Malice Palace

Calculating Corporate, Subsidized Landlord Misdates and Miscalculates

Rockland Place Apts. LP dba Spring Gate landlords-agents, demand I not correct their fraudulent documents before signing them. This way, owners may get more undeserved, low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) from the IRS. While 'new' owners receive millions in government grants, tenants at this subsidized housing complex are unjustly threatened with eviction and loss of subsidies. Overcharges have occurred.

Mid-March 2007, I was told to sign a misdated and false document regarding how much I paid for rent 2-months out of the year. When I corrected dates to coincide with rent figures, management refused to accept the signed documents and told me they would remove my subsidy if I didn't sign them 'as is'. When I asked for further explanation, I was told to leave their office.

These unusual circumstances forced me to fax the corrected and signed recertification papers to HUD and MassHousing. I never received documentation from HUD or MassHousing removing the subsidy; so continued paying the appropriate rent. Eviction proceedings were filed in August 2007, by substandard, subsidized property attorney, Stephen M. Scolnick, with false accusations of rent owed.

It appears these abusive corporate partners attempt to extort money by falsifying documents. They certainly don't hesitate to misuse their powerful connections and positions to harass and intimidate vulnerable tenants. Owners/Mgmt. have not answered some written requests for Reasonable Accommodation, which is also in violation of the Fair Housing Act. I was supposed to get to housing court 9-4-07 to file an answer to their false charges; however, we were notified workers would need access to our units from 8am-4pm throughout the day. So I never made court and workers never showed up. Mgmt. didn't even call to let us know about it. It's not the first time something like this has happened. These convenient 'mishaps' and 'miscalculations' work to benefit this corporate landlord/partnership.

MHFA or MassHousing keeps awarding these corporations and partnerships more rent increases while they violate tenants' rights, and are in non-compliance with laws and regulations of the state and federal subsidy programs. HUD refuses to get involved and continues passing letters and calls to MassHousing. Under the Freedom of Information Act, see HUD REAC scores for this property, and Hotline Case # HL-06-0620. With substandard housing conditions forced upon tenants in poverty, these rich partnerships certainly don't deserve Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by the IRS.

One of the 'new' corporate partners of Rockland Place Apts. owns the management company, and the construction company hired to do some of the shoddy construction work and low-quality paint jobs. Roofing work caused ceiling leakage and need for re-repair -- And the holey hot hallways are simply gorgeous too! Just don't accidentally hang yourself from all the exposed wires.

After paying larger rent increases, purchasing more aspirin, and stuffing our ears with plugs, low-income tenants have been required to leave their rented units for 2-3 days to experience unreimbursed personal property damage by negligent workers during 'renovations'. True justice is rarely available for U.S. citizens unable to afford it.

Some of the landlords' affiliated companies have previously been charged with fraud, diverting funds, etc. amounting to millions of dollars in financial crimes against our government... So why does HUD continue to do business with unethical people and corporations? And, why all the corporate name games? For more information, read the article 'Diversions Unlimited' - http://boston.indymedia.org/feature/display/62621/index.php - Mr. Joe Armstrong, who is associated with the landlord, responded to the well-researched article with contempt for the author/tenant, and violated her personal information. Mr. Armstrong even suggested a tenant, who is legally disabled with a limited income, was in subsidized housing too long.

This information was obtained through research and personal experience.

Lines of Light

These lines of light were created with a slow shutter speed on a passing truck.

It would be helpful if main doors were secure and all common areas were better lit at night.

False promises of security

This small fire was set along the curbside in front of bldg. 141

Gas conversion is unsafe at this housing complex. Where is the safe, decent housing promised?

Birdbrained Landings

Trying to Keep Track

Residents have been told by management and owners:
1. 'Rockland Place Apartments' is now doing business as 'Spring Gate'.
2. 'Cornerstone Corp.' is no longer involved with this housing complex.
3. Some of the office staff from 'Cornerstone Corp.' are now employed with 'First Hartford Realty Management Corp'.
4. 'First Hartford Realty Corp.' manages this 204-unit subsidized residential complex.
5. Connolly & Partners, LLC is the new owner of this property, along with Rockland Place Apartments Limited Partnership.

Also of interest:
a. After November 1, 2006, official documents listed Cornerstone Corp., Hannah Way Limited Partnership, and Rockland Place Apartments L.P. as owners.
b. Construction work began in September 2006.
c. Without any notice, my name was suddenly removed from the section 8 voucher waiting list, which makes it impossible for me to find an affordable and decent place to reside.
d. Low-income residents are in need of good legal representation to prevent frivolous eviction preceedings and/or homelessness for exercising rights.
e. The previous attorney for the previous landlord, also represents the new landlord(s). I noticed his name on the March 2007 letter of eviction, after I corrected management's misdated documents.
f. A close relative of the previous management is listed as an agent for the new owners. For some reason, I thought this was a 'conflict of interest' in the sale of this subsidized property, but I'm told it's not a conflict of interest.... Oh well, that shows how much I know.

Rent Increase Meeting

Wednesday, 5-23-07, a meeting was held to discuss another request by corporate landlord(s) to raise rents again. Without seeing receipts, residents have no way of knowing the accuracy of those figures provided on the budget sheet. However inprecise their listed expenses may or may not be, the added figures listed in some columns don't appear to coincide.

Considering the high and long standing vacancy rate, lease violations, poor or unsafe living conditions, waste and abuse, false promises made for last year's granted rent increase, personal property damages, time and labor with other inconveniences suffered by residents, unfair housing according to fair housing laws, etc. , granting another rent increase would be unreasonable and unfair.

Not many residents attended the meeting on May 23, 2007. The notice incorrectly stated the management office is still located at 30 Martha Drive, instead of 52 Hannah Way.

Housing Hazards

Quality Housing Needed

Living conditions are chaotic. Residents can not plan their lives under these unpredictable conditions. Conditions are not in compliance with lease agreements and laws. Water has been turned off without 24-hour notice. Tenants are provided little accommodation, if any. Personal property has been damaged during poorly-planned renovations. Shoddy roof repairs first began in September 2006 and caused many residents to suffer ceiling leaks and more careless inconveniences. Landlord(s) still refuse to provide residents with property insurance information, according to Massachusetts General Laws and according to a written statement made to MassHousing during their last increase of rents. Promises have not been kept.

This is not a 'welcoming environment'. Home life is extremely stressful here. Residents living in poverty need better alternatives for housing. They don't need to be unexpectedly and unknowingly removed from section 8 voucher waiting lists while receiving frivolous letters of eviction for reporting violations or correcting dates on numerous misdated documents. This situation is more than inconsiderate and abusive to people who pay rent!

Valves Installed under Platform in Halls

This blue tank was installed in several hallways in wooden structured buildings. Some are very noisy and add intense heat to the hallways.
New corporate partners added these tanks, valves, and numerous pipes throughout the hallways and sealed up the mess behind the ceilings and walls.

(Several valve photos and other photos depicting violations mysteriously vanished from this blog.)