Fairytales, Falsehoods, and Fibs from the Crib

During several meetings, 'new owners' promised to keep tenants 'informed every step of the way' during renovations. They even promised to provide residents with the option of storage, trucks, and/or renovated units during this difficult time.

Residents asked 'new' landlords what plans they had to rid the complex of drug dealers. Mr. Joe Caffey insisted 'drug dealers would see they had a new sheriff in Town and just leave'. Tenants were told security cameras would be installed in common areas and a police substation would exist on the property.

Included in these fairytales was the promise of a new handicapped-accessible shuttle to and from the Abington Commuter Rail and Super Stop & Shop at least a couple of times per week. However, since the official takeover of 11-1-2006, residents of Spring Gate have only recently been invited to share use of a free school bus with senior citizens in another complex. It only travels on Thursdays from 9am and returns by 10:20am. This old school bus is not even handicapped-accessible.

Time and time again, residents were promised that our apartments would be 'affordable into perpetuity' by Mr. Joe Armstrong and staff of the 'new' Rockland Place Apartment complex, dba Spring Gate. Meanwhile, MassHousing continued approving rent increases while Management is, and has been, in non-compliance of subsidy programs. Recently, I received a notice ordering me to pay more than 30% of my income while on the HUD section 236 program. Corporate landlord claimed I should pay them an amount above and beyond what I receive each month. 'Affordable into perpetuity?' ..... I think not.

With a MassHousing representative present, I again requested landlord comply with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 186 in regard to obtaining property insurance information. I reminded executives that I've provided numerous written requests over several years, and have not yet received this information. Mr. Armstrong promised he would get this to us very shortly. Four months later, residents are still waiting.