodes periodically and the possibility of paying off balances to move out. The conversation ended with the attendees agreeing to communicate through a chat and with Commissioner Tom Donohue offering his contact information for further communication.